Bengali Superstar Jeet Navigates Linguistic Identity and Pan-India Ambitions
Kolkata, [Date of Publication] – Bengali superstar Jeet, known for his charismatic screen presence, is increasingly making waves beyond the regional film industry. Following his successful Hindi OTT debut with Khakee: The Bengal Chapter on Netflix last year, and a bold pan-India release of his Bengali film Chengiz, Jeet is openly discussing his linguistic roots and strategic investment in the Hindi market.
In an exclusive conversation with NDTV, Jeet addressed the unique position he holds as a Hindi-speaking Bengali actor, a facet of his identity he has publicly acknowledged. Last year, during promotions for Khakee, Jeet stated that Hindi was his mother tongue and his primary language of thought. This admission, he believes, has not alienated his loyal Bengali fanbase.
"My thinking language has been Hindi. I am still saying that. It’s a fact. I studied in Hindi. I learnt Bengali through the environment," Jeet explained to NDTV. He further elaborated, "Nobody has reacted to that statement. And I believe how I conduct myself through my work, shows or whatever I do, if that’s connecting with the audience, people will remember that. My thinking language won’t bother anyone, I guess."
Despite his Hindi-first thinking, Jeet emphasized his deep connection to Bengal: "I was born and brought up in Kolkata. I am Bengal’s boy. Nobody can deny that. And some people also say that I speak Bengali better than born Bengalis. So, I take that as a compliment."
‘I Can Invest In Hindi If There’s Potential’
Three years ago, Jeet took a significant leap by simultaneously releasing his film Chengiz in both Bengali and Hindi, aiming to introduce Bengali cinema to a wider national audience. While reports suggest that his production house, Jeetz Filmworks, incurred losses from this venture, Jeet remains pragmatic about the risks inherent in the film industry.
"Making profits and losses is part and parcel of any business. The risks in the film business are enormously high," he stated. "It’s not a surprising fact that the chances of profit making in this business hover between 7-10%, no matter whether you make films in Hindi or in vernacular languages."
Despite the challenges, Jeet remains open to future pan-India endeavors. "Having said that, if I see a material has potential for the Hindi market and deserves to be released nationally, I can," he affirmed. However, he also acknowledged a shift in the landscape of regional films crossing over to Hindi.
"You should also understand the fact that there was a huge spike in releasing regional films in Hindi after the Baahubali craze. But it has now come down," Jeet observed. "Besides two or three films, most of the films haven’t made any connection with the audience. So the trend is going down."
New Project: ‘Keu Bole Biplobi Keu Bole Dakat’
Jeet’s upcoming film, Keu Bole Biplobi Keu Bole Dakat (Some Say Revolutionary, Some Say Dacoit), promises to be another compelling addition to his filmography. Directed by Pathikrit Basu, the film draws inspiration from the life of Ananta Singh, a revered freedom fighter and close associate of revolutionary Masterda Surya Sen.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of 1960s Kolkata, the narrative delves into the complex public perception of Ananta Singh, often labeled a ‘dacoit’ due to his audacious robberies for a cause. Jeet takes on the challenging titular role, portraying the character through nine distinct looks.
The film boasts a strong ensemble cast, including Priyanka Sarkar, Tota Roy Chowdhury, Rajatabha Dutta, and Debopriyo Mukherjee. Keu Bole Biplobi Keu Bole Dakat is slated for a theatrical release on August 14.
As Jeet continues to push boundaries in both regional and national cinema, his unique perspective on linguistic identity and strategic business decisions offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolving landscape of Indian entertainment.
Also Read | ‘When You Play Around With Power, Creativity Takes Backseat’: Jeet On Bengali Actors Joining Politics
