In the past week or so, Abhishek Banerjee has become 10 years younger. “That’s what validation does to you,” he smiles. The actor had a stellar week; he was seen as the innocent Janaa in Stree 2 and the cruel local leader Jitender in Vedaa, both films showcasing his range as a performer. He is happiest that they have earned him praise from his father. “My dad saw both films back-to-back, and was happy that people were hooting at my entry. He never thought I could be an actor, and praise coming from him feels like an achievement. I’m glad he could see this day because we often hear that by the time one delivers a hit, their parents aren’t around to see it,” he reflects.
Abhishek Banerjee is no stranger to the ups and downs of the film industry. His fears were not unfounded, given the harsh and competitive nature of the movie business. “The journey has been tough, but today, the success doesn’t feel delayed at all. I’ve worked hard to be here and enjoyed everything along the way,” he shares. It’s clear that his hard work has culminated in his current recognition and success.
“It’s also because I am a casting director that I can assure people that no one ever rejects a good actor,” Banerjee adds. “If you’re good, you’ll get a break!” His dual roles both in front of and behind the camera provide him with a unique perspective on the workings of the industry.
His significant breakthrough role came with the acclaimed series Paatal Lok in 2020. Before that, he had already begun to capture the audience’s attention as Janaa, the lovable and loyal friend of Rajkummar Rao’s Vicky, in the 2018 film Stree. Janaa’s innocence and purity made him an endearing character, one that Banerjee admits he is emotionally attached to. “He is so innocent and pure that even evil energies are nice to him. Stree let him go in the first part; Bhediya, a beast, is Janaa’s friend. Every time I play him, I feel my soul is cleansed.”
Janaa is a character that resonates deeply with Banerjee’s own personality. “Janaa is the child version of me. My daak naam [nickname] is Bhola. I trust easily, love a lot, and have faith. Mumbai hasn’t eroded my simplicity.
. Janaa aligns with who I am. He is the 4 am friend of every superhero in this horror comedy universe,” Banerjee explains.
The actor’s connection to the horror comedy universe, particularly through his collaborations with director Amar Kaushik, adds another layer of enjoyment to his work. Banerjee believes there is a lot of Janaa’s simplicity in Kaushik, which makes their partnership all the more meaningful. “Amar and I have a special bond. He can give me a look, and I know exactly what he wants. I can read his face. We’re a bit of lovers,” he laughs, recalling their early days of collaboration. “I’m the first actor Amar ever directed. He was the second unit director in No One Killed Jessica [2011], and I played a pickpocket. It’s crazy how far we’ve come.”
In reflecting on his recent successes and the recognition that has followed, Banerjee emphasizes the importance of perseverance and genuine passion for the craft. “The validation feels incredible, and it motivates me to continue pushing boundaries as an actor,” he notes.
Banerjee’s versatility as an actor is further highlighted by the stark contrast in his roles in Stree 2 and Vedaa. In Stree 2, he reprises his role as the goofy, lovable Janaa, a character that has become synonymous with his name. His portrayal of Janaa brings a sense of joy and purity to the screen, captivating audiences with its charm. On the other hand, in Vedaa, he transforms into Jitender, a cruel and ruthless local leader. This role showcases a darker, more intense side of his acting abilities, proving his range and depth as an actor.
Banerjee’s recent high comes not just from his versatile performances but also from the personal milestones these roles have marked. Receiving praise from his father, who once doubted his acting career, has been particularly fulfilling for him. “I’m glad he could see this day because we often hear that by the time one delivers a hit, their parents aren’t around to see it,” he shares, highlighting the emotional significance of his recent success.
Abhishek Banerjee’s journey in the film industry is a testament to his talent, hard work, and unwavering dedication. From playing endearing characters like Janaa to taking on challenging roles like Jitender, he continues to prove his mettle as a versatile actor. As he basks in the success of his recent roles and the praise that follows, Banerjee remains grounded, driven by his passion for storytelling and the joy of bringing characters to life on screen. With his talent and determination, there’s no doubt that he will continue to shine in the industry, captivating audiences with his remarkable performances.
