We either try to make history or become history: Yash

His popularity shot through the roof after he played Aranya Singha Ray in the teleserial Bojhena Shey Bojhena. And this Durga Puja, Yash Dasgupta is all set to make his big-screen debut in Birsa Dasgupta���s Gangster. CT caught up with the actor for a candid chat about the film, his fans, his fianc��e and lots more. Excerpts:
Birsa Dasgupta���s Gangster is your debut film and it���s having a Puja release.How do you feel about it?
I just can���t thank God enough for this! This Puja is certainly going to be the most special one in my life. Of course, I may have more Puja releases in future if I���m accepted by the audience, but Gangster will always remain close to my heart.
The buzz is that you are posing a big threat to the other heroes in the industry?
(Laughs) Threat? To whom? I���m a newcomer, who���s here to make a place for himself. I don���t think I���m a threat. There are so many heroes in the Hindi film industry���they are all famous and coexist peacefully. Why can���t it be the same here?
Tell us about the film and your character.
Gangster is the story of a guy, Guru, who���s a gangster not by choice, but because of circumstances. But his life changes when he falls for a girl, Ruhi (Mimi Chakraborty). The rest of the film is about whether this change is for good or for bad. Apart from my jodi with Mimi, the film has two other USPs ��� location and story. This is the first time a Bengali film has been shot entirely in Turkey. Moreover, it has an original story.
How was it working with Birsa?
Birsa is phenomenal as a director. He has taken this film to a different level altogether. Whoever has seen the songs and the trailer is comparing it with Bollywood productions. Even I feel this is his best film till date and it should surely bring the masses and classes together. This Puja, Birsa is the man to watch out for.
Have you never dreamt about getting launched by Srijit Mukherji or Raj Chakrabarty?
Well, this was Shrikant bhaiya���s (Mohta) decision and I can say Birsa has done full justice to the film. Why should I ask for more?
What about sharing screen space with Mimi?
Mimi a pleasure to work with. She���s very spontaneous in front of the camera. She can crack a joke and then, instantly switch into character once the camera rolls. That���s incredible! She never made me feel that I���m a newcomer on the sets.
Your fans are still stuck on Aranya Singha Roy, your character in Bojhena Shey Bojhena, and his chemistry with Pakhi. How difficult do you think would it be to establish your chemistry with Mimi?
Well, I wouldn���t say people are stuck on the Aranya-Pakhi pair. My chemistry with Mimi has spoken for itself already. In fact, the hashtag, #GoGuru ��� my character in the film ��� is trending online.
How was your experience shooting in Turkey?
It was awesome! Turkey is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Though the coup happened around the same time, we were blessed to have the Turkish crew with us. They made sure we didn���t face any problems. Their hospitality was commendable. I have learned a lot from them.
Bojhena Shey Bojhena made you one of the most successful TV actors. Do you think this film will repeat history?
(Laughs) God willing! I have a very simple mantra ��� we have one life, so we either try to make history or become history. The only difference in winning or losing is not quitting, and I���m not a quitter.
Will you be open to television offers in future?
Why not? I owe my popularity to television and it will always remain my strength.
The songs of Gangster are already a rage. After watching the first song, social media was flooded with comments like a new hero is born, a new hero has arrived etc. Is the pressure to live up to expectations high?
I���m overwhelmed by the response. The songs really are beautiful. As for the things people are saying, I would say that���s the love of my fans. In fact, their love for me is so pure that I know they can be biased at times. That���s the reason why I don���t take compliments too seriously.
But the songs are said to be copied or inspired, whichever way you term it.
Something or the other inspires us all. And till people are happy with the songs, I���m happy. Bol na re mon and Thik emon ebhabe are my favourites.
We had seen a few years ago how you got mobbed on the streets during a photo shoot. Is stardom any different?
My fans never made me feel anything less than a star, but I don���t think I���m one yet. I���m hungry for more and the day I���ll be content, I���ll be finished. So, I guess I���ll never consider myself a star.
What about the girls? They���ve always been crazy about you.
It���s because of them I am where I am today. They say behind every successful man there���s a woman. Well, I have a women���s brigade supporting me with all their strength. For some, I���m their hero, for some, their son, brother, even grandchild, so I���m always under their protection. Nari shakti you see. My fans can fight with anyone for me (laughs)!
But you are dating and don���t you think that will affect your popularity?
Says who? People love me for my work and I want my work to be the reason of my popularity.
It���s said that your fianc��e, Poonam Jha, dictates your moves.
I���m a very reserved guy and am close to a very few people in the industry. Poonam is one of them. And please, I���m not a kid, so no one dictates anything to me. But I���m mature enough to recognise advice that���s good for me.
It���s said, when Poonam is around, you���re a different person. But you are more spontaneous when she���s not around. Is that true?
I���m spontaneous only with my fans and people I���m really close to. Otherwise, I���m an introvert, who people call arrogant or rude. It���s not about being with her or not, I am who I am and I love it.
We also heard you are the highest paid actor for macha shows after Dev?
Really? I didn���t know that. But yes, I love to do macha shows, as they help me bond with my fans.
Among so many films releasing this Puja, where do you think Gangster stands?
Well, that is something the audience will decide. But if you ask me, it���s the number one film to watch.