Bengali superstar Jeet on his OTT debut, Khakee: The Bengal Chapter and working with Prosenjit; says, “It was destiny’s call”

By Subhash K. Jha -

March 22, 2025 - 10:45 AM IST

You are a huge star in Bengal. What prompted you to take the plunge into OTT?
I feel blessed to have been loved by audiences in this part of the country for so many years. It truly feels amazing, and I can only be grateful to the people here. As an artist and a creator, I have always aspired to explore new stories, step into new characters, and push my boundaries. That drive led me to Khakee: The Bengal Chapter, a show with a massive following. With Netflix as the platform and a visionary like Neeraj Pandey at the helm—someone known for his distinctive storytelling—I didn’t have to think twice. Collaborating with Friday Filmworks felt like destiny’s call. I’m happy to be on board.

Bengali superstar Jeet on his OTT debut, Khakee: The Bengal Chapter and working with Prosenjit; says, “It was destiny’s call”

The series features several Bengali stalwarts, including you and Prosenjit. What was it like working with such a talented cast?
We had an amazing ensemble cast. Every actor brought their strengths and energy to the project. Now that I know you’ve watched it, I’m hopeful that excitement translated onto the screen. As for Bumba Da (Prosenjit Chatterjee), even though this was our first time sharing screen space, it never felt like it. We’ve known each other for years, have collaborated in different ways, and have always shared a great rapport. Working with him was a wonderful experience.

You play an upright cop willing to go to any lengths in the line of duty. How idealistic are you in real life?

Yes, Arjun Moitra is written as a strong, principled character who brings depth to the story, and I truly enjoyed playing him. In my personal life, I come from a middle-class background with strong family values. I was raised in a joint family and still live the same way. Our family is deeply rooted in spirituality and traditional values. I don’t know how idealistic that makes me, but I feel blessed and proud of the way I was brought up.

As an actor, do you consider social responsibility before taking on a role?
As a citizen, of course, I have responsibilities, and I abide by them. But as an artist, I believe we should have the freedom to play roles as required by the story.

How much preparation did you undertake to play Arjun Moitra in Khakee?
I always take the time to understand my character, do readings, and engage in workshops. I love spending time with directors to align with their vision. For Khakee, we didn’t get the opportunity to do workshops, but every time I take on a new role, I approach it with an open mind—an empty slate, so to speak. That allows the director or creator to shape the character as they envision it. My job is to bring that vision to life.

Do you feel Bengali cinema offers you roles that satisfy your creative impulses?
Bengali cinema has given me so much. But there’s still a fire within me, Sir… creative impulses cannot be fully explored in a lifetime. When I come across a story that excites me and is within my reach, I even produce films myself. But as an artist, I always crave new challenges. The real joy lies in portraying diverse characters and bringing different stories to the audience.

Also Read: Mimoh Chakraborty praises directors Debatma Mandal and Tushar Kanti Ray for Khakee: The Bengal Chapter; says, “They were patient, understanding, and incredibly supportive”