Prosenjit Chatterjee recalls the time when he shot Chokher Bali with Aishwarya Rai: ‘She was very nice’

Prosenjit Chatterjee, who shared screen space with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in Choker Bali, says he finds the actor sweet.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Prosenjt Chatterjee in a still from Chokher Bali.

Prosenjit Chatterjee, recently seen in the critically acclaimed film Ajogyo opposite Rituparna Sengupta, fondly reminisced about his time filming Chokher Bali with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. He described the former Miss World as “sweet and nice,” recalling her introduction to Bengali cinema with warmth.

“Aishwarya was very good. She is very sweet. We still meet sometimes,” the 61-year-old told Mamaraazzi.

Prosenjit Chatterjee shared anecdotes from the set, highlighting his frequent but friendly arguments with late director and close friend Rituparno Ghosh. Aishwarya Rai, who enjoyed the traditional Bengali breakfast on set, would often watch these exchanges in amusement, wondering why seasoned professionals like them engaged in such lively debates. Despite the on-set tensions, Prosenjit emphasised the strong camaraderie they shared, making the experience memorable.

“On the sets of Chokerbali, Ritu and I would often fight. We used to order Bengali Kachori and mithai for breakfast in the morning and Aishwarya would eat those stuff and would tell us, ‘You are the topmost hero and he is the topmost director. So why are you both fighting on the sets?” Ritu and I had done many films together, we were like friends but we used to fight on sets.”

Reflecting on his scenes with Aishwarya Rai, Prosenjit Chatterjee spoke highly of the bold and emotional moments they performed together, describing the experience as “magical” and “wonderful”. He appreciated Aishwarya’s dedication and professionalism. “Whenever we went on the set, it was magic. She was very nice. Every moment was wonderful. We had a lot of bold and emotional scenes in Chokher Bali and everything was done well because Ritu was there.”

Prosenjit also took a moment to praise Aishwarya’s husband and actor Abhishek Bachchan, calling him affectionate and highlighting the warm bond they shared off-screen. “Abhishek is one of the sweetest boys I have met. He is very affectionate. They both are very nice,” he stressed.

Prosenjit Chatterjee’s admiration for Aishwarya Rai Bachchan extended beyond their on-screen collaboration. He recalled moments from “Chokher Bali” where their mutual respect and understanding as actors elevated their performances. Their ability to navigate through intense and emotionally charged scenes left a lasting impression on both their colleagues and audiences alike.

“Working with Aishwarya was a privilege. She brought a unique charm and professionalism to every scene,” Prosenjit reflected. “Her dedication to her craft was evident, and it motivated everyone on set to deliver their best.”

The camaraderie between Prosenjit, Aishwarya, and Rituparno Ghosh created a conducive environment for creativity. Despite occasional disagreements, their shared passion for cinema and storytelling united them in their pursuit of excellence. Aishwarya’s presence, with her graceful demeanor and keen insight into character nuances, added depth to their collaborative efforts.

Off-camera, Prosenjit’s interactions with Abhishek Bachchan underscored a warm friendship rooted in mutual respect and camaraderie. Their bond off-screen mirrored the familial atmosphere that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan cherished within the Bachchan family.

As Prosenjit Chatterjee continues to reminisce about his experiences with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Rituparno Ghosh, their legacy in Bengali cinema remains a testament to their artistic integrity and enduring contributions to the film industry.