When you are written off, you have to prove yourself : Vikram | Bengali Movie News

When asked about how he feels about completing 15 years in the industry, actor Vikram Chatterjee says, ‘It’s been a roller coaster ride.” With works like Pariah, Tansener Tanpura and Ichche Nodee in his repertoire, Vikram is still longing for more creative satisfaction. In a candid chat over coffee, he opens up about bouncing back and proving his worth, what he is grateful for and more.
With 15 years in Tollywood, how has the journey been?
I had good times and bad — both in this 15-year professional journey. God has been kind, but my audience has been kinder. Whatever I am today, it’s because of their love. I bounced back stronger than ever after feeling defeated because of their support.
There’s a certain charm and joy to prove your worth when everyone has written you off. Having your loved ones’ faith always guides the way to do more with life & career, and be better for them: Vikram
The higher I rise, the more grounded I need to be: Vikram

The audience loves to see you in rom-coms. What’s your favourite genre to work in?
I want to explore all kinds of films as a leading man. Right now, I’m drawn to action, and we’re gearing up for the sequel of Pariah. My audience will also see me in a new love story soon.
You moved from a third-floor flat in Kasba to a 30th-floor high-rise. Is this a gift to yourself?
Yes! (smiles) But I still stay in Kasba three times a week—I love spending time with my family and pets. This new place is more of a workspace for script readings and meetings. But my heart remains in Kasba.
How does it feel looking down from the 30th floor?
I have vertigo, so I don’t! (laughs) But this move is symbolic — reminding me that the higher I rise, the more grounded I must stay. I focus on the present, learning from the past without dwelling on it.
You were sidelined after the April 2017 incident. How did you fight back?
I remind myself daily — my journey isn’t over. My family, close friends, and audience helped me rise again. It wasn’t easy, but their support, my faith in God, and industry well-wishers gave me the strength to move forward.

Vikram in Pariah

Are you content with your career now?
I’m grateful. When I entered the industry in 2010, TV gave me recognition, but films were always the dream. Growing up watching SRK’s films, I knew that’s where I wanted to be. From 2010-2019, I led hit TV shows, but 2019-2025 has been a different chapter. Some films didn’t fare well at the box office, but the praise for my performances fuels my drive to push forward.
TV made you a household name, but many actors are returning for better pay. Would you?
I live simply and keep my finances in check. I won’t return to TV just for money. But if a role is compelling, why not? TV shaped my career, but I can’t juggle lead roles in both TV and film. No one has, and I won’t either.

Vikram and Solanki in Ichche Nodee

What kind of work do you see yourself doing in the future?
All films are commercial ones and need to make money at the end of the day. The concept and treatment of commercial films have changed over the years. At the same time, the audience’s taste has also evolved. There is a combination of entertainment and intellect in commercial films now, and I’m happy to be a part of those films. I need to depend on my producers and directors to cast me in such roles, as I am not producing my own films. But I do want to don the director’s hat in the near future. I have stories of my own which I want to share with my audience. I’m not looking for a career as a director, though. I am 37 years old now and have a long way to go as an actor.

Vikram says he loves going biking in the hills

Where do you feel most at peace?

For me, the mountains are my second home. When I look at their vastness, I realise how small I am in the grand scheme of things. I can never have enough of Sikkim and Himachal Pradesh. I also have a road trip to Ladakh planned with my father.

Vikram with his sister Megha

All the good in me is from my mom and sister
My sister, Megha, is six years younger—like my daughter. We used to fight but now share a deep bond. She has an incredible fashion sense, picks my clothes, and even worked as an assistant costume designer in Tathagata Mukherjee’s Raas. I hope to be a protective brother because my mother and sister have shaped me into a better, more empathetic person. Everything good in me comes from them.
I’ve just come out of a long-distance relationship. It was a very difficult decision to part ways, so it will take time for me to heal from it : Vikram
After the 2017 incident, I kept reminding myself everyday that my journey is not over. It wasn’t easy to cope, but I owed it to myself to at least try : Vikram
Pix: Anindya Saha