Debasis Sahu has a shine in his eyes, acting talent, years of experience in the theatre and an ambition to become the best-known villain of Oriya filmdom after Hara Patnaik. Rashmi Rekha Das meets him
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For many personalities in the film world, the struggle to attain stardom had been arduous while for a few it had been easy. Today aspirants in the film industry who don’t have star connections in the family have a long and arduous path to travel, but some of them are prepared to take on the challenges. Debasis Sahu alias Deb is one such personality who has proved his mettle in the Oriya and Hindi entertainment industries.
The ‘Bad Boy’ of Oriya films chose to give his dreams of becoming an actor priority over academics. Deb was born with acting talent which reflected in the decisions he took early on in his career. He decided to discontinue studies after B.Com from Kabi Samrat Upendra Bhanja College in Ganjam district. Instead of pursuing a course in chartered accountancy he chose to showcase his talent in theatres. He moved to Delhi and joined the National School of Drama to pursue theatre and try for a career in acting.
“During my college days I used to participate in dramas and bunk classes to watch movies in theatres. I left for Delhi to pursue a course in chartered accountancy after completing my B.Com from Kabi Samrat Upendra Bhanja College. But I found love in theatre because acting was my ultimate goal. I spent my seven years in Delhi performing in theatres. Meanwhile, I made my debut in television with the daily soap Farz which was aired on Doordarshan in 2009. Since then I have never looked back,” recalls Deb.
He shifted to Mumbai and spent four years performing in Hindi plays. He has three years of experience in theatre and association with eminent theatre personalities like NK Sharma and Robin Das. The latter essayed the role of Priyanka Chopra’s father in Marry Kom.
Starting his journey from the small screen today the actor is a popular star of the silver screen. He has garnered praise for commendable performances in movies like ‘Dhauli Express’ and ‘Mukhyamantri’ directed by Chitta Ranjan Tripathy. Besides his roles in ‘Abhimanyu’ and ‘Pagal Karichu Tu’ directed by Susant Mani as well as ‘Mu Raja Tu Rani’ directed by Shudhansu Sahu have been lauded. He also acted in an off-beat film titled ‘Andolan’. The assistant director of Dhauli Express, Deb has also done a Hindi movie named ‘Faltu Utpatang Chatpati Kahani’.
‘Aisa Hota Hai’ written, produced and directed by Aashish Dubey made him popular. The film was screened in several international festivals like the Mosaic International South Asian Film Festival, Canada, ninth Romania International Film Festival, Torino Film Festival in Italy, 5th International Kurzfilmtage in Senftenberg, 6th New Jersey Independent South Asian Cine Fest, Festival Stuttgart in Germany, 26th Festival International De Films De Fribourg, Switzerland, and the 3rd Kashish Mumbai International Queer Film Festival in Mumbai.
The film was also nominated for the audience choice award at the 9th Indian Film Festival, Stuttgart in Germany and won the best screenplay award at Kala Ghoda Art festival in Mumbai. The actor who was essaying the lead role was appreciated for his outstanding performance.
When asked about his inspiration, Deb said he was inspired by his father. His father used to watch dramas too much. He grew up watching dramas and decided to be an artiste from childhood.
He has played significant roles in mega soaps like Sahanai and Kichhi Luha Pi Jae Otha aired on Tarang channel. Right now, the actor has stopped doing serials because he has offers from the South and is rolling up his sleeves with films like ‘Hey Prabhu Dekhade’, ‘Prema Na Aou Kichi’ and ‘Indrajeet’ ahead.
Deb wants to don the producer’s hat and is planning to produce a bilingual film, shooting of which is slated to start next month. When asked about his aim, Deb said he aimed to be the leading villain of Oriya filmdom like Hara Patnaik.
Deb is a diehard fan of Akshay Kumar which is why he makes it a point to watch his movies first-day first-show. He was so obsessed at one point that he skipped an exam to watch ‘Mohra’.
“Oriya films are copies of films made in the South for which reason youngsters who are the ideal audience are not showing any interest in Oriya movies. Directors should come up with innovative projects. It is also responsibility of young actors to bring back the charm of Oriya movies made in the 1970s and 80s,” signs off Deb.