Vishwanath Chatterjee, a well-known name in television, OTT, and films, has become extremely popular for his hilarious and unique character of Happu’s lawyer friend Beni in &TV’s show Happu Ki Ultan Paltan. The actor has been tickling the audience’s funny bone with his impeccable comic timing by becoming time to time saviour for his friend Happu (Yogesh Tripathi). In this interview, the actor talks about his journey in the entertainment industry, his current show, and his upcoming projects.
1. What, in your opinion, makes Beni’s character so endearing to the audience?
I feel overwhelmed by the viewer’s response to my character, Beni, and I cannot thank them enough for showering this much love on me. Beni’s wittiness whenever Happu, his friend and brother-in-law, comes to him with his problems is admirable. He stands beside him in all his problems, but at times he becomes the cause of the problem (laughs). The tragedies our characters Happu and Beni face, and their hilarious get-ups keep the audience glued to our show.
2. We have seen you doing comedy in films and TV for the longest time. Is this your comfort space?
As an actor, I prefer to experiment than stick to one genre. I have had a lot of fun playing comedic roles in my career. Making the audience laugh is one of the most difficult tasks for any performer, and I am glad I can do it. In my show Happu Ki Ultan Paltan, I do situational and light-hearted humour, which instantly links me with the audience. And I enjoy doing it as well. But I would still like to play some serious characters, preferably negative ones. I want to play a well-drawn character who must leave an impression. It does not matter whether it is a leading or supporting role if it is interesting, offers variety and is entertaining.
3. Do you also share a similar bond with Yogesh (Happu off-screen)?
It has been four years since we have played friends onscreen. We are like a family now. My maximum scenes are with him in the show, and we spent considerable time shooting them. Even if we are not in the scene, we sit together, crack jokes, and laugh heartily. We keep pulling each other’s legs during rehearsals, which is fun. I can easily say there is never a dull moment on Happu Ki Ulatan Paltan sets when we are together, as we make everyone laugh with our stints.
4. After doing films in a row, what got you back to TV?
As an actor, I crave good work, whatever the platform is. My friend Kavita Kaushik shared my contact information with the director, Shashank Bali, for one of his shows where I played episodic characters. He was very impressed with my acting abilities. But I never imagined my relationship with him would last this long. He told me they planned to make an extended show of Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai called Happu Ki Ultan Paltan and wanted me to be cast as Happu’s lawyer friend. Knowing Bhabiji Ghar par Hai’s immense popularity, I immediately said yes.
Watch Vishwanath Chatterjee as Beni in Happu Ki Ultan Paltan at 10:00 pm, airing every Monday to Friday only on &TV!
