“Having Mithun Chakraborty in it was part of the appeal.”
Anjan Dutt has stepped into mainstream Bengali cinema for the first time with Shreeman Vs Shreemati, a romantic comedy.
After nearly 45 years in cinema, Dutt has made a bold shift in his career.
Known for choosing unconventional and often offbeat roles, Dutt has made a name for himself outside the usual sphere of commercial Bengali cinema.
Now, at the age of 71, he has starred in Shreeman Vs Shreemati, a mainstream romantic comedy.
Dutt, who began his film career in the early 1980s under the legendary Mrinal Sen, has acted in just 27 films over four and a half decades.
Simultaneously, he built a respected career as a singer and filmmaker.
Throughout his career, Dutt consciously avoided traditional commercial cinema.
Instead, he chose to collaborate with a select group of directors and projects that aligned with his artistic vision.
But with Shreeman Vs Shreemati, directed by Pathikrit Basu, Dutt decided to fill what he described as a missing experience in his career.
The film pairs him with Mithun Chakraborty.
Interestingly, Mrinal Sen introduced both Dutt and Chakraborty to films.
Despite their parallel journeys, this marks the first time the two appear together on screen.
Dutt addressed the shift in a candid Facebook post, writing:
“I have never acted in any so-called commercial or mainstream films before.
“In 45 years, I’ve only done 27 films, including my own.
“Right from the beginning, I knew I wasn’t cut out to be a star.
“I’m an actor… And now, at 71, I’ve done a full-blown commercial film because I felt there was one experience still missing in my life.
“Having Mithun Chakraborty in it was part of the appeal.”
Shreeman Vs Shreemati explores themes of ageing, love, and the pursuit of second chances.
The story revolves around a couple, played by Mithun Chakraborty and Anjana Basu, attempting to rescue their marriage even after filing for divorce.
Dutt plays the role of Basu’s former lover, whose presence stirs old memories and new possibilities.
The film also includes a parallel storyline featuring a younger couple, portrayed by Parambrata Chatterjee and Madhumita Sarcar.
Their story brings a contemporary edge, focusing on the complexities of modern relationships.
Dutt shared his enthusiasm for the project, saying:
“The director wanted to have some fun making a romantic comedy about old folks. I think many of you won’t mind it!”
Released in May 2025, Shreeman Vs Shreemati is already drawing attention for its fresh take on romance across generations.
Adding a bonus for his fans, Dutt also contributed to the film’s soundtrack, lending his voice to select songs.
This dual contribution, both as actor and singer, makes the project a unique entry in his career.
Though late, Anjan Dutt’s arrival in mainstream cinema is both surprising and refreshing.
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