English: Patol Babu, Film Star

(a) What was the news that Nishikanto Ghosh gave Patol Babu?

Answer: Nishikanto Babu told Patol Babu that his brother-in law, who was in the film business, was looking for an actor for a film they were shooting. The character he described reminded Nishikanto Babu of Patol Babu so he gave him his address and asked him to get in touch with him.

(b) How did Patol Babu react? Why?

Answer: Patol Babu was shocked by the acting offer. He was surprised as it seemed unbelievable to him that a 52-year old nobody like him was getting a chance to act in a film.

(c) Why had Patol Babu lost his first job in Calcutta?

Answer: Patol Babu lost his first job in Calcutta due to a sudden retrenchment in his office due to the war. It cost him is nine year old job in Hudson and Kimberley.

(d) How does Patol Babu reconcile to the dialogue given to him?

Answer: Initially, Patol Babu was shocked to see his monosyllabic dialogue. However, after rehearsing his dialogue, he felt that a true actor could make his mark even with a single syllable. His mentors words rang in his mind who had once said that each word spoken in a play was like a fruit in a tree. Not everyone in the audience has access to it. So, the actor must know how to pluck it, get at its essence, and serve it up to the audience for their edification. These words helped Patol Babu perform the role assigned to him with conviction.

(e) Who was Mr. Pakrashi? How do his words help Patol Babu in enacting his role?

Answer: Mr. Pakrashi was Patol Babu's mentor. He was a wonderful actor, without a tract of vanity in him. He said, "Remember one thing, Patol; however small a part you're offered, never consider it beneath your dignity to accept it." These words influenced Patol Babu a lot and they helped him enact his role with confidence and determination. From these words, Patol Babu drew spirit to enact such a small role. He no more felt his role in the movie to be condescending.

(f) How do we know that Patol Babu was a meticulous man?

Answer: Patol Babu was a meticulous man. When he got his dialogue, 'Oh!', he tried his best to give his best. He tried to understand different inflections of 'Oh!' when spoken in different tones carrying different meanings. He worked out how he would react physically when the collision take place, how his features would be twisted in pain, how he would express pain and surprise. He performed in various ways in front of a large glass window. When his turn came, he even suggested for a rehearsal. He calculated his steps and timed it excellently well. All these things shows his hard-work and pain taking attitude.

(g) Why did Mr. Mullick turn down Patol Babu's request for a rehearsal?

Answer: The scene had to be shot in sunlight and as the clouds were seen approaching, Mr. Mullick had to take the shot quickly. So he declined Patol Babu’s request for a rehearsal.

(h) What were the special touches that Patol Babu gave to his role to make it more authentic?

Answer: Patol Babu suggested to Barren Mullick if he had a newspaper open in his hand then it would be more natural and realistic. Then, he calculated his speed and distance of the spot where the collision was to take place and expressed his feelings of anguish, surprise and irritation in proper ratio poportion. In this way, he timed it very well.