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Saswata Chatterjee
Saswata Chatterjee
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Saswata Chatterjee (born 19 December 1970) is an Indian actor known for his work in Bengali cinema and television, with appearances in Hindi films. The son of actor Subhendu Chatterjee, he began his career with a Hindi television series directed by Saibal Mitra, based on Samaresh Majumdar's Kaalpurush. He gained recognition for portraying in detective series such as Byomkesh Bakshi and in a Feluda-based television series directed by Sandip Ray.

Key Information

Chatterjee has received critical acclaim for his performances in several Bengali films, notably for his role in Meghe Dhaka Tara (2013), where he played a character inspired by Ritwik Ghatak. He achieved widespread recognition for his role as Bob Biswas, a contract killer, in Sujoy Ghosh's Hindi thriller Kahaani (2012). He gained further success by playing as antagonists and leading supporting characters in other bollywood and a Telugu movies, such as Jagga Jasoos (2017), Dhaakad (2022) and Kalki 2898 AD (2024), for all of which he received both recognition and criticism.

Personal life

[edit]

Saswata Chatterjee was born on 19 December 1970 to Subhendu Chatterjee, a noted Bengali actor.[3] He lives in Kolkata and is married to Mohua Chatterjee, a teacher. They have a daughter together, Hiya Chatterjee.[2] She is making her film debut with Rahool Mukherjee's Mon Maaney Na alongside Ritwik Bhowmik, who is also making his Bengali film debut with this film.

Career

[edit]

Chatterjee started his career with a Hindi serial directed by Saibal Mitra, based on Samaresh Majumdar's Kaalpurush.[4] and a Hindi serial Krishnakant Ka Vasiyatnama on Doordarshan based on Bankimchandra Chattopadhyay's novel Krishnakanter Will. Later, he acted in a television series directed by Sandip Ray, where he portrayed the character of Topshe, a sidekick of Feluda, the sleuth. After this television debut, his acting skills were appreciated and he gained popularity.[5]

Chatterjee's acting in several Bengali films were critically appreciated. Some of his notable appearances include Tiyasha, C/O Sir, Proloy (2013), Jekhane Bhuter Bhoy, Meghe Dhaka Tara, Bhooter Bhabishyat, Abar Bomkesh (Chitrachor), Rang Milanti, Byomkesh Bakshi (Adim Ripu), The Bong Connection, Abar Aranye. He worked in the blockbuster Hindi film, Kahaani (2012) directed by Sujoy Ghosh starring Vidya Balan. In that film, he played the role of a cold-blooded killer named Bob Biswas.[6] His role as Bob became so popular that Chatterjee describes it as:

Bob Biswas has most definitely exceeded the popularity of Kahaani. Poor Saswata has lost his identity. He is addressed as Bob wherever he goes.

— Saswata Chaterjee on his role on Bob Biswas.[2]

The character went viral on Facebook and Twitter with thousands of followers. A graphic novel is in the making was also inspired from Bob's character.[7]

Meghe Dhaka Tara was released in 2013, a film inspired by the life and works of Bengali film director Ritwik Ghatak and also depicts the socio-political environment of contemporary West Bengal during the Tebhaga and Naxalite movements. In this movie, he played the lead character as Nilkantha Bagchi.

Filmography

[edit]
Key
Denotes film or TV productions that have not yet been released
Year Film Role Language Note
1996 Baksho Rahashya Topshe Bengali
1997 Nayantara Bengali
1998 Atmaja Bengali
1999 Tumi Ele Tai Bengali
Khelaghar Bengali
2000 Shesh Thikana Bengali
2002 Aamar Bhuvan Nur Bengali
2003 Abar Aranye Saswata Banerjee Bengali
2004 Tin Ekke Tin Tinkori Bengali
Aabar Asibo Phire Bengali
2006 Teen Yaari Katha Anil Bengali
Dosar Kaushik's younger brother Bengali
2007 Shudhu Tomar Jonyo Bengali
The Bong Connection Bhai-Da English
2008 Chalo Let's Go Asim Bengali
2009 Cross Connection Swapnil Basu Bengali
Madly Bangalee Bengali
Brake Fail Bengali
2010 Byomkesh Bakshi (Adim Ripu) Ajit Bandyopadhyay Bengali
Gaaner Oparey Bengali
2011 Get2Gether Bengali
Uro Chithi Manish Bengali
Gosainbaganer Bhoot Bhelu Daktar Bengali
Rang Milanti Deepjoy Mitra/Anupam Ghatak Bengali
The Forlorn (Short Film) Dr. Sambit Chaterjee Bengali
2012 Goraay Gondogol Bengali
Sangsar Sukher Hoi Homonir Gune Bidesh Bengali
Bhalobasha Off Route-e Bengali
Nobel Chor Hari Bengali
Kahaani Bob Biswas Hindi Debut in Hindi cinema
Abar Byomkesh (Chitrachor) Ajit Bandyopadhyay Bengali
Bhooter Bhabishyat Hathkata Kartik Bengali
Balukabela.com Advocate Subimal DattaGupta Bengali
Jekhane Bhuter Bhoy Pratap Sarkar Bengali
2013 Aborto Bengali
Meghe Dhaka Tara Nilkantha Bagchi Bengali
Damadol Papu Bhai Bengali
Namte Namte Rana Basu Bengali
Aschorjo Prodip Anilabha Gupto / Anilda Bengali
Goynar Baksho Chandan Bengali
Proloy Animesh Dutta Bengali
C/O Sir Jayabrata Ray Bengali
Tiyasha Sudipto Bengali
2014 Bonku Babu Bonku Babu Bengali
Baari Tar Bangla Roopchand Sen Bengali
Byomkesh Phire Elo (Beni Sanghar) Ajit Bandyopadhyay Bengali
Chaar Sanjib Chatterjee & Mriganka Shekhar Mukherjee Bengali
2015 Ebar Shabor Shabor Dasgupta Bengali
Natoker Moto - Like a Play Prasad Bengali
89 The Serial Killer Bengali
Icchemotir Golpo Nil Bengali
Katmundu Aiyoswami Bengali
Rajkahini Mr. Prafulla Sen Bengali
Byomkesh Bakshi Ajit Bandyopadhyay Bengali
Monchuri Kartik Bengali
2016 Praktan Special Appearance Bengali
Hemanta Kalyan Sen Bengali
Eagoler Chokh Shabor Dasgupta Bengali
Byomkesh O Chiriyakhana Ajit Bandyopadhyay Bengali
Monchora Manmatho / Raima's Brother Bengali
Cholai Various Bengali
Bastav Kamal Rakshit Bengali
Double Feluda Surajit Dasgupta, Dharanidhar Samaddar Bengali
2017 Black Coffee Tirthoraj Roy Bengali
Mickey & Mimi Mimi's Father Bengali Short film on Addatimes[8]
Byomkesh O Agnibaan Ajit Bandopadhyay Bengali [9]
Jagga Jasoos "Tutti Futti" aka "Badol Bagchi" / Jagga's Father Hindi
2018 Ray Bengali
Dwikhondito Koushik Roy Bengali
Aschhe Abar Shabor Shabor Dasgupta Bengali
Hoichoi Unlimited Animesh Chakladar Bengali
Good night city DCP Chatterjee Bengali
2019 Thai Curry - Bengali [10]
Network Abhijit Ganguly Bengali
Panther: Hindustan Meri Jaan Spyder Bengali
Basu Poribar - Bengali
Tokhon Kuasa Chilo Bengali
Tarikh Bengali
The Parcel Souvik Bengali
2020 Tiki-Taka PK Bengali ZEE5 Release
Sannyasi Deshonayok - Bengali Based on Gumnami Baba myth
Dil Bechara Mr. Basu Hindi Disney+ Hotstar Release
Chobiyal Bengali
Shironam Bengali
2021 Pratidwandi Bengali
Hiralal Bengali
Habu Chandra Raja Gobu Chandra Montri Habuchandra Raja Bengali
Shororipu 2: Jotugriho Bengali
Anusandhan Indra Bengali [11]
2022 Swastik Sanket Subhas Chandra Bose Bengali
8/12 Binay Badal Dinesh Bengali
Dobaaraa Raja Ghosh Hindi
Dhaakad Handler Hindi
Tirandaj Shabor Shabor Dasgupta Bengali
Achena Uttam Uttam Kumar Bengali
Mahisasurmarddini Politician Bengali
2023 Rohossomoy Bengali
Bad Boy Shubhankar Bannerjee Hindi
Eta Amader Golpo Praveen Sharma Bengali
2024 Crew Vijay Walia Hindi
Kalki 2898 AD Commander Manas Telugu Debut in Telugu cinema; partially reshot in Hindi[12]
Shastri Madhab Bengali
Jamalaye Jibonto Bhanu Bhanu Bandopadhyay Bengali
2025 The Eken: Benaras e Bibhishika Belal Malik Bengali
Metro...In Dino Sanjeev Hindi
Dear Maa Asitabha Bengali
The Bengal Files Sardar Husseini, MLA Hindi
Akhanda 2: Thaandavam Chang Telugu
2026 Hok Kolorob SP Khudiram Chaki Bengali

Web series

[edit]
Year Title Role Language Platform
2017 Dhimaner Dinkaal Dhiman Dutta Bengali ALT Balaji
2018 Shei Je Holud Pakhi Somnath Maitra Bengali Hoichoi
2021 Shei Je Holud Pakhi Season 2 Somnath Maitra Bengali Hoichoi
2022 Mahabharat Murders Pabitra Chatterjee Bengali Hoichoi
2023
Kaantay Kaantay Prashanna Kumar Basu Bengali ZEE5
Abar Proloy Animesh Dutta Bengali ZEE5
The Night Manager Brij Paul alias BJ Hindi Disney+ Hotstar
Tooth Pari: When Love Bites David Hindi Netflix
2024 Kaantaye Kaantaye P. K. Basu Bengali ZEE5
Advocate Achinta Aich Advocate Sitaram Ganguly Bengali Hoichoi
2025 Khakee: The Bengal Chapter Shankar “Bagha” Barua Bengali Netflix
Advocate Achinta Aich 2 Advocate Sitaram Ganguly (Guest appearance) Bengali Hoichoi
2026 Abar Proloy 2 Animesh Dutta Bengali ZEE5

Television

[edit]
Year Show Role Language
1996 Gosaipur Sargaram Topshe Bengali
Sheyal Debota Rahasya Topshe Bengali
Bosepukure Khunkharapi Topshe Bengali
Joto Kando Kathmandute Topshe Bengali
1999 Jahangirer Swarnamudra Topshe Bengali
Ghurghutiyar Ghotona Topshe Bengali
Golapi Mukto Rahashya Topshe Bengali
Ambar Sen Antardhan Rahashya Topshe Bengali
2000 Ek Akasher Niche Akash Bengali
Dr. Munshir Diary Topshe Bengali
2005 Karkat Rashi Professor Bengali

Awards

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Saswata Chatterjee (born 19 December 1970) is an Indian actor predominantly working in Bengali and , television, and , renowned for his versatile portrayals ranging from antagonists and detectives to comedic characters. Based in , he has established himself as one of the most acclaimed contemporary performers in the Bengali film industry, often described as a "reel chameleon" for his ability to adapt to diverse roles. His career spans over two decades, encompassing stage plays, television serials, and films that have earned him critical praise and international recognition. Born in Kolkata, West Bengal, Chatterjee is the son of the late veteran Bengali actor Subhendu Chatterjee, whose influence grounded him in the world of performing arts from an early age. He began his professional journey as a theatre actor, performing for six years before making his on-screen debut in a Hindi television serial directed by Saibal Mitra, adapted from Samaresh Majumdar's Kaalpurush. Chatterjee gained prominence through his role as the detective's assistant Ajit in the Byomkesh Bakshi film series (starting 2010), which showcased his knack for character-driven performances. Chatterjee's breakthrough came with the 2012 Hindi thriller , where he portrayed the iconic contract killer Bob Biswas, a role that immortalized him in Bollywood and led to widespread acclaim for his subtle yet menacing screen presence. This performance opened doors to leading roles in Bengali cinema, including the titular detective Shabor in the series (2015 onward) and the biopic Jamalaye Jibonto Bhanu (2023), where he essayed the legendary comedian Bhanu Banerjee. Other notable works include Meghe Dhaka Tara (2013), the Byomkesh film franchise, the Hindi web series (2023), where he played a key supporting role alongside , and the sci-fi epic (2024). Throughout his career, Chatterjee has received several accolades, including the Best Actor in a Foreign Language Film at the 2019 Madrid International Film Festival for his performance in Shironam. He has also been honored with Tele Cine Awards for Byomkesh Bakshi (2011). His contributions extend to and voice work, underscoring his multifaceted talent in the Indian entertainment landscape.

Early life

Family background

Saswata Chatterjee was born on 19 December 1970 in , , . He was born to the renowned Bengali actor and the late Anjali Chatterjee, who passed away on 13 March 2024. His paternal grandparents were Shailendra Chattopadhay and Manimala Devi, who raised his father in a middle-class household that emphasized education, though Subhendu pursued against initial family expectations. Growing up in Kolkata's rich cultural milieu, Chatterjee was immersed in the world of films and theatre from an early age due to his father's prominent career in Bengali cinema. This exposure provided him with a deep grounding in the arts, fostering his initial interest in performing. The influence of Subhendu's versatile roles and collaborations with luminaries like played a pivotal role in shaping Chatterjee's early aspirations toward acting.

Education

Saswata Chatterjee received his early education at South Point High School in , a prestigious institution known for its academic rigor and extracurricular opportunities. He pursued his undergraduate studies at the , where he earned a with honors in English literature. This academic focus on English language and literature aligned with his family's artistic background, which influenced his involvement in extracurricular activities during college.

Personal life

Marriage and children

Saswata Chatterjee is married to Mohua Chatterjee, a former teacher and craft curator. The couple has one daughter, Hiya Chatterjee, born in 2003. Hiya, who pursued her education in Kolkata, achieved a 93% score in her ISC examinations in 2020. Hiya made her acting debut in the 2025 Bengali film Mon Maaney Na, opposite Ritwik Bhowmik. The Chatterjee family resides in , where they navigate the demands of Saswata's acting career alongside Mohua's professional commitments and Hiya's studies. Mohua has played a supportive role in maintaining family equilibrium amid these responsibilities, often described by Saswata as a calming influence in their household.

Interests and philanthropy

Saswata Chatterjee has maintained a deep passion for sports since his youth, particularly football. A lifelong enthusiast of the game, he often expresses for Kolkata's iconic football culture, especially the annual , which evokes fond memories of street-side matches and community fervor. Beyond sports, Chatterjee harbors a strong interest in , viewing it as a cornerstone of cultural depth and artistic inspiration. He has emphasized that films rooted in literary works tend to achieve greater resonance and success in Bengali cinema. This appreciation extends to traditional storytelling, as he has reflected on the decline in children engaging with Bengali fairy tales in modern times. In terms of , has supported initiatives, including lending his endorsement to conservation efforts focused on Bengal's state animal, the , through a project. leads a notably low-key lifestyle in , shunning the spotlight of and modern gadgets to preserve his privacy and focus on personal well-being. Unlike many contemporaries, he avoids cell phones entirely, relying instead on a at home, which he credits for fostering a simpler, more grounded existence. This deliberate detachment from digital hype underscores his preference for an unpretentious life amid the city's vibrant yet understated rhythm.

Career

Entry into acting

Saswata Chatterjee, born to the veteran Bengali actor , was initially reluctant to pursue despite his father's prominent legacy in and , preferring instead to explore other career paths after completing his education. Influenced by the family's artistic environment, he eventually viewed as an exciting adventure akin to a "paid holiday" involving travel, good food, and enjoyment at the producer's expense. This perspective marked his shift from initial hesitation to embracing the profession as a form of exploration rather than a predetermined . During his college years at St. Xavier's College in Kolkata, Chatterjee balanced extracurricular activities such as football and cricket in the mornings with afternoon auditions, facing the challenges of rejection and uncertainty in breaking into the industry. His early involvement in theatre provided a foundational entry point, where he worked as a professional theatre actor for six years, honing his craft through stage performances before gaining wider recognition. This period of persistent auditions and stage work represented a pivotal transition from academic stability to the unpredictable world of performing arts. Chatterjee made his on-screen debut in 1996 portraying Topshe, the assistant to detective , in the Bengali television series Feluda 30, directed by . His first major lead role came in 1997 with the Hindi television serial Kaalpurush, directed by Saibal Mitra and adapted from Samaresh Majumdar's acclaimed novel of the same name. The opportunity came through his father's influence, as helped secure the part, underscoring the familial ties that facilitated his entry despite the competitive landscape. This debut marked the culmination of his early struggles and theatre groundwork, propelling him toward a sustained career in .

Television and theatre phase

Building on his early television work, Chatterjee achieved prominence in Bengali television with his portrayal of Topshe, the loyal young assistant to detective Feluda, in the series directed by Sandip Ray, beginning with Feluda 30 in 1996 and continuing through multiple installments in the 1990s and 2000s. This role showcased his ability to embody youthful curiosity and reliability, earning him widespread recognition among West Bengal audiences. He further gained acclaim for his role as Ajit Bandyopadhyay, the assistant to detective Byomkesh Bakshi, in the Bengali television series Byomkesh Bakshi starting in 2010. During the 1996–2010 period, Chatterjee's career in Bengali TV evolved from supporting parts to more central characters, demonstrating growing versatility in nuanced performances. His first serial was Kaalpurush in the late , where he played the lead role. Notable among these was his appearance as Sangram Da in the popular serial Gaaner Oparey (2010), a role that highlighted his range in ensemble dramas and further boosted his popularity in the region by connecting with everyday family viewers. Parallel to his television work, Chatterjee immersed himself in , starting with six years at Jochhon Dastidar's group Charbak in the 1990s, followed by joining his father Subhendu Chatterjee's troupe Biswarupa. These group productions allowed him to refine his stage presence through diverse roles, often stepping in for various characters including female parts, fostering a strong foundation in live performance that complemented his screen work. This phase solidified Chatterjee's reputation as a character actor in Bengali media, with his TV serials driving increased visibility and fan engagement across West Bengal before his shift toward films.

Film breakthrough and evolution

Saswata Chatterjee transitioned to cinema after gaining prominence in television and theatre, leveraging his nuanced portrayals to secure supporting roles in early 2000s Bengali films. His film debut occurred in 2002 with Aamar Bhuvan, marking the beginning of a gradual entry into the industry where he often played character roles that showcased his range. This phase built on his television background, particularly his acclaimed depiction of Topshe in the Feluda series, which honed his ability to support lead narratives effectively. Chatterjee's breakthrough arrived in 2012 with the Hindi thriller , directed by , where he portrayed the chilling contract killer . The role, limited to a few pivotal scenes, earned widespread acclaim for its understated menace and became a cultural phenomenon, propelling him to national recognition. The character's enduring popularity led to a 2021 spin-off film , which explored the titular assassin's backstory, though Chatterjee did not reprise the part. Post-Kahaani, Chatterjee's career evolved through the Byomkesh Bakshi film franchise (2014–2016), where he essayed the loyal aide Ajit Bandyopadhyay across multiple installments, contributing to the series' success in blending detective intrigue with period aesthetics. He expanded into Hindi cinema with supporting appearances in films like Jagga Jasoos (2017) and Dil Bechara (2020), demonstrating his adaptability in mainstream narratives. By 2024, he achieved pan-Indian visibility in the sci-fi epic Kalki 2898 AD, playing the antagonist Commander Manas, a role that was expanded during production to heighten his character's villainous arc. In the 2020–2025 period, embraced diverse roles, including the lead in the thriller Chobiyal (2021), for which he received critical praise for embodying a unraveling dark secrets, underscoring his versatility beyond antagonists. His involvement in The Bengal Files (2025), a , further highlighted his selective approach to projects amid growing . Over his career, he has appeared in more than 100 films, earning acclaim for transitioning from regional supporting parts to multifaceted pan-Indian characters.

Filmography

Bengali films

Saswata Chatterjee debuted in Bengali cinema with the 1996 film Baksho Rahashya, marking the beginning of his contributions to Tollywood, where he has since taken on diverse lead and supporting roles, often portraying complex characters in thrillers, dramas, and comedies. His work in the genre has emphasized character-driven narratives, with notable performances in detective roles that have resonated with audiences in the regional industry. The following table provides a comprehensive overview of his Bengali film credits from 1996 to 2025, focusing on key productions with details on directors and roles where available. This list highlights his evolution from supporting parts to iconic leads, such as the detective Byomkesh Bakshi, which revitalized interest in literary adaptations in Bengali cinema.
YearTitleDirectorRole
1996Baksho RahashyaSandip RayTopshe (supporting)
2006Jaani DyakhoArunabha SenguptaBrajesh (lead)
2011Baishe SrabonSrijit MukherjiAmarnath Ghoshal
20123 KanyaAgnidev Bhattacharya(Anthology segment lead)
2012AutographSrijit MukherjiBabu
2012Abar ByomkeshAnjan DuttAjit (supporting)
2013Mishawr RawhoshyoSrijit MukherjiByomkesh Bakshi (lead; commercially successful detective film)
2013Aschorjo ProdipSrijit MukherjiProdip (lead)
2013Meghe Dhaka TaraKamaleswar MukherjeeNilkantha Bagchi (lead)
2014SwamiArghya DebSupporting role
2015Ebar ShaborArindam SilShabor (lead)
2015Natoker MotoArindam SilActor
2016Eagoler ChokhArindam SilShabor (lead; part of the popular detective series)
2016MonchoraSandip RaySupporting role
2017SamantaralAgnidev BhattacharyaIndranath (lead)
2018Total DadassPathikrit BasuSupporting role
2019DwikhonditoSrijit MukherjiSrijit (lead)
2019Basu ParibarArindam BagchiSupporting role
2020Shei Je Holud PakhiArindam SilActor
2021Asbay TohayAnirban ChakrabortyLead role
2023Jomalaye Jibonto BhanuRaja ChandaBhanu Banerjee (biographical lead; culturally impactful tribute)
2023Bad BoyRaj ChakrabortySupporting role
2024The Eken: Benaras e BibhishikaSrijit MukherjiEken Babu (lead in adventure series)
2024ShastriAnirban DuttaLead role
2025Dear MaaAniruddha Roy ChowdhurySupporting role
2025The Bengal FilesVivek Ranjan AgnihotriLead role
Chatterjee's roles in the Byomkesh and Shabor franchises, such as in Mishawr Rawhoshyo and Eagoler Chokh, achieved significant commercial success and cultural resonance by modernizing classic Bengali detective stories, drawing large audiences to theaters and contributing to the genre's popularity in Tollywood. His performance as Bhanu Banerjee in Jomalaye Jibonto Bhanu further underscored his ability to portray legendary figures, earning acclaim for its authentic depiction and box-office performance.

Hindi and other films

Saswata Chatterjee gained national prominence through his Hindi cinema debut in Sujoy Ghosh's thriller (2012), where he portrayed the chilling contract killer , a character defined by its understated menace and memorable dialogue. This role, inspired by his nuanced Bengali performances, adapted seamlessly to a broader audience, marking his expansion beyond regional cinema. Over the years, Chatterjee has taken on varied supporting roles in Bollywood, often as mentors, antagonists, or family figures, showcasing his versatility while retaining elements of his intense, introspective persona. His contributions extend to Telugu cinema with the sci-fi epic Kalki 2898 AD (2024), directed by , where he played the antagonist Manas, a role expanded during production to heighten the film's dystopian conflict. No notable Tamil or international films appear in his portfolio to date. The following table highlights select Hindi and other non-Bengali films, focusing on key roles that illustrate his pan-Indian presence:
YearFilmRoleDirectorLanguage
2012KahaaniBob BiswasSujoy GhoshHindi
2017Jagga JasoosBagchiAnurag BasuHindi
2020Dil BecharaAbhiraj Basu (Kizie's father)Mukesh ChhabraHindi
2022DhaakadHandler (ITF Chief/Ringmaster)Razneesh GhaiHindi
2022DobaaraaRaja GhoshAnurag KashyapHindi
2024CrewVijay WaliaRajesh A. KrishnanHindi
2024Metro... In DinoSanjeev GhoshAnurag BasuHindi
2024Kalki 2898 ADCommander ManasNag AshwinTelugu/Hindi
These appearances underscore Chatterjee's ability to infuse Bengali-rooted subtlety into high-stakes national and multilingual productions, enhancing ensemble casts with his commanding screen presence.

Television and web series

Television roles

Saswata Chatterjee began his in television with the serial adaptation of Samaresh Majumdar's novel Kaalpurush, directed by Saibal , which aired in the early and marked his entry into the medium. In this series, he portrayed a supporting role that introduced him to audiences across , laying the foundation for his subsequent work in Bengali television. Chatterjee gained significant recognition in Bengali television through his portrayal of Topshe, the young nephew and assistant to the Feluda, in the Feluda 30 series (1996–2000), directed by and aired on . This long-running anthology of detective stories, spanning 10 episodes including Joto Kando Kathmandute (1996) and Ghurghutiyar Ghotona (1998), showcased his ability to embody the character's curiosity and loyalty alongside as Feluda. The series, rooted in Ray's iconic stories, contributed to his early fame in by highlighting his nuanced performance in mystery narratives. His most prominent television role came in the long-running Bengali serial Ek Akasher Niche (2000–2005), broadcast on , where he played Akash, a central character in this family drama that explored themes of love, relationships, and societal norms over 1,177 episodes. As Akash, Chatterjee depicted a young man navigating personal and familial conflicts, earning widespread popularity among Bengali viewers and solidifying his status as a television staple in the region during the early 2000s. The show's massive viewership on amplified his visibility, influencing his transition to and while establishing his impact on West Bengal's television landscape.
SerialYearChannelRoleDescription
KaalpurushEarly 1990sNot specified ( serial) of Samaresh Majumdar's , marking his debut in television.
Feluda 301996–2000Anthology detective series; appeared in multiple episodes as Feluda's assistant.
Ek Akasher Niche2000–2005[Zee Bangla](/page/Zee Bangla)AkashLong-running family drama; key in exploring interpersonal dynamics.
In the and , Chatterjee made occasional guest appearances in anthology episodes and comedy specials on channels like , including hosting sketches in Apur Sangsar (2017), but these were shorter engagements compared to his earlier sustained roles. His television work during this phase emphasized his versatility, often drawing from his background to infuse characters with depth, though he primarily shifted focus to films and thereafter.

Web series appearances

Saswata Chatterjee has effectively transitioned to over-the-top (OTT) platforms since the late , leveraging his versatile acting to portray complex characters in Bengali and that explore themes of mystery, thriller, and . His roles in these digital formats have allowed him to reach broader audiences beyond traditional television, contributing to the growing popularity of regional content on streaming services.
YearTitleRolePlatformLanguage
2017Dhimaner DinkaalDhiman DuttaALT BalajiBengali
2018–2021Somnath Maitra (Shom)HoichoiBengali
2022Mahabharat MurdersDuryodhan (serial killer)HoichoiBengali
2023Brijpal
2024Kaantaye KaantayeP.K. BasuBengali
2025Khakee: The Bengal ChapterShankar Barua (Bagha)Bengali/Hindi
These appearances highlight Chatterjee's ability to anchor narratives in suspense-driven stories, such as the comedic yet relatable in Dhimaner Dinkaal, where he navigates marital and societal expectations, or the vengeful in Mahabharat Murders, drawing parallels to epic mythology in a modern crime context. The shift to has enhanced the accessibility of Chatterjee's performances, enabling global viewers to engage with nuanced Bengali storytelling through platforms like Hoichoi and , which have expanded the reach of regional cinema in the digital era.

Awards and honors

Film awards

Saswata Chatterjee has received several accolades for his performances in Bengali and films, with recognition from regional and international bodies highlighting his versatility in supporting and leading roles.
YearAwardCategoryFilmNotes
2003Bengal Film Journalists' Association AwardBest Actor in a Supporting RoleAamar BhubanWon for his supporting performance.
2012Anandalok PuraskarBest Supporting ActorWon alongside other cast members for the ensemble comedy-horror.
2013International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA)Best Performance in a Negative RoleNominated for his portrayal of Bob Biswas.
2013Screen AwardsBest Actor in a Negative RoleNominated for the iconic villainous role of Bob Biswas.
2019Madrid International Film FestivalBest Actor in a Foreign Language FilmShironamWon for his lead role in the Bengali drama.
2021West Bengal Film Journalists' Association AwardChobiyalWon for his lead performance as Habol in the drama.
Chatterjee has also received nominations from bodies like the for leading roles in films such as Meghe Dhaka Tara (2013) and Cloud Capped Star (2014), underscoring his critical acclaim in Bengali cinema. As of 2025, no individual film awards have been announced for his roles in (2024) or The Bengal Files (2025), though the former contributed to ensemble recognition at events like the .

Television and other awards

Saswata Chatterjee earned recognition for his television work with the Tele Cine Award for Best in 2011, awarded for his portrayal of Ajit Bandopadhyay in the Bengali detective series . In the realm of , Chatterjee received a nomination at the for Best in a Drama Series for his role as Shailendra Gupta in , a adaptation of the British thriller. The series itself garnered further acclaim, including a nomination for Best Drama Series at the 2024 . Chatterjee's early career in , including involvement with his father's group Biswarupa, established him as a prominent stage performer in Bengali drama, though specific theatre awards remain undocumented in major records. His contributions to the medium have been noted for their impact on contemporary Bengali performing arts.

References

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