Dev and Subhashree Ganguly created a social media sensation on Monday. The popular Bengali actors went live together on Facebook for the very first time. Their candid conversation attracted massive attention, pulling in over 557,000 views and more than 13,000 comments. The numbers continued to climb long after the live session ended.
A Thrilling Announcement and Easy Adda
The duo settled into a comfortable, informal adda with their fans. They fielded numerous questions about their upcoming project, DeSu7. This film marks their seventh collaboration and is scheduled for a release during the Pujo festivities. Dev described the movie as a kind-of thriller. He promised it would blend action and romance into a compelling narrative.
"DeSu7 will be a thriller where every emotion is present," Dev explained enthusiastically. "You will find tok, jhal, mishti, and nonta – the best of all worlds." The actor revealed how quickly Subhashree agreed to the project. He called her on December 31st with the proposal. Within just thirty seconds, she said yes.
Addressing the Industry Boycott Head-On
Their live chat took a serious turn when the topic shifted to current industry tensions. Dev and Subhashree openly discussed the ongoing boycott of actor Anirban Bhattacharya by the technicians' federation. This opened a larger conversation about dignity, livelihoods, and leadership responsibilities within the Bengali film fraternity.
Subhashree directly asked Dev why Anirban was not being allowed to work. She also inquired if he was part of the DeSu7 cast. Dev responded with thoughtful candor. "I don't fully know what the issue with Anirban is or how it began," he admitted. "But there is clearly a dispute between him and the federation. I want everyone to be able to work peacefully. And I want him to work with us in this film."
Calling the Bengali film industry "very small," Dev stressed a crucial point. "There are very few heroes, and banning one brings a lot of work to a halt," he stated. He emphasized that a leader's primary job is to ensure livelihoods, not stop them. Dev underscored the importance of respect for artists. "An artiste lives on respect — forcing people to plead for mercy is not our culture," he said bluntly. He added a powerful statement: "If an artiste loses dignity, he is left with nothing."
Subhashree echoed his sentiments and made a heartfelt appeal. "We are a political state, but our people are also gentle and culturally rich," she noted. "An actor as talented as Anirban da is a matter of pride for our industry."
Moving Forward and Protecting Cinema
In a significant move, the duo announced the opening of ticket bookings on Monday afternoon for the first day first show of DeSu7. This historic step generated further excitement among their fans.
Both actors urged everyone to focus on the present and move past old narratives. "We don't want to live in the past anymore… moving forward is what life is about," Subhashree stated firmly. She mentioned they are working together again "with the support of our partners."
Dev specifically thanked Rukmini Maitra and Raj Chakrabarty. He also asked viewers for restraint in their online behavior. "Please don't make comments that insult our partners," he requested. Subhashree added, "They deserve respect too."
Reflecting on their long journey, Dev recalled Subhashree's ban during the filming of Khokababu in 2012. "We fought on and delivered blockbusters," he said. "Lorai tai jibon. Today the fight is about protecting cinema and ensuring livelihoods."
Subhashree shared her perspective on their enduring presence. "Our schooling was different and more strict," she reflected. "Discipline was, is and will always be of supreme importance. And I guess for that we are still there in the industry."
The live session blended nostalgia, candor, and a clear vision for the future. It captivated hundreds of thousands of fans while addressing critical issues facing Bengali cinema today.
