Filmmaker Saarthak Dasgupta stumbled upon an old VHS tape while cleaning his house, leading to an unexpected discovery. The tape contained 'The Last Tenant', a film he made 25 years ago featuring Irrfan Khan and Vidya Balan, long before they became household names. The film has now been released online, offering audiences a rare and moving glimpse into the early careers of two of Indian cinema's most cherished actors.
Saarthak Dasgupta on Waiting 25 Years for His Film's Release
Speaking to Variety India, Dasgupta reflected on the surreal experience of finally seeing his film reach audiences after more than two decades. With a calm born from years of patience, he said, 'To see a film released after 25 years, man. Look, my life has been tempered to wait. 'Music Teacher' was written 17 years before it got made. This was made and then released after 26 years. 'Dharavi Bank' was written eight years before it got made. 'The Great Indian Butterfly' sat unreleased for seven years. So it happens. Some lives are like these.' He paused before sharing hard-earned wisdom: 'Either you take to the bottle and become depressed or else you keep writing and keep working and be happy about it. So I chose the second. You have to be spiritual also at the same time while being an artist.'
Saarthak Dasgupta Recalls Working with Irrfan Khan and Vidya Balan
Dasgupta fondly remembered meeting Irrfan Khan at his apartment. 'He heard the script and immediately said, 'I'll do it.' Then, suddenly, I was next-level nervous,' he said. However, the warmth and professionalism of both actors made the experience bearable. 'I was very scared. Not of them, but generally. Because I was producing, I had also written it, and till you test yourself, you doubt everything you do. Plus I had to also be the boss on set, keep an eye on the money and direct the film. But they were very nice. No unusual demands, no tantrums, no impunctuality. Vidya and I used to laugh a lot and talk about life, relationships and random things. Irrfan was already Irrfan. He would quietly come and become the character and maintain that composure,' Dasgupta recalled.
Saarthak Dasgupta Releases 'The Last Tenant' as a Tribute to Irrfan Khan
Written and directed by Sarthak Dasgupta and produced by Neena and Sarthak Dasgupta, 'The Last Tenant' has been released as a heartfelt tribute to the late Irrfan Khan. The film, which also stars Vidya Balan, stands as a testament to the early talents of these actors. The TOI Entertainment Desk, a dynamic team of journalists, brings you this story from the world of entertainment, covering the rise of new sensations and the journeys of industry veterans, exploring the intersections of entertainment with society, politics, and everyday life.
