Chanchal Chowdhury made the country proud when he represented Bangladesh in the Kolkata International Film Festival, sharing the stage with superstars like Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and Shatrugan Sinha. The Daily Star talked to Chanchal over the phone on his achievement.

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Chanchal Chowdhury shares the stage with Amitabh and SRK

How did it feel to share the stage with Amitabh and Shah Rukh?

At this point, it feels surreal. What's more surreal to me is the love that I received from people after those photos were published. My film 'Hawa' is in the Kolkata International Film Festival as well, which only adds to my elation.

You were the only Bangladeshi actor who stood beside these legends. What did you talk about?

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Even though there were a lot of protocols since huge stars and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee was present, I did get to talk to both SRK and Amitabh.

I talked to Amitabh Bachchan in Bangla, and told him about my film 'Hawa', to which he smiled and expressed his approval. He replied in Bangla!

When Shah Rukh entered, there was a lot of security but I was able to get introduced to him and take a selfie.

Did you know that you were going to be on stage with them?

Not at all. The organizers knew that my father was sick, and I might not even make it to the event. The committee's head was Raj Chakrabarty, who called me to stage with the legends.

Could you talk to Mamata Banerjee?

I did. As I was introduced to her as a representative from Bangladesh, she said that she knew who I was, and that 'Hawa' was doing very well there. It was a proud moment for me! What more can an artiste ask for?

Could you go and watch 'Hawa' at theatres there?

I will go today (Saturday). Two ministers will watch the film in Nandan, and have invited me there. 9 halls in Nandan is filled to the brim, and I hope the people in Kolkata keep giving it the love that it deserves.