Indroneel Chatterjee
Indroneel Chatterjee

Tall, dark and handsome – Indroneel Chatterjee is the quintessential ‘It’ guy who wishes to make it big as an actor. But a far cry from every other aspiring hero’s saga, his story is anything but conventional. Back in 2008, the 24-year old had assisted popular director Priyadarshan in a comedy flick while completing his degree in Bachelor of Mass Media. However, he later decided to let go of his Bollywood dreams and shifted his base to Oxford as he wanted study there.

Indroneel
Indroneel

He says, “I have done my Masters in Applied Psychology and another Masters degree while researching in Consumer Neuroscience. My research got a distinction and are on the road to publication in international journals in pertinent fields. Now, I research in multi-sensory perception of food and introduction of insect foods in the diet at Oxford. I want to eventually be an ambassador for such research as it adds to global food security.”

Indroneel
Indroneel

I’m sure by now, you know what I meant when I called his story ‘anything but conventional’. Clearly, this youngster had his career plans chalked out. But it looks like he was destined to be an actor. As luck would have it, Indroneel became the Face Of Oxford and then he also walked the ramp during the Oxford Fashion Week. Recollecting the experience, he narrates, “I had not heard of the competition and I just spontaneously entered the auditions on my way from our lab to the hall. After that I featured on the newspaper among the top 10 contenders. Then I went on to win the title as I got a lot of votes. Thankfully, the jury also liked me and that’s how I became the first male to win this title as well as the first guy belonging to my ethnicity.”

Indroneel
Indroneel

Needless to mention, the Indian lad managed to make waves across Oxford and also became quite the head-turner in the West. And guess what? He was offered a role in a major Bollywood film soon after that. He’s soon going to commence shooting for the big banner flick but has been asked to remain tight-lipped about the project as of now. Talking about his future plans, he shares, “I am very delighted with the offer. But I am unwilling to compromise. I want the best of both the worlds – academia and media. But winning the prestigious title and bagging a Bollywood film have been very overwhelming for me. I have recently secured a place for a course at the prestigious RADA (Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London) which will help support my creative endeavors.”

Indroneel
Indroneel

Indroneel is represented by three agencies in UK (two in London and one in Oxford) and he also has an agent who is helping him carve his name in English TV and Hollywood.“I do want to step out of the cliches in India – yes, I would love to consider mainstream fun Bollywood flicks but I am also keen on doing some experimental films with a strong story line (something that resonates with me on a personal level).  Another personal expedition of mine is to change the pigeonhole that exists in the representation of Indian figures in Western media.” Here’s wishing all the best to the young talent.