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Ritwick Chakraborty

Ritwick Chakraborty (born 31 March 1977) is an and predominantly working in Bengali cinema, recognized for his versatile performances in critically acclaimed films. Born in , , Chakraborty initially pursued a career as a medical representative in before quitting to follow his passion for acting, a decision supported by his family despite initial financial hardships. He made his acting debut in 2007 with the commercial Pagal Premi, followed by supporting roles in films like Chalo Let's Go (2008) and Cross Connection (2009), gradually transitioning to more substantial characters in independent cinema. Chakraborty rose to prominence with his lead role as Tarak Dutta in Shabdo (2012), a about a sound designer grappling with , which earned him the for in 2014 and saw the film win the National Film Award for in . He has received additional accolades, including West Bengal Film Journalists' Association Awards. Subsequent notable works include Bakita Byaktigato (2013), which also received a National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Bengali, Vinci Da (2019) for which he won the Film Journalists' Association Award for Best Actor in a Negative Role, and The Elder Son (2019). He continues to appear in prominent Bengali films as of 2025. In addition to , he has worked as a , and is married to actress since 2011.

Early life and education

Early years

Ritwick Chakraborty was born on March 31, 1977, in , , . He was raised in a modest middle-class family in this suburban town located in the , near . Chakraborty's father, an avid movie enthusiast, cultivated a home atmosphere rich in cinematic discussions, which exposed him to from a young age and nurtured an early fascination with narrative arts that would later shape his career path.

Schooling and early career pursuits

Ritwick Chakraborty completed his schooling at Barrackpore Government High School in , . During his student years, he took on part-time work school textbooks for publishers to support himself. After finishing his without pursuing higher studies, Chakraborty secured a job as a medical representative, covering the district, including areas from to . This role involved extensive travel and sales efforts for pharmaceutical products, but he found it demanding and unfulfilling amid his growing passion for performance. In the mid-2000s, facing the challenges of balancing his job with artistic aspirations, Chakraborty made the difficult decision to resign from his position as a medical representative. This pivotal choice marked his full commitment to pursuing professionally, transitioning from practical employment to a career in the arts.

Acting career

Theatre and film debut

After quitting his job as a medical representative in 2003, Ritwick Chakraborty immersed himself in the , joining local circles in through connections with friends already involved in the scene. These companions, who had enrolled in the state-run Roopkala Kendro, encouraged him to pursue professionally and cast him in student short films and television productions, marking his initial foray into scripted performances. While specific key plays from this period remain undocumented in major sources, Chakraborty's involvement in these informal groups honed his skills and provided a supportive that bridged his from amateur pursuits to professional opportunities. Chakraborty's film debut came in 2007 with Pagal Premi, a Bengali romantic drama directed by Hara Patnaik and serving as a remake of the Telugu film Arya (2004). In the lead role of the titular "crazy lover," he portrayed a young man entangled in a tale of love, family conflicts, and emotional turmoil, marking his entry into mainstream commercial cinema. The production, which featured song-and-dance sequences typical of the genre, was released to mixed reception, praised for its energetic performances but critiqued for its formulaic plot; it nonetheless provided Chakraborty with his first significant on-screen exposure in Bengali films. Following his debut, Chakraborty took on minor supporting roles in subsequent films, such as Chalo Let's Go (2008), directed by , where he played Sekhar, one of four school friends embarking on a nostalgic filled with humor and . As a newcomer without formal training or industry connections, he faced challenges breaking into the competitive Bengali cinema landscape, often relying on theatre-honed versatility to secure these early parts amid limited auditions and risks. These initial roles, though small, allowed him to build experience and visibility in an industry dominated by established stars.

Rise to prominence

Chakraborty's breakthrough came with the 2012 film , directed by , where he portrayed Tarak Dutta, a foley whose obsession with ambient sounds leads to a psychological unraveling and alienation from his family. The film's release in 2013 garnered significant critical praise for his intense dramatic performance, marking a shift in perception toward him as a serious in cinema. For this role, he received the Best Actor in 2014, highlighting his ability to convey complex emotional depth through subtle physicality and expression. Building on this momentum, Chakraborty took on the lead role of Pramit in Bakita Byaktigato (2013), directed by Pradipta Bhattacharyya, playing an independent filmmaker embarking on a documentary about love while grappling with his own emotional voids. The film's introspective narrative and his nuanced portrayal of a introspective protagonist earned widespread acclaim, contributing to its win at the 61st for Best Feature Film in . This role further solidified his reputation for tackling unconventional characters, drawing attention from national audiences for his authentic depiction of urban alienation. In 2014, Chakraborty expanded his range with supporting appearances in acclaimed anthologies and features, including a pivotal role as Abhijit in the thriller segment of , directed by , where his understated intensity added layers to the film's interconnected stories of jealousy and revenge. He also starred as the unnamed husband in (also known as ), directed by , embodying the quiet struggles of a working-class man in a dialogueless portrayal of marital resilience amid economic hardship. The film's selection for the and wins at the , including Best Debut Film, brought national and international notice to his versatile acting, praised for its raw emotional authenticity without verbal cues. These performances in quick succession showcased his adaptability across genres, from to minimalist , establishing him as a key figure in the evolving landscape of 2010s cinema.

Established roles and recent projects

In the 2020s, Ritwick Chakraborty solidified his position as a versatile lead actor in Bengali cinema, building on earlier acclaimed lead roles such as his portrayal of , a flute player, in (2017), which contributed to the film's National Film Award win for Best Feature Film in . This evolution allowed him to explore nuanced characters in legal thrillers and emotional dramas, often collaborating with acclaimed directors such as and Pratim D. Gupta. Chakraborty's foray into production began with the 2021 Bengali web series Birohi, a crime drama he co-produced under his banner, marking his debut in streaming content creation and earning praise for its gritty narrative on vigilante justice. This venture highlighted his growing influence behind the camera, complementing his on-screen work in projects that blend with suspense. His 2024 releases showcased a shift toward genre-blending roles, including the legal drama Shontaan, directed by , where he played a conflicted son in a battle over family , emphasizing themes of rejection and reconciliation. In the fantasy Bhootpori, helmed by Soukarya Ghosal, Chakraborty portrayed the enigmatic Makhon Chor, a character adding layers of folklore-inspired mischief to the story of a boy's encounter with supernatural forces in a rural setting. By 2025, Chakraborty's output intensified with multiple high-profile films, reflecting his established status in lead roles across thrillers and dramas. In Srijit Mukherji's Shotyi Bole Shotyi Kichhu Nei, an ensemble courtroom thriller inspired by 12 Angry Men, he embodied a juror grappling with moral dilemmas in a tense deliberation over justice and prejudice. Pratim D. Gupta's Ranna Baati featured him as a father navigating estrangement through culinary memories, underscoring themes of healing and familial bonds in a lighthearted yet poignant narrative. He took on an action-oriented cop in Abhirup Ghosh's neo-Western Mrigaya: The Hunt, investigating a murder in Kolkata's underbelly alongside an unlikely partner, blending buddy dynamics with gritty realism. Finally, in Sayantan Ghosal's mystery Rabindra Kabya Rahasya, Chakraborty played Professor Abhik Bose, a cipher expert unraveling a century-spanning conspiracy tied to Rabindranath Tagore's unpublished works, fusing literary intrigue with neo-noir suspense. These projects, building on his earlier acclaim for versatility, cemented Chakraborty's reputation for delivering emotionally resonant performances in contemporary Bengali storytelling.

Personal life

Marriage

Ritwick Chakraborty met around 2004 while working as a scriptwriter for television, where she was an established actress in the industry. Their shared professional backgrounds in theatre and cinema fostered a close relationship, which they kept private for several years before going public. The couple opted for a simple court marriage on April 24, 2011, registering their union in a private ceremony attended only by close friends and family, foregoing a traditional reception due to Chakraborty's father's serious illness at the time. This low-key event reflected their preference for intimacy amid personal challenges, though they had been in a for some time prior. Since their marriage, Chakraborty and Ghosh Das have frequently appeared together at public events, including film premieres and award functions, often showcasing their strong partnership. They provide mutual support in their acting careers, with each encouraging the other's projects and occasionally collaborating professionally, which has strengthened their bond over more than a decade together.

Family

Ritwick Chakraborty and his wife welcomed their first son, , in 2013. Their second son was born on January 9, 2017, at a in . Chakraborty has described his family as a vital source of inspiration, often crediting them for grounding his perspective amid his demanding acting schedule. The family resides in , where Chakraborty maintains a low profile to shield his children from public scrutiny. He has emphasized the importance of balancing professional commitments with family time, such as taking vacations to celebrate milestones like his son's birthday, allowing him to recharge away from the industry's pressures. This deliberate effort to prioritize home life has influenced his career choices, enabling him to select roles that align with his values while ensuring regular involvement in his sons' upbringing post his rise to prominence.

Filmography

Feature films

Ritwick Chakraborty's feature films span Bengali cinema, where he has portrayed a range of lead and supporting roles since his debut. The following table lists his key theatrical films chronologically from 2007 to 2025, including title, year, role, director, and notes on status (lead or supporting).
YearTitleRoleDirector(s)Notes
2007Pagal PremiSuryaSujit GuhaLead role
2008Chalo Let's GoBitupon ChatterjeeAnjan DuttSupporting role
2009Cross ConnectionRahulSudipto ChattopadhyayaLead role
2010Le ChakkaAbirRaj ChakrabortyLead role
2012NecklaceAnandaShiboprosad Nair, Nandita RoyLead role
2012ShabdoTarak DuttaArindam SilLead role
2013PhoringRajaRaj ChakrabortyLead role
2013Meghe Dhaka TaraNilkanta BagchiKamaleswar MukherjeeLead role
2014Ek Phali RokomArkaKamaleswar MukherjeeLead role
2014Teen Kanya(Anthology segments)Kaushik Ganguly et al.Supporting roles in anthology
2015Ebar ShaborIndranath RoyArindam SilSupporting role
2015Har Har ByomkeshAjit BandyopadhyayAniruddha Roy ChowdhurySupporting role
2016Byomkesh PawrboAjitArindam SilSupporting role
2016The Violin PlayerMontuAmartya BhattacharyyaLead role
2017Maacher JholShubhroAbhishek SahaLead role
2017Chhaya O ChhobiAnirbanSudeshna Roy, Anirban DasguptaLead role
2017Bibaho DiariesArkaPavitra MaharshiLead role
2017Chawlachitra CircusRajaAnjan DuttLead role
2018Ahare MonAbhimanyuRaktim RazLead role
2018Rong Beronger KorhiRajaAnjan DuttLead role
2019Borunbabur BondhuAniruddhaAnirban DasguptaLead role
2019JyeshthoputroAvikShiboprosad Nair, Nandita RoyLead role
2019Vinci DaJoyAadi BoseLead role
2021Bini SutoySrijanSrijit MukherjiLead role
2022DharmajuddhaRaghabAnirban ChakrabartiLead role
2023Tarokar Mrityu(Unnamed)Srijit MukherjiLead role
2023Ektu Sore Boshun(Unnamed)Anirban ChakrabartiSupporting role
2024BhootporiMakhon ChorSoukarya GhosalLead role
2024ShontaanIndranilRaj ChakrabortySupporting role (to Mithun Chakraborty)
2025BhaggyolokkhiSatyaMainak BhaumikLead role
2025Shotyi Bole Shotyi Kichhu Nei(Unnamed)Sumit BhattacharyaLead role
2025Ranna BaatiSatya (Father)Pratim D. GuptaLead role
2025Mrigaya: The HuntDebanjanAbhirup GhoshLead role
2025Rabindra Kabya Rahasya(Unnamed)Sayantan GhosalLead role
2025Porichoy Gupta(Unnamed)Ron RajLead role
2025OporichitoRanjanJoydeep MukherjeeLead role

Television and web series

Ritwick Chakraborty began his foray into television with supporting roles in Bengali serials during the early , marking an initial expansion from before his film breakthrough. His early television work included the family drama Kanakanjali (2011–2012), where he portrayed a key character in a centered on relationships and societal expectations. He further appeared in the detective series (2015) as Ajit Bandopadhyay, the loyal companion to the iconic sleuth , contributing to the adaptation's exploration of classic mystery tales. With the rise of OTT platforms post-2020, Chakraborty has prominently featured in , often taking on complex, lead roles that showcase his versatility in thrillers and dramas. Notable among these is (2022–2023), a Hoichoi series where he played the forgetful Gourab Sen, navigating cases with humor and deduction in a context. In the ZEE5 historical drama (2022), he depicted a pivotal figure in a story of political awakening and personal liberation during India's freedom struggle. His role as Sashadhar in (2023), another ZEE5 production, involved portraying a suspect in a Gangtok-based alongside , blending suspense with cultural intrigue. Chakraborty's digital presence continued to grow with Abar Proloy (2023– ), a crime thriller sequel where he essayed Shombhu, a character entangled in a child trafficking investigation in the , emphasizing themes of justice and moral ambiguity. On Hoichoi, he led Adv. Achinta Aich (2024– ) as the titular Achinta Aich, defending a in a high-profile case amid courtroom drama and personal conflicts. In the relationship-focused Kolonko (2024– ), also on Hoichoi, Chakraborty portrayed a college friend confronting past secrets and prejudices, highlighting interpersonal dynamics in contemporary society. Additionally, he appeared in the comedic adventure Mr Kolketa (also known as Adventures of Kolke, 2023– ) on Hoichoi, playing a supporting role in tales of a history-obsessed exploring Kolkata's heritage. These web series roles underscore his shift toward streaming content, allowing deeper character explorations beyond traditional television formats.
YearTitleRolePlatform
2011–2012KanakanjaliSupporting roleZee Bangla
2015Ajit Bandopadhyay
2022–2023GoraGourab SenHoichoi
2022Lead role
2023–Sashadhar
2023–Abar ProloyShombhu
2023–Mr KolketaSupporting roleHoichoi
2024–Adv. Achinta AichAchinta AichHoichoi
2024–KolonkoLead roleHoichoi

Awards and nominations

National and Filmfare recognitions

Ritwick Chakraborty's performance in the 2012 film , where he portrayed a dedicated foley grappling with personal and professional challenges, earned him the Best Actor award at the inaugural in 2014. This recognition highlighted his nuanced depiction of an 's isolation, contributing to the film's critical acclaim. The film itself received the at the in 2013, with the jury praising its innovative narrative on the sound design profession and Chakraborty's central role in elevating its thematic depth. Although Chakraborty did not receive a direct honor from the National Awards jury for this work, his portrayal was instrumental in the film's selection, underscoring his impact on cinema's national recognition. Chakraborty's portrayal of a resentful in Jyeshthoputro (2019) garnered him the Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Male) at the in 2021, where his raw depiction of and was lauded for adding layers to the family drama. These honors, spanning leading and supporting categories, reflect his consistent excellence in films that explore interpersonal tensions.

Regional and other honors

Chakraborty has received several recognitions from regional film bodies in , highlighting his versatility in both leading and antagonistic roles. In 2020, he won the West Bengal Film Journalists' Association (WBFJA) Award for Best Actor in a Negative Role for his portrayal of the cunning Indrasish in , a performance noted for its intense psychological depth. His work in critically acclaimed dramas earned him further accolades from the same body. For Binisutoy (2022), Chakraborty received the WBFJA Best Actor (Male) award for his role as the introspective Nilay, sharing the honor with for . In 2023, he was awarded the WBFJA Best Actor (Critics' Choice) for his nuanced depiction of Shuvo in Ananta: The Eternal, co-winning the main Best Actor category with for Projapoti. Chakraborty has also been nominated multiple times by the WBFJA, including for in 2018 for Maacher Jhol. Beyond WBFJA, he garnered the Anandalok Puraskar for in a Negative Role in 2025 for his chilling in Shontaan, underscoring his continued impact in Bengali cinema.