Soham Chakraborty (born 4 March 1984) is an Indianactor, film producer, television personality, and politician primarily known for his work in Bengali cinema and his role as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) in West Bengal.[1][2] Debuting as a child artist billed as Master Bittu at age two, Chakraborty has appeared in over 100 Bengali films, often in lead roles in commercial action-dramas and remakes such as Amanush (2006), Bojhena Shey Bojhena (2012), and Le Halua Le (2015).[3][4] His performances have garnered awards including the Tele Cine Award for Best Actor for Amanush and nominations at the Zee Bangla Gourab Somman Awards.[5] Entering politics with AITC, he won the Chandipur assembly seat in the 2021 West Bengal elections.[2] Chakraborty's public profile includes a 2024 controversy where he was charged with assaulting a restaurant owner in Kolkata following a dispute over parking and alleged abusive remarks toward AITC leader Abhishek Banerjee, an incident captured on CCTV footage; he subsequently apologized, surrendered, and received bail.[6][7][8]
Early life
Family background and childhood
Soham Chakraborty was born on 4 March 1984 in Kolkata, West Bengal, India.[9][10]He is the son of Subrata Chakraborty.[11]Little is publicly documented about his mother's identity or family profession, though Chakraborty has shared family photos and celebrated milestones such as his father's 75th birthday in 2021.[11][12]As a child, Chakraborty, then known professionally as Master Bittu, entered the Bengali film industry at approximately age three, appearing in early roles that marked the beginning of his exposure to entertainment.[13][14]By age five, he featured in films such as Mangaldeep (1989) and Nayan Moni (1989), demonstrating early acting aptitude in a competitive field where few child performers sustained careers.[14][15]
Initial entry into entertainment
Soham Chakraborty began his career in the Bengali film industry as a child artist at the age of three, initially credited as Master Bittu. His debut came in the 1988 film Chhoto Bou, directed by Anjan Choudhury, where he portrayed a young supporting character, drawing notice for his unforced on-screen presence despite the limited footage.[16][1] The film, released on July 15, 1988, marked his entry into a series of child roles that capitalized on his expressive features and ease before the camera.[17]Under the Master Bittu moniker, Chakraborty featured in multiple commercial successes, including Sinthir Sindoor, Surer Bhubane, Mon Mayuree, and Mangal Deep (1989), often in vignettes that highlighted familial or everyday scenarios typical of 1980sBengalicinema.[18] These appearances, spanning superhit productions, established him as a recognizable child performer in Tollywood, with directors leveraging his appeal for emotional depth in ensemble casts. By 1990, he had earned a role in Satyajit Ray's Shakha Proshakha, collaborating with one of India's foremost filmmakers and gaining exposure to auteur-driven narratives distinct from mainstream fare.[19]His early work also involved partnerships with directors like Tarun Majumdar and Anjan Choudhury, whose films emphasized cultural realism and audience relatability, providing Chakraborty foundational experience in set dynamics and script interpretation from a tender age. This phase, though brief, positioned him within the industry's ecosystem, transitioning from peripheral child parts to more substantial opportunities as he matured.[20]
Professional career
Film acting and breakthroughs
Chakraborty began his acting career in Bengali cinema as a child artist, debuting at age two and a half in the 1987 film Chhoto Bou.[10] He appeared in multiple early roles under the moniker Master Bittu, including Satyajit Ray's Shakha Proshakha (1990) and films such as Lathi (1996).[21][22] These childhood appearances spanned supporting parts in over a dozen productions before he paused acting in his teens.[14]Returning as an adult, Chakraborty secured leading roles in the mid-2000s, with Prem Amar (2009), a romantic action drama directed by Raj Chakraborty, serving as his major breakthrough.[10] The film, co-starring Payel Sarkar, achieved significant commercial success at the box office, grossing substantial returns and earning Chakraborty widespread acclaim for his portrayal of a young man navigating love and family pressures.[23] This performance marked his transition to stardom, positioning him as a leading man in Tollywood.[24]Building on this momentum, Chakraborty's subsequent films emphasized action and romance genres, often remakes of Hindi hits, which drove his commercial viability. Amanush (2010), a remake of Bodyguard, became one of his biggest hits, reinforcing his appeal in mass-market entertainers.[15] Follow-ups like Faande Poriya Boga Kaande Re (2011), adapted from Wanted, further cemented his status, with these remakes collectively accounting for much of his early box-office dominance in Bengali cinema.[25] By the 2010s, he had starred in over 100 films, predominantly as the male lead in formulaic commercial vehicles.[24]
Television and web series roles
Chakraborty entered the realm of web series with Dujone, a Bengali-language thriller streaming on Hoichoi starting July 9, 2021.[26] In the series, he portrayed Amar, a character entangled in themes of trust, deception, and relational strain alongside Srabanti Chatterjee as Ahana.[27] The production marked his fifth collaboration with Chatterjee and received a 6.2/10 rating on IMDb based on viewer feedback highlighting the lead performances.[26]In 2024, Chakraborty appeared in Kaantaye Kaantaye, a ZEE5 thriller anthology series that premiered on August 15.[28] He played Subir Roy, a supporting role in the narrative centered on advocate P.K. Basu (Saswata Chatterjee) unraveling murders amid grief and justice, directed by Joydeep Mukherjee.[29] The series earned a 6.4/10 IMDb rating, with episodes like "Wind of Change" featuring his involvement in plotlines involving threats to Basu's associates.[30][31]Chakraborty has not undertaken lead or recurring acting roles in traditional Bengali television serials, with his television presence limited to guest appearances and reality show judging, such as on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Little Champs in 2020.[32]
Production ventures
Chakraborty entered film production in 2016 by establishing Ajhosro Entertainment, with its debut project being the Bengali drama Amar Aponjon (released 2017), directed by Joydip Mukherjee, in which he also starred as Joydip Mukherjee.[33] The film focused on themes of friendship and loss, marking his initial foray into backing commercial Bengali cinema while nurturing new directorial talents.[34]In 2020, Ajhosro Entertainment rebranded as Soham's Entertainment & Creative Solutions Private Limited, a Kolkata-based production house emphasizing mass-appeal Bengali films, co-productions, and support for emerging filmmakers through services like casting, marketing, and line production.[34][33] The company produced Kolkatar Harry (2020), a comedy featuring Chakraborty in a guest role, alongside director Suman Ghosh, targeting urban audiences with satirical elements.[34][35]Subsequent ventures under the banner include Paka Dekha (2022), a thriller; LSD: Laal Suitcase Ta Dekhechen (2023), a mystery; and Shastri (2023), blending action and drama, reflecting a strategy of diverse genre investments to sustain commercial viability in regional cinema.[34] These projects align with Chakraborty's dual role as actor-producer, often incorporating his performances to leverage his star appeal for box-office draw.[34]
Political involvement
Entry into politics and party affiliation
Soham Chakraborty entered active politics in the lead-up to the 2016 West Bengal Legislative Assembly elections, when the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) nominated him as its candidate from the Barjora constituency in Bankura district.[36] This marked his transition from a career in Bengali cinema to electoral politics, leveraging his popularity as an actor to appeal to voters in the region.[37] Despite the party's overall success in retaining power that year, Chakraborty did not win the Barjora seat.[14]The AITC renominated Chakraborty for the 2021 West Bengal Legislative Assembly elections, shifting him to the Chandipur constituency in Purba Medinipur district, where he secured victory with 109,770 votes, defeating the Bharatiya Janata Party candidate by a margin of 13,472 votes.[2] His affiliation with the AITC, the incumbent ruling party in West Bengal led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, has positioned him as a legislator focused on constituency development and party campaigns.[38] Chakraborty has since participated in AITC outreach efforts beyond West Bengal, including campaigning for the party in Tripura during the 2021 by-elections.[39]
Electoral success and legislative role
Chakraborty entered electoral politics with the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) in the 2016 West Bengal Legislative Assembly election, contesting from the Barjora constituency in Bankura district, where he polled 86,257 votes but lost to the Communist Party of India (Marxist) candidate Sujit Chakraborty.[40][41]His breakthrough came in the 2021 West Bengal Legislative Assembly election, when he won the Chandipur constituency in Purba Medinipur district as the TMC candidate, securing 109,770 votes—equivalent to 49.83% of the total valid votes cast—and defeating Bharatiya Janata Party opponent Pulak Kanti Guriya by a margin of 13,472 votes (6.1%).[42][43][44] This victory marked TMC's retention of the seat amid a broader party sweep, with Chakraborty sworn in as a member of the 17th West Bengal Legislative Assembly on May 7, 2021.[38]In his legislative capacity, Chakraborty serves as the representative for Chandipur, a general category seat. From May 2021 to February 2024, his attendance in assembly sessions was 60.4%, falling below the state average of 77.1% for MLAs; he introduced no private member bills and asked zero questions during this period.[38] No records indicate membership in assembly committees or significant debate participation, reflecting limited substantive engagement in floor proceedings.[38] Concurrently, within the TMC structure, he holds the position of vice-president of the All India Trinamool Youth Congress, appointed in 2020, focusing on youth mobilization efforts.[45]
Political controversies and public criticisms
On June 7, 2024, Chakraborty, serving as a Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA from Chandipur, allegedly assaulted restaurant owner Anisul Alam during a film shoot in Kolkata's New Town area following a dispute over vehicle parking.[7] Alam claimed Chakraborty grabbed him by the collar, punched him, and slapped him after Alam objected to vehicles blocking his establishment's entrance, with CCTV footage capturing the altercation showing Chakraborty pushing and striking Alam and staff members.[46] Chakraborty defended his actions by stating that Alam had first used abusive language against him and TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee, prompting him to "lose his cool" in response.[8]The incident, recorded on video and widely circulated online, drew sharp public and political backlash, with critics accusing Chakraborty of abusing his position as a public representative to intimidate civilians.[6] The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the principal opposition in West Bengal, condemned the assault as evidence of TMC's "goonda raj" (rule by thugs) and a "green light for tyranny," highlighting it as part of a pattern of ruling party legislators engaging in physical confrontations.[47] Alam filed a police complaint under sections of the Indian Penal Code for assault and criminal intimidation, leading to an FIR against Chakraborty, who issued a publicapology the following day, expressing regret for his "lapse in anger management" and acknowledging that his behavior was unbecoming of an elected official.[48]Legal proceedings ensued, with Chakraborty securing anticipatory bail from a Barasat court on June 13, 2024, amid allegations of police inaction raised by Alam in the Calcutta High Court, which directed an investigation report.[49] The controversy amplified criticisms of Chakraborty's temperament, with observers noting it as a recurrence of his on-set aggressive demeanor transitioning into political life, though TMC leaders downplayed it as a personal lapse rather than party-endorsed misconduct.[50] No prior political controversies of similar scale were prominently reported, positioning this event as the primary flashpoint in his legislative tenure.[51]
Personal life
Marriages and relationships
Soham Chakraborty married Tanaya Paul on November 23, 2012, after a six-year romantic relationship.[52][53] The couple has at least one son, Saanjh, born following their marriage.[54] Some reports indicate they have two children, though details on the second remain unconfirmed in primary sources.[10]The marriage has been publicly marked by anniversary celebrations, including a puja at Kalighat Temple in November 2024.[55] Chakraborty and Paul have appeared together at events, such as Oindrila Sen's birthday party in Kolkata.[56] No prior marriages or long-term relationships for Chakraborty are documented in available records prior to his union with Paul.[9]
Family and current status
Chakraborty is the son of Subrata Chakraborty and Deepa Chakraborty.[2] He married Tanaya Paul on November 23, 2012.[52] The couple has two children, including a son named Saanjh.[57]As of 2021, Chakraborty's declared assets included a residential flat in Genexx Valley, Joka, Kolkata, spanning 1015 square feet.[2] He maintains residences in Kolkata and continues serving as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for the Chandipur constituency in Purba Medinipur district, a position he has held since winning the 2021 West Bengal Legislative Assembly election.[2][58]
Controversies
Marital and personal scandals
Soham Chakraborty married Tanaya Paul on November 23, 2012, after a six-year romantic relationship that began in their youth.[53][52] The couple has two sons, and public records indicate a stable family life without documented instances of divorce proceedings, infidelity allegations, or domestic disputes.[10][59]No credible reports from mainstream media or legal filings have surfaced regarding extramarital affairs or marital breakdowns involving Chakraborty. On their 12th wedding anniversary in November 2024, Chakraborty shared affectionate messages for Paul on social media, underscoring ongoing familial harmony.[59] This contrasts with frequent personal controversies among Bengali film industry figures, yet Chakraborty's record remains unmarred by such claims in verifiable sources.[57]
Public altercations and legal issues
On June 7, 2024, during a film shoot at a restaurant in New Town, Kolkata, Chakraborty allegedly assaulted the establishment's owner, Anisul Alam, following a dispute over parking his vehicle in front of the premises.[7]Alam reportedly requested that Chakraborty's driver and security personnel relocate the car, which escalated when Chakraborty accused Alam of using derogatory language against Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee, prompting Chakraborty to slap and punch him, with his crew also allegedly involved in the altercation.[60] CCTV footage captured Chakraborty grabbing Alam by the collar and striking him, leading to a formal complaint filed against Chakraborty and others under Indian Penal Code sections 506 (criminal intimidation), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 341 (wrongful restraint), and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention).[6][61]Chakraborty publicly admitted to the slap, attributing it to a loss of temper over the alleged abuse of Banerjee, and issued an apology, stating he should have exercised restraint.[62] On June 13, 2024, a Barasat court granted him anticipatory bail amid controversy over his meeting with the public prosecutor, after which he surrendered on June 14 and secured regular bail on a personal bond of Rs 2,000, as the charges were bailable.[49][58]Alam subsequently petitioned the Calcutta High Court on June 12, 2024, alleging police inaction on his complaint, threats from Chakraborty's associates, and unlawful detention following the incident.[63] The High Court directed authorities to preserve evidence and sought an updated police report on June 15, 2024, highlighting procedural concerns in the investigation.[50] No prior major public altercations or legal proceedings involving Chakraborty have been widely reported beyond this episode.[64]
Recognition and legacy
Awards and nominations
Chakraborty received the Uttam Kumar Award for Child Artist of the Year twice in the early 1990s for his roles in Shakha Proshakha (1990) and Jowar Bhata (1991).[14]In 2011, he won the Tele Cine Award for Best Actor for his performance in Amanush (2010).[10] He was nominated in the same category at the Zee Bangla Gourab Somman Awards for the film.[5]He earned a win at the Star Jalsha Entertainment Awards for Best Actor in 2011, following a nomination in 2010 for Prem Amar (2009).[65]The Bengal Film Journalists' Association (BFJA) awarded him Best Actor in September 2015.[5]In 2019, Chakraborty received a nomination from the West Bengal Film Journalists' Association for Best Supporting Actor for Rong Beronger Korhi (2018).[66]In 2022, he was honored with the Mahanayak Samman by the Government of West Bengal for contributions to cinema.[67]
Critical reception and industry impact
Soham Chakraborty's performances have elicited mixed critical responses, often lauded for their commercial viability and mass appeal but critiqued for lacking depth in formulaic narratives. In the 2010 thriller Amanush, where he portrayed a psychopath, The Times of India awarded the film 3.5 out of 5 stars, describing it as a "technically sound" visual treat that effectively blended suspense with action.[68] However, more recent works like the 2025 serial killer thriller Bahurup drew a 2.5 out of 5 rating from the same publication, with reviewer Poorna Banerjee noting Chakraborty's sincere effort undermined by melodramatic writing and uneven execution.[69] Similarly, the 2021 gangster drama Pratighat received a scathing 1 out of 5 from OTTPlay, labeled as a "jaded" and "insufferable" clichéd love story failing to transcend its tropes.[70]Critics have frequently highlighted Chakraborty's reliance on South Indian remakes as a double-edged sword, propelling his stardom while reinforcing perceptions of unoriginality in Tollywood. Films such as Faande Poriya Boga Kaande Re (2011) and Amanush (itself a remake) contributed significantly to his commercial breakthroughs, yet this approach has been seen as prioritizing box-office formulas over innovative storytelling amid the Bengali industry's challenges.[15] User-driven platforms like IMDb reflect audience appreciation for his evolution in romantic-action roles, as in Prem Amar (2009), where reviewers praised his growth beyond child-artist origins, though professional critics remain sparse on such endorsements.[71]In terms of industry impact, Chakraborty's career has underscored the enduring demand for commercial mass entertainers in Bengali cinema, a sector grappling with declining revenues—from an estimated 120-150 crores in 2014 to 66 crores in 2023—where art-house films alone struggle to sustain viability.[72] His string of remake successes, including eight key titles that "catapulted" him to prominence, demonstrated how star-driven vehicles could draw crowds during tough phases, as he himself argued in 2018 that such films remain essential despite the rise of content-focused alternatives.[73][15] As a producer since the 2010s, he has backed projects like Shastri, though with variable box-office outcomes, contributing to debates on balancing star power with substantive content for Tollywood's survival.[20] His versatility across genres—from child roles to action heroes—has inspired newcomers by proving longevity in a competitive landscape, even as critics advocate for greater originality to elevate the industry's global standing.[10]
Filmography
Feature films
Soham Chakraborty began his career as a child artist in Bengali cinema, appearing in films such as Chhoto Bou (1988).[74] He transitioned to lead roles in the late 2000s, gaining prominence through commercial successes like Prem Amar (2009) and Phande Poriya Boga Kaande Re (2011).[73] Many of his films are remakes of South Indian hits, contributing to his box-office appeal in Tollywood.[73]
Chakraborty has produced select films under his banner Soham's Entertainment, including Rong Beronger Korhi (2018).[3] His work spans genres such as action, romance, comedy, and thrillers, with several entries achieving commercial success in the Bengali film industry.[73]
Television and web credits
Chakraborty has limited credits in television, primarily as a host rather than in acting roles within serials. He hosted the Bengali reality cooking competition Parar Sera Bouthan on ETV Bangla, taking over from Aneek Dhar. He has also served as a judge on music and dance programs, including Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Little Champs 2020 on ZEE TV and Dance Dance Junior on Star Jalsha.[32]In web series, Chakraborty debuted on OTT platforms with Dujone (2021–), a Bengalimysterythriller streamed on Hoichoi, where he portrayed Amar, a central character in a narrative involving suspense and romance alongside Srabanti Chatterjee as Ahana.[26] The series, directed by Promita Bhattacharya, marked his entry into digital content amid his established film career.[80]