The actor Shubhashish is in love with a girl much younger than him.

Renowned Bengali actor Shubhasish Mukhopadhyay, widely recognised for his iconic role in Mahalaya, has candidly revealed that he has fallen for a woman much younger than him. The news, which had already stirred whispers in the Tollywood circles, was confirmed by the actor in a recent interview, where he also shared that he enjoys spending quiet moments by the sea to unwind.

Adding a twist to this revelation, Shubhasish’s secret came to light during a light-hearted conversation with comedian-turned-director Raju Majumdar. Raju, who is making his directorial debut, is creating a film titled Phani Babu Viral, with Shubhasish playing the titular character. The movie promises a refreshing blend of humour and romance, with Shubhasish opposite the young and talented Roshni Bhattacharya, affectionately referred to as the “youthful Varsha” of the industry.

When asked about his chemistry with Roshni, Shubhasish chuckled, “It gives me goosebumps just thinking about it!” The film is said to feature several romantic sequences, including song sequences that capture the playful yet tender dynamics between their characters.

Phani Babu Viral also boasts an ensemble cast, including actors Kharaj Mukhopadhyay and Kanchan Mallik, among others. The storyline centres on an elderly man, socially isolated in his family life, who suddenly becomes an internet sensation through social media. The film chronicles his viral adventures and ensuing chaos, according to director Raju Majumdar.

When asked why he ventured into directing, Raju explained that the idea emerged during the COVID lockdown. “I spent a lot of time writing at home, and that’s when the concept of Phani Babu came to life. I imagined Shubhasish in the role, drawing inspiration from classic comedy films of the past, such as Yamalaye Jibanto Manush, Ashite Ashio Na, and Bhanu Pele Lottery,” he said.

Shubhasish, in response, expressed enthusiasm for the project: “Raju is reviving a delightful tradition of comedy. My character and the dialogues are immensely fun. Given the situations we all face daily, this film may serve as a breath of fresh air for the audience.”

On the prospects of new directors thriving in today’s Bengali cinema, Shubhasish remarked, “Raju has worked in numerous films and has solid experience. His understanding of technology is decent, and it has been enjoyable collaborating with him. Time will tell the rest.”

Interestingly, although Shubhasish plays a social-media-obsessed character on screen, in reality, he shuns digital platforms entirely. “I have no Facebook or Instagram accounts,” he stated. “I deliberately avoid them because the negativity online can be disheartening.” He also shared a humorous anecdote: once, social media had declared him “dead” in a bizarre viral incident. Thankfully, his experience filming Phani Babu was far more delightful.

Key Film Details: Phani Babu Viral