The second season of Bandish Bandits has debuted successfully. This musical romantic drama was released on Amazon Prime Video over the weekend, featuring Ritwik Bhowmik and Shreya Chaudhry reprising their roles as the beloved star-crossed lovers, Radhe and Tamanna. In an exclusive interview with HT, the two actors discuss the series, their return to these iconic characters, and how they draw inspiration from their personal experiences for their portrayals.

Shreya Chaudhry on Tamanna's fall from grace

Shreya Chaudhry acknowledges that the dynamics have shifted in season 2, as Tamanna, a renowned rockstar, embarks on a path of self-discovery, while Radhe evolves from a timid student into the master of his Gharana. Nevertheless, she contests the notion that Tamanna is without power. "I believe Tamanna is more empowered than ever, as she has returned to the pursuit of knowledge, which is a form of power. She is determined not to settle for mediocrity," states the actor.

Ritwik on being the man of the house

Ritwik explains that to portray his character's evolution from a child to the head of the household, he drew inspiration from his own experiences. "This realization came to me after the release of Bandish Bandits season 1. The year 2020 was particularly challenging for everyone, including my family. My father was over 60 and preparing for retirement. At that time, I was the sole breadwinner, and I was unaware of the immense pressure that entailed. It took me a year to understand that I was responsible for supporting the household. However, once I embraced that role, it became a profoundly rewarding experience," Ritwik reflects.

On the characters' transformation in season 2

The second season depicts a profound sense of professional animosity or envy that engulfs Tamanna as she observes Radhe's advancement. Shreya reflects on the nature of this human emotion, stating, "It is fascinating to witness how someone you care for influences your life, especially when they achieve power or success. As humans, we experience joy for our accomplishments. However, if you are in the same field, feelings of insecurity can also arise. The portrayal of the characters' humanity and vulnerability is executed remarkably well here. Experiencing those emotions was truly remarkable."

Ritwik expresses that the storyline resonates personally with him. In this season, his Gharana faces exclusion from the Indian classical music community, resulting in opportunities being denied. He notes that while doors in his life were "never fully shut," they were also "never fully open." The actor shares, "I have always felt like an outsider. As a Bengali boy raised in Bangalore, I find myself feeling out of place whether I am in Kolkata, Bengaluru, or Mumbai. I have always felt that I do not belong, yet I have managed to navigate through it. Thus, while doors were never completely closed for me, they were only partially ajar. It is up to you to decide whether to knock or force them open."

Bandish Bandits is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

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