Surya Sharma Shares Insights on Zee5's 'Brown' and His Experience in Kolkata
Exploring 'Brown' on Zee5
In the recently launched Zee5 series Brown, which debuted on June 5, Surya Sharma plays the role of inspector Arjun Sinha, who is the right-hand man to Karisma Kapoor's character, Rita Brown. Together, they delve into a chilling murder investigation set in Kolkata, under the direction of Abhinay Deo. Surya, known for his roles in Hostages and Veere Di Wedding, expressed his enthusiasm for filming in Kolkata. He also shared his experiences collaborating with Karisma Kapoor and Helen Khan, highlighting a memorable 'fanboy moment' with Karisma and explaining why he declined his mother's request for a video call with the iconic actress.
Surya Sharma Reflects on Collaborating with Karisma Kapoor and Helen Khan
In a conversation with Zoom, Surya recounted his positive experiences working alongside the Dil To Pagal Hai star. He remarked, "We all recognize how successful she is in her career. When I first met her, it was a fanboy moment, but as an actor, you must focus on your character. It’s a mutual respect; she welcomed me warmly, and I didn’t feel any hierarchy. Although my character is junior, there was no sense of insecurity, and I firmly believe in fulfilling the character's requirements."
Surya continued to describe the relaxed atmosphere on the set of Brown, stating, "After intense scenes, if any actor needed some space, it was respected, and good decorum was maintained. Our off-set camaraderie mirrored our on-set interactions. Everyone was deeply invested in the story and their characters, which motivated me to perform better, especially in scenes with Ajinka [Deo] sir and Helen ma'am, with whom I shared several scenes."
On his first day, he excitedly informed his parents about working with the legendary Helen ji, which thrilled them. "When they found out, they were overjoyed. My mother wanted to video call her, but I had to decline, explaining that it was work-related. She understood my position, and I often tell her what I can and cannot do," Surya shared.
Filming 'Brown' in Kolkata
Surya's first trip to Kolkata involved a 40 to 50-day shoot, where he filmed in the city's historic interiors, including an old haveli. He described the experience as wonderful due to the small crew and cast, creating a familial atmosphere. "We would start our days early, finish our work, exercise, and then gather for dinner, creating lasting memories," he reflected.
He was particularly captivated by the heritage of Kolkata, noting how well-preserved the buildings are. Surya mentioned that each area of the city has its unique vibe, from Chinatown to Park Street. A standout memory for him was seeing the iconic yellow taxis of Kolkata, which made him feel truly immersed in the city. Surya concluded, "The best thing for me was seeing that yellow taxi; it confirmed that I was really in Kolkata." Brown, adapted from Abheek Barua's City of Death, is currently available for streaming on Zee5.