Abhishek Banerjee on the Unprecedented Success of Stree 2: “I Don’t Think It Has Fully Sunk In Yet.”
In an exclusive interview with Zoom, Abhishek Banerjee, the star of Stree 2, discussed his pivotal role in Maddock’s popular horror-comedy franchise. He expressed heartfelt gratitude for the audience's overwhelming support and noted how proud his parents are of his accomplishments.
Having established himself as a talented actor long ago, Banerjee is finally reaping the rewards of his hard work. In the interview, he elaborated on the significance of his role in the Stree series and how it has propelled him into the spotlight. “Since childhood, we’re taught that hard work always pays off,” he said. “If you work hard towards something, you might find yourself in unexpected places. I’m very happy that my efforts have paid off, and I’m enjoying this moment.”
Reflecting on the immense recognition he gained from the first Stree film, he acknowledged that Stree 2 has garnered even more attention. “It’s not every day that you wake up to breaking records, and the kind of numbers this film is achieving is incredible,” he remarked.
When asked about the pressure to deliver an even bigger performance in the sequel, Banerjee stated, “Honestly, even now, I don’t think any of us really feel the heat. It hasn’t completely sunk in yet. It’s just a privilege to be a part of Hindi cinema’s history. I’m a history buff, so knowing that whenever the history of Indian cinema is written, the names of Stree and my character, Jana, will be included is very fulfilling.”
Banerjee views Stree as a significant turning point in his career. “Stree was my first commercial feature film, and it marked the moment the industry began to notice me as an actor. The popularity of the film has undoubtedly benefited everyone involved in it, and I feel fortunate to be part of this beautiful journey within the horror universe that Maddock and Amar Kaushik are creating.”
He continued, “When I see the love in the audience’s eyes, when they come up to express their appreciation, it feels incredibly special. As an artist, these are the moments we live for—when people recognize and appreciate our work. I believe I’ve received this recognition thanks to Stree 2, my character Jana, and the other roles I’ve played, which have all connected the dots to my identity as an actor.”
Banerjee also shared how special it was to receive praise from Shah Rukh Khan. “It feels very, very special,” he said, struggling to articulate his feelings. “I felt nothing but love. Shah Rukh is not only the king of romance but also a genuinely generous person. When a king praises you, it makes you feel important in the kingdom. That moment was one of the finest of my life, and my parents were proud of me—not just because I act, but because Shah Rukh Khan hugged me. That experience is comparable to my entire career.”
With Stree 2 making waves, Abhishek Banerjee’s journey as an actor continues to inspire many, proving that hard work and perseverance can lead to remarkable success.