Q, Oct. 23 -- Released during Durga Puja, Srijit Mukherji's Emperor vs Sarat Chandra brings literary icon Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's legacy to the big screen. In an exclusive conversation with IBNS correspondent Souvik Ghosh, actor Tota Roy Chowdhury opens up about his initial reaction to the role, preparing to portray the celebrated author, and how the film hopes to connect younger audiences with their cultural heritage.

What was your first reaction when you were offered the role of Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay in such a huge film?

Tota Roy Chowdhury: Initially, I was dumbfounded. I couldn't imagine that somebody would imagine me as Sarat Babu.

I was quite surprised, and my next question to Srijit (Srijit Mukherji, director) was, "A...