1 hour agoAuthor: Virendra Mishra
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Mimoh Chakraborty and Chetna Pandey, actors of the film Haunted 3D: Echoes of the Past, shared their struggles, film and personal experiences in conversation with Dainik Bhaskar. Chetna told that she had almost given up her dream of acting, but a call from Vikram Bhatt changed her life.
Mimoh described the film’s story as its biggest strength. Both the actors talked about shooting stories, experiences of horror films, lessons learned from Mithun Chakraborty and the special features of the film.
‘Haunted 3D: Echoes of the Past’ will be released in theaters on June 12, 2026.
Question: How was your journey to reach ‘Haunted 3D: Echoes of the Past’?
Answer/Chetna Pandey: My association with this film is like fate. It has been a long time since I came to Mumbai and my journey has been a struggle. Being an outsider, even after working hard and giving auditions, many times it seems that big dreams will not be fulfilled.
I am from Nainital. After coming into the industry, I understood that it is not easy to make a place here. I did small roles, like in Shahrukh Khan’s film Dilwale. Many times I felt that now I will not get the opportunity for which I was waiting.
But I never gave up. About three years ago I met Vikram Bhatt sir. At that time I had almost given up on my dreams. I told him that I have worked very hard, but now it seems that I will not get that chance. She said that I am talented and will do great work one day.
Then we did not talk for about a year. I was doing Khatron Ke Khiladi Season 12, when I got a call from him. He said meet me, I have something for you. At that time, the shooting of Haunted 3D: Echoes of the Past had started and another actress was doing the film.
Vikram sir saw my picture and felt that he had found his ‘Golden’. The next day they called me and my contract was signed. I started shooting from the next day. After the first day, sir praised me. That’s when I felt that I had to do this film.
Mimoh’s ‘Haunted 3D’ was released on 6 May 2011.
Question: Mimoh, you have been a part of Haunted before also. What did you like most about this film?
Answer/Mimoh Chakraborty: I liked its story the most special. ‘Haunted 3D’ came out 15 years ago and was India’s first stereoscopic 3D film. His songs and stories were liked by the audience. When Vikram sir narrated me the story of its sequel, I immediately understood that the audience would like this film. It has horror, great songs and a strong story.
I think the real hero of this film is its story. We have tried to give our 100 percent as artists, but the audience will like the story the most. For this reason I immediately said yes to the film.
Question: Before Chetna was cast in the film, three days of shooting had already been done with another actress. Then everything had to be shot again. What did you feel at that time?
Answer/Mimoh Chakraborty: Vikram sir did not want to make any compromise regarding this film. Haunted fans have high expectations. Even today people ask whether it will be like the first film, what its songs will be like and what the love story will be like.
The character of ‘Sunhari’ was completely clear in Vikram sir’s mind. When Chetna did the first scene, we all felt that we had found our gold.
Question: Chetna, which was the most difficult scene of the film?
Answer/Chetna Pandey: That scene is also shown in the teaser. In that I meet Dev for the first time. In that scene, without saying anything, I had to convey through eyes and expressions what was happening and how to behave to the person in front, because a ghost was present there. This was a challenging scene for me.
Mimoh Chakraborty plays the role of Dev in ‘Haunted 3D: Echoes of the Past’.
Question: Which scene was the scariest during the shooting and which scene brought the most laughter?
Answer/Mimoh Chakraborty: The funny incident happened during the shooting of a song. In one scene, I had to step out looking at Chetna and not take my eyes off the camera. I was so engrossed in the scene that I did not pay attention to the wall. As soon as he came out, he collided directly with the wall and hit his head.
When Chetna saw this, she started laughing loudly. Then there was an atmosphere of laughter on the entire set. We kept laughing the whole day. The funny thing was that we were shooting a horror film, but that day there was more comedy.
As far as scary scenes are concerned, our film does not rely only on jump scares. The feeling of fear in this comes from the atmosphere and the story. While watching the film, the audience will constantly feel that something bad is going to happen and this is its specialty.
Question: Chetna, how challenging was the character of ‘Sunhari’ for you?
Answer/Chetna Pandey: Every scene of this film was challenging for me. I don’t think I will ever get such a complex and layered character again in my life. In real life I am very talkative and playful, but Sunehri is completely different. She is quiet, speaks less and her emotions are visible on her face and eyes.
I asked Vikram sir many times what he saw in me. He said that I may not even know what is inside me, but he can see it. This thing was very special for me.
Chetna Pandey started her career in 2010 with the television show ‘MTV Webbed’.
Question: Do you believe in ghosts or supernatural powers?
Answer/Chetna Pandey: Earlier I did not believe much in these things, but my father narrated some of his experiences. He said that once such an incident happened to him, in which he could not remember for some time what had happened.
Many such stories are heard in the mountains. I have also seen some incidents around me, so now I believe in these things. However, no such experience has happened to me yet.
Question: If you actually encounter a ghost, what would you ask from it?
Answer/Mimoh Chakraborty: I will not ask anything from him, I will just run away from there. (Laughs) My life is going very well, I don’t need to take anything from it. People say that they wish they could have such an experience, but in reality, if a ghost comes in front of them, the situation will get worse. In the film I am fighting a ghost, but in real life if I see a ghost I will be the first one to run away.
Question: Chetna, if you had to go to a haunted place, who would you take with you?
Answer/Chetna Pandey: I will take Vikram Bhatt sir with me. (Laughs) Because if any horror incident really starts happening there, Sir will immediately say – “This is very real, let’s make another film on this.” Preparations for the new film will begin there.
Question: Which film of Vikram Bhatt do you like the most?
Answer/Mimoh Chakraborty: I like almost all the films of Vikram sir. Ghulam is one of my favorite films. I also liked Haunted. In my childhood, I used to watch horror movies with my father and used to get very scared.
Many times I would close my eyes and look at the screen between my fingers. Then I used to wonder how the actors would shoot such scenes. Now after doing a horror film, I understand how difficult a task it is.
Question: If you get a chance to shoot any scene of this film again, which scene would you like to do?
Answer/Mimoh Chakraborty: Almost all the scenes of Dev and Sunehri are special. Their love story is not simple. The more they want to come closer, the more circumstances push them away. If I get a chance, I would like to do the cave scene again. It was a beautiful and emotional scene.
Chetna Pandey: Mimoh’s father Mithun Chakraborty was also present on the set that day. I was very nervous, but after the scene was over, he and Vikram sir praised us. I will never forget that moment.
Question: What advice does Mithun Chakraborty give you regarding work?
Answer/Mimoh Chakraborty: Papa always says that whatever character you play, play it with complete honesty. If you are not true to the character, the audience will catch on immediately. He says that not Mimoh, only the character should be visible on the set. This is his biggest lesson, which I always remember.
Question: Would you like to share any special memory related to your father Mithun Chakraborty?
Answer/Mimoh Chakraborty: The most special memory for me is when I got the first film of Haunted. I met Vikram Bhatt sir. That same evening, while returning home, I got a message from him that I was the hero of the film. At first I didn’t believe it. I called Sir and asked if I was really the one doing the film. He said, “Come to the office tomorrow and sign the contract.”
When I reached home, both mother and father were there. I told them that I have got the film and I am its hero. I can never forget the happiness on his face at that moment. Especially the pride and happiness in Papa’s eyes means a lot to me. He didn’t say much, just smiled and looked at me. Even today I remember that smile of his. For me it was bigger than any award.
Memories related to Papa are not limited to just this one moment. I was very afraid of him in my childhood. His personality is so strong that everyone becomes a little nervous in front of him. But our relationship changed with time. Today he is not only my father but also my friend.
We also handle hotel business in Ooty together. They take many decisions together and share many things in life. He now talks to me like a friend, gives advice and shares his experiences. So it is difficult for me to choose just one memory, but the pride and joy I saw on their faces after meeting Haunted, that moment will always be included in the most beautiful and emotional memories of my life.
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