The ruggedly handsome actor Namashi Chakraborty, who makes his Bollywood debut with Bad Boy, says he loves being part of a big, fat fluffy family and treats his fur babies as his siblings
TEXT: TEAM BUDDY LIFE
The Chakraborty’s’ love for dogs is well-known. There was a time when a proud Mithunda would gladly rattle off their names, which wasn’t an easy task. Reason: the pack comprised as many as 76 fur babies, who lived mainly at their Ooty home. “I vividly remember all of them,” says Namashi, the ruggedly handsome Chakraborty Jr, who’s all set for his debut, Bad Boy. “We had two Chow- Chows, a Golden Retriever, a Siberian Husky, a St. Bernard and many more.” Namashi, who loves being part of a big, fat fluffy family and treats the four-legged as his siblings, has even spoken about the love for dogs at length in many interviews. His Instagram @namashi_chakraborty is full of heart-warming pictures of the actor with his canine buddies that have been going viral. Unsurprisingly, these pictures are absolutely adorable and will surely brighten your day. He spoke to us at length about his furry family. Here are the excerpts:
The Chakrabortys’ love for dogs is well known. When were you first introduced to a canine pal?
That’s right. We have been a dog loving family for many years. I’ve grown up with dogs all around me. They are our family. I was born in Mumbai, but raised in Ooty. There we had many dogs, and I vividly remember all of them. We had two Chow-Chows, a Golden Retriever, a Siberian Husky, a St. Bernard and many more. I have always loved dogs, and as you can see, we still have them all over us. Dogs are great companions but usually the people have little time for these fur babies who crave and wait for their pet parents. How much time do you spend with the pack of canine companions?
Yes, that’s absolutely true. The love, loyalty and genuineness of dogs are unmatched. I truly treat them as my siblings, not animals. And whenever I am not shooting or caught up with work, I am home and I spend most of my time with them. My entire family is like that. Also, I sleep with my dogs every night, there isn’t a separate room for them, they stay with me.
You have over 76 dogs with you in Mumbai and Ooty. How do you name them and manage them?
Haha! Yes, we did at one point. And you’ll be surprised to know, but we knew each of their names and loved them all equally. We are a big fat fluffy family.
How many in the pack are adopted and are there gifts as well?
We have breeds and also rescue dogs. It’s a mix of both. I feel people should also adopt dogs in need of a home and take care of them. They are as loving as any other animal.
It’s a lesser-known fact that you are a family of great animal lovers and you take avid interest in studying animal behaviour. Which are those animals, other than dogs, who catch your interest?
We love birds too! And cats as well. In my dad’s resort down south (The Monarch Safari Park), we had various birds and dogs. What a joy it was.
Namashi, Bad Boy is your debut film. Is there canine companion in the movie? If not do you intend to make/act in a movie with lots of dogs in it? Like Entertainment?
Yes, Bad Boy is my debut film. It’s a nice and cute romantic comedy film and yes, there are some animals in the film. And they all were taken care of very well. My character in the film, Raghu, loves animals and just like me in real life, the animals stay in the house with him. I wouldn’t want to spoil the fun for you all, so I’d let you all experience the madness on the big-screen.
Which is your favourite Hollywood/ Bollywood movie with dogs?
I enjoyed my dad’s films, namely Dost and Jodidar, which had animals and they played an integral part in the film. I also equally enjoyed the old Tarzan with Christopher Lambert and the Late Sir Ralph Richardson, Turner and Hooch with Tom Hanks, Dr Dolittle with Eddie Murphy and of course, Ace Ventura (1 and 2) with Jim Carrey.
Do you like to walk, brush or treat your fur babies?
Yes, I do. And my pals get too excited when they go for a shower, so it’s a funny sight. As for walking them around, since we live in a bungalow here in Mumbai, there is enough space for them to walk around and play.
How obedient is the pack? What do you when you are ready for a shoot and the fur balls are all over you? Or do you just sneak out of the place without letting them know?
They aren’t really obedient when I’m around, they’re always ready to play and get going. When I step out for a shoot, I usually sneak out quietly, so they don’t wake up and start barking. But I miss them as soon as I step out.
Though a tricky thing, who is the hot favourite and why? The one with a mind of his/her own?
They all are my favourites. They are all unique and adorable. And as you being a dog lover yourself will know, every pet has his/her own personality and that’s what makes me them so different from one another.
Any favourite breed?
All. And I am not being partial.
What is the change you would like to see in Indian dog lovers?
I would love it if people adopted dogs that needed a shelter. Of course, breeds are as adorable, but the dogs who are homeless and hungry and have no place to go, must be taken care of. We must help and love the ones that need forever homes. And not just dogs, any domesticated animals, deserve it. Also, I absolutely detest seeing animal cruelty for world over. It’s the most awful action a human can take. Not just for doggies, but every animal, violence against them should result in punishment. Their lives matter as much as ours do.
Since you have so many of the four-legged furries, how do you guys deal with the final goodbye?
It’s the most heart-breaking moment, when they pass away. I am still not over the loss of many of them. We all miss them deeply, but they are alive in our hearts forever. That’s life.
One word of advice for all dog lovers…
Love them and take out time for them! It’s rare to find such love from those who can’t speak to you, and yet understand you in every mood of yours. They say an Apple a day keeps the doctor away, I’d say, a companion in the form of a loving dog, can keep any kind of stress away! Cherish every moment with them.
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