The “old world charm of Calcutta” had always fascinated Parambrata Chattopadhyay. So when the Kahaani actor began searching for a home, he knew exactly what he wanted: a house dating back to 1966 that Chattopadhyay bought and renovated to his taste. Both his parents had “spent their lives pursuing such professions and working with integrity” that they never bought their own place. The result? The Bengali star and filmmaker lived his entire childhood in rented places.

The current home, located in Kolkata ’s Jodhpur Park, opens into a large living area washed in a soft ochre hue, with wooden furniture adding a rustic feel. Cream upholstery, contrasted with cushions in abstract prints, potted plants and stone sculptures on the cabinets, scores of books in bookshelves, and warm light fixtures, give the space depth and dimension.

Wall of memories

The house is peppered with knick-knacks and memorabilia, “bits and pieces of memories”, as Chattopadhyay likes to call it.…