After eight successful web seasons and three hit films, Bengal’s beloved and unassuming detective Eken Babu is now set for his television debut, reaching audiences across India as the Hindi dubbed episodes of the show premiere on Sony SAB on 24th November at 10 PM. Played by the acclaimed Anirban Chakrabarti, Eken Babu stands apart from typical detective series given Eken’s simplicity, sharp observation, charm and unconventional mystery solving approach.
As the series launches on Sony SAB, Anirban joins us for a candid conversation about the character, his quirks, and what makes Eken Babu such an enduring favourite.
1. What makes Eken Babu such a timeless and loved detective?
I think Eken Babu has always stood apart because he isn’t the typical larger-than-life detective. He is ordinary, almost deceptively simple, but that simplicity hides a razor-sharp mind. People love him because he feels like someone you could meet on the street, someone your family might even underestimate—until he solves a case in the most unexpected way. That relatability, that mix of warmth and intelligence, makes him timeless.
2. How does it feel to bring Eken Babu to a new audience on Sony SAB?
It’s actually very special. For years, Eken has lived in the hearts of audiences who followed his stories in Bengali. Now, with Sony SAB bringing the show to a pan-India audience in Hindi, it feels like he’s stepping into a bigger world. As an actor, it’s exciting to see how new viewers will discover him—his quirks, his humour, and his very Kolkata-style charm. I’m grateful that more people will get to enjoy his adventures.
3. What do you think makes Eken different from other TV detectives?
Most detectives walk into a room with an aura. Eken walks in with innocence. He doesn’t intimidate a suspect—he disarms them. His methods are unusual, almost childlike, but that’s what makes them effective. And of course, his comedy is never forced; it comes naturally from his personality and his observations. He solves crimes without trying to ‘look’ like a detective, and that makes him refreshingly unique.
4. How was it for you to balance between mystery and comedy in the show?
That balance is actually the heart of Eken Babu. I’ve always believed that humour should come from Eken’s personality—not from gags. His curiosity, his reactions, his body language, they all add that lightness. But when the mystery demands seriousness, he switches instantly. As an actor, I had to constantly stay aware of that rhythm. It taught me how to keep audiences smiling while still holding their attention to the case.
5. Do you relate personally to any of Eken’s quirks or habits?
I’ll admit some of his quirks have rubbed off on me over the years! His habit of observing tiny details without making a fuss is something I’ve started doing in real life. And of course, his love for good food… that’s completely me. But the biggest similarity is his curiosity. Like Eken, I love understanding people, their behaviour, their stories. That curiosity helps me as an actor too.
6. Why do you think viewers across India will connect with Eken Babu?
At his core, Eken Babu is a common man with uncommon intelligence. Every Indian family knows someone like him—the uncle who appears simple but has surprising wisdom, the neighbour who notices everything, the friend who gives unexpected solutions. His humour is gentle, his heart is big, and his mind works in ways that make you smile. That universality is what makes him relatable across languages and cultures. I truly believe viewers all over India will embrace him just as warmly.
Tune in to watch Eken Babu, Monday to Saturday at 10 PM only on Sony SAB
