Kolkata/IBNS: Tollywood ex-couple Dev and Subhashree Ganguly have recently reunited for their upcoming Bengali film Dhumketu, a 10-year-old production which is set to release after a massive delay.

Directed by Kaushik Ganguly, Dhumketu was announced by the makers in 2015.

Jointly produced by DCM Film & Entertainment and Dev's Dev Entertainment Ventures, the film's release was delayed by almost a decade due to post-production issues.

At a mega trailer launch event in the city, Dev and Subhashree, a hit on-screen pair, shared the dias, spoke of their reunion for the film and also followed each other back on social media.

Sharing her thoughts on the film's release after a long delay, Subhashree said, "I was aware of how much the makers were excited about Dhumketu. We were also very excited. It took so many years due to certain issues. The first thing I asked Dev on the promotional trail was how he was feeling about Dhumketu's release finally."

Dev and Subhashree, who had started off their career quite at the same time almost two decades ago, together featured in six films including Dhumketu.

The other five are Challenge, Paran Jai Jaliya Re, Romeo, Khokababu and Khoka 420.

Speaking of his pairing with Subhashree, Dev, who is also a three-term parliamentarian, said, "I don't think I can liberate my name from Subhashree ever when it comes to on-screen pairing. I think our films and songs will remain forever in the hearts of the audience. So I feel nice about it.

"We hardly have successful pairs in the industry. I am fortunate to be a part of such a pairing for which the audience is excited even 10 years after we last worked together."

Dev and Subhashree Ganguly at the trailer launch event. Photo: IBNS

A mother of two kids with filmmaker husband Raj Chakraborty, Subhashree said, "I think we are a part of history. Our pair being considered as one of the successful ones in the Bengali industry is probably the best honour I have had.

"I had never imagined achieving this fame when I started working, let alone being a part of such a hit pair. Not only us but none of the directors or producers who established our pair had ever imagined it would be so successful. The only reason the pair has become a hit is because of the audience."

When asked about whether they would ever follow back on social media, Subhashree spontaneously asked her manager for her phone and soon hit the follow button.

Dev, who seemed quite off-guard by the situation, too got hold of his phone and shyly followed his ex-girlfriend back.

When asked whether he had stalked Subhashree ever in all these years since parting ways, Dev said, "Definitely would have stalked her if I had ample time. Life is so fast-paced for me."

"But honestly, we stalk people whom we don't know much about. I don't need to stalk her anymore because she is such a big star now. So I get updates about her by default. Moreover, we have common friends who are ready to provide gossip. I think we are updated," the 42-year-old, who is now dating actress Rukmini Maitra, said.

Subhashree, however, claimed she had often met Dev socially, mostly at the Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF), which is held every winter.

"Our industry is very small and we work here as a family. The word 'stalk' is very negative. Though Dev claimed he met me after 10 years, we often meet at various events including premieres and KIFF. Moreover, I get to watch his films and follow him during promotions. So I don't need to stalk him separately," the 'Parineeta' actress said.

Dhumketu is slated to release in theatres on August 14.