Paresh Rawal is definitely one of the finest actors in the Indian film industry.
When tabloid! called him for a chat regarding his play Dear Father, to be staged in Dubai this weekend, his serious tone and clipped answers were nothing like his oft-seen on-screen comic persona.
With very little negative or positive news, apart from on the characters he’s played, Rawal is one of the few actors who have managed to stay away from controversies in an industry replete with them. Married to a former Miss India and talented actress, Swaroop Sampat, Rawal believes he is no different from the common man.
“Why should there be any controversy? There are many people in the industry who haven’t been part of a controversy. It’s our job to do our job and get out of it as soon as possible,” said the versatile actor, who has acted in over a 100 films. “And the people who are part of a controversy, it’s not their design. It happens you know – it’s not their wish to be in some controversy.
“I’m just like any common man. Peace loving and country loving, who believes only in the religion of humanity. That’s Paresh Rawal”.
Comic roles such as Baburao Ganpatrao Apte in Hera Pheri and Manilal Patel in Awara Paagal Deewana may have won him various awards, but it’s his portrayal of the freedom fighter and first home minister and deputy prime minister of independent India Vallabhai Patel in the biopic Sardar, and Tiku, the eunuch, in Tamanna that show his true acting calibre.
Rawal is all set to star in another biopic, this time on the controversial Indian politician Narendra Modi.
“Yes, it’s true. It’ll take some time, but it’s definitely happening”.
Excerpts:
On the play Dear Father
This is an emotional thriller. It’s the story of a father and son. Whether it’s suicide or murder-mystery you’ll see then. I’m playing a double role.
Theatre v films
Good acting is difficult anywhere, whether it’s stage, film, TV or radio. What’s exciting about being on stage is you get an instant reaction, rejection or approval from the audience. Theatre is an actor’s medium, so no director can save you. There are no retakes.
Comic roles
I play whatever comes my way, if it is good and exciting, whether it’s comedy, serious or villain. If the role is good, it’s always challenge.
On Indian cinema
Bollywood first of all is such a derogatory term. You are not only copying Hollywood, you are making those films only when you know you can not reach that standard, yet trying desperately. You are not doing your own thing. That is Bollywood on one side. Then you have some really good directors such as Dibakar Banerjee and Shimit Amin who are interested in doing Indian things.
What would he be if not an actor?
I would have been anything but an actor (laughs). I always wanted to be an actor. I have no plans to direct or produce.
Advice for new actors
There’s nothing to advise. They are already advised, focussed, career-oriented, alert and hardworking, unlike old times. They don’t need anybody’s advice.
Don’t miss it
Dear Father is a play based on the original Katkon Trikon in Marathi. It’s the story of an average Indian family comprising Manu Mankad and his son Ajay and daughter-in-law Alka. Paresh Rawal plays the roles of Mankad and an investigating police officer.
The play, presented by Rangmanch, will be staged at Madinat Souk Theatre, Madinat Jumeirah on Thursday, September 26 and Friday, September 27. Tickets are priced at Dh125, Dh250, Dh500 and Dh750. Call 055-4945439 or write to rangmanchdxb@gmail.com
