Why Naseer is not acting in his own film

Naseeruddin Shah will talk about his debut film as a director, Yun Hota Toh Kya Hota, during the IIFA Weekend.

He may not be a superstar but Shah is acknowledged as one of the most talented actors in Bollywood. He was even awarded the Padma Bhushan by the Government of India in 2003 for his contribution to Indian cinema.

The outspoken actor, who is also one of India's top theatre personalities, has often expressed his frustration with the stereotypical roles offered to him in Hindi films.

But surprisingly, he chose not to keep a juicy role for himself in his first directorial venture.

Talented cast

Instead he has put together a talented cast that includes Konkona Sen Sharma, Paresh Rawal, Suhasini Mulay, Irfan Pathan, Boman Irani, Ratna Pathak Shah and Jimmy Shergill.
 
Upcoming actress Ayesha Takia provides the glam quotient while ace choreographer Saroj Khan makes her acting debut as a Godmother.

The story

The film, which has been shot in India and the US, consists of four separate stories that all end in the same incident.

 The stories are about characters from different strata of society and their individual journeys in pursuit of the American dream till fate propels them towards an incident that changes their lives forever.
 
We spoke to Naseer, Konkona Sen Sharma and Ayesha Takia about the film.

Naseeruddin Shah

How did you think of casting choreographer Saroj Khan?

My prime criterion while casting was to get good actors who were also suited to the roles. Saroj Khan was quite surprised when I called her but I wanted her because I have always felt that she has a very interesting face and a powerful personality. I wanted to use that in this character of a godmother and she has done a good job.

Why are you not acting in the film?

I was not suitable for any of the parts; also I did not want to overtax myself by acting in my first directorial venture.

We heard that the film has a Hollywood look?

Ha ha. I don't know about that, but I do hope that it has a contemporary look, because it is set in today and the characters reflect the truth about life in India today. I am an Indian making a film about Indians for an Indian audience.

Does the film have any songs and dances?

There are no item numbers in my film, but there are two songs. One has been sung by Paresh Rawal and newcomer Shahana Goswami and the other is used in the background as a theme song.

How was the experience of being on the other side of the camera?

Very stimulating. I would love to do it again.

What do you think about film awards and the IIFA Awards?

Ah, don't ask me anything about awards.
With India and Indian stars being so much in the news, what do you think is the impact of Hindi films internationally? We need to pull up our socks because if Hindi films have to make an impact worldwide it will have to be on the basis of improved quality. Right now the world is wide open for us - we have the attention of the world and if we blow this chance, we will blow it forever.

Tell us about some of your forthcoming films.

In Krrish I am playing the villain, who like all good villains wants to rule the world. In Omkara I did a small walk-on part just out of friendship with director Vishal Bharadwaj.

Konkona Sen Sharma

Are there enough good roles in Hindi films to satisfy you as an actress?

As an actor one has limitations because you have to choose from the roles you are offered. Most of the films I am offered are quite mediocre, but I have been lucky enough to get some superb roles once in a while, which makes it all worthwhile.

Do you feel any pressure of expectations after your work in Mr and Mrs Iyer and Page 3 was critically acclaimed?

I did not feel it earlier but now I do feel the pressure of audience expectations. I look more critically at every shot I give and feel that it is not good enough. It is much easier to please when there are no expectations.

Would you accept a typical glamorous Bollywood heroine role?

What kind of question is that? I want to do all kinds of roles but I don't think that being glamorous is a role in itself. The look is not my primary concern. When I get an offer, first I must like the script and the director, then we decide the look.