Paresh Rawal, actor’s actor, artist extraordinaire, combines the qualities of exceptional movie actors: maturity, unpredictability, magnetism and a flair for comic as well as ponderous cinematic material.A screen icon of unusual proportions, his range is endless and his versatility evident in an impressive body of work .

Paresh got into films after a long stint in theater and some TV shows. He is the recipient of many screen awards including the Filmfare award, Zee Gold 2001  and  Screen Videocon Award.

His best performance ,on screen, to date, has been the portrayal of Sardar Patel in Ketan Mehta’s Sardar, which won him the National Award for National Integrity. Priyadarshan’s Hera Pheri gave him an opportunity to showcase his comedic skills and the role of Baburao won him many awards, roles and fans. Among his other notable films are ‘ Mirch Masala’, Chachi 420, Aa Gale lag ja, Judaai, Phir bhi dil hai Hindustani, Tamanna and the recent hits Aankh and American Chai.

Paresh’s home production Aangikam created the plays  Maharathi, Mulraj Mansion and KHEL.  Khel had him pitted against Naseeruddin Shah and got immense critical acclaim. Angikam is also credited with the comedy play Shaadi@barbadi.com’ which has created a record of sorts by the number of performances around the world.

Touring the US with his wife and troupe ,for Shaadi@ barbadi.com,, Paresh sounded both tired and excited when we spoke to him on the phone. We caught him at an Airport lounge in between shows. This interview was arranged by lokvani supporter and friend, Chandu Shah, who is also the national promoter for the play.

Chitra :You entered this arena many years ago…what significant transformations do you see in yourself? How have you evolved as an artist?

Paresh Rawal: Yes, I can say that I have evolved as an actor. Along the way, over the years, my body of work has been varied and exciting. This is a constant learning experience, as an actor I learn something new every time I perform. You see, I have a spiritual approach to my career now. I yearn to work with efficient, good directors.

C: What medium would you give credit for your success, to ? Film, TV or Theater?

PR: I started my career in the Theater, went on to act on Tv and then films. I owe it to all these mediums. I welcome all good roles, good scripts that come my way. Theater, movies, all I ask is for a challenging role, one that will satisfy me as an actor. But yes, I was groomed on stage and I owe my success to stage.

C: Which is your favorite medium? Is it important for you to connect with the audience? Isn’t that what stage lets you do? Have a one on one contact with the watcher?

PR: Theater is unarguably the most powerful medium of the three. Performing for a live audience is unlike any other achievement for an actor. I have been involved with the theater, as an actor and a director for many years and I think I will continue to be active in theater for years to come.

C: Of your various successes in films…Hera Pheri, Dakait, Tamanna, Sardar, American Chai to name a few…which is most significant to you?

PR: Sardar is probably my favorite. Ketan Mehta’s film on Sardar Patel was a learning experience for me and I felt honored playing that great man on film. I am proud of my performance and I think my hard work and research into the role paid off.

Another film that challenged me as an actor was that of a Eunuch in Pooja Bhatt’s Tamanna. It was a role of a lifetime, to portray that character in a sympathetic light.

C: Have you ever fallen in love with the character you are portraying or felt a pang when you had to stop acting that out?

PR: Yes, that of Sardar Patel. I truly loved playing that role and you can say that I was sad when it was over.

C: You have a very distinctive style of acting, has anyone ever influenced your work?

PR: Many great actors have inspired me, though I have an acting style of my own. Some of the actors I admire a lot in Hollywood are Robert Deniro and Edward Norton. They are great instinctual actors.

C: If you had to name an international film director you dream of working with, who would that be?

PR: I would like to work with all good directors, national and international. Scorcese, - Michael Radford, the director of Postino come to mind.

C: Why are films that come out of India so mediocre? Who is to blame? The public, which only patronizes mediocrity or filmmakers who take their audience for granted and insults their intelligence?

PR: (Bristling) That is not so. There are so many good films coming out of India. Take Lagaan, Monsoon Wedding? I have a lot of hope for and confidence in India’s potential to make good cinema. Filmmakers  make films with the audience in mind and they sometimes fail to make the crucial connection.

C: How is it to be touring with your wife? Is it very hectic or very romantic?

PR: ( Laughs)It is very hectic, romantic too.

C: How was it working on the recent NRI film American Chai, ? This film has got many good reviews.

PR: It is a pity that American movies about Indians  present comical one sided view of Indians. There are constantly presenting a stereotypical immigrant. That will not last long.  I wish they emphasized on positive role models like Gandhi or Nehru, which will inspire Indian children growing up in the US. It is good that they are making cinema and reaching a large group f Immigrant Indians.

C: What do you think about the recent events in Godhra, Gujarat? What is your opinion about the whole series of events?

PR: In Gujarat this is a terrible tragedy. After years of passive and tolerant attitude, Hindus have now begun to react to events. I think, in India , we should ban religion for five years and let the country focus on important  issues like progress. Religion should be a private affair and should not interfere with the running of the country. This meaningless violence has to stop.

Chitra: Thank you Paresh for taking the time to talk with lokvani.

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