“I take my work very seriously but I do not take myself very seriously”, says Paresh Rawal, the famous film star who is touring the US presenting his play “Dear Father”. The first show ran to a full house in Boston and the second show is on May 10 at 8:30 pm and Burlington High School. Buy Tickets. 

As I begin the conversation with Paresh Rawal, I am struck by his simplicity. I could not believe that a man who has an adoring fan base and has given us fabulous films for decades has absolutely no airs.  What is the secret to his staying power in Bollywood? “It is an honest approach to acting. I work very hard to understand every subtle nuance of the role. I bring my own experiences to the role to bring it authenticity” says Rawal. 

No matter what the movie, Paresh Rawal always stands out. I asked him how he chose his films. “I have to be honest. Some films I chose because of the script and others for the money. If the material is good it becomes easy for me to deliver a fine performance. For others I have to really work hard. I always do try to do my best”

A little known fact about Paresh Rawal is that he has quite a few Telugu films to his credit. How did he pick up the language? “While working on those films I used to constantly listen to Telugu. When I am in the hotel I would watch only Telugu channels. If one is immersed in the language it is not that hard”, says Rawal.

What film is he most proud of? “Sardar is hands down my favorite. Doing the role transformed me. I became a better citizen”, said Rawal. When I pressed him further on how it made him a better citizen, his answer was very enlightening. “In school the history we learn is not at all accurate.  This kind of history does not let you understand the truly heroic nature of our leaders.  As I was working on the film, I learned so much via the research I did.  I was so inspired the work of Sardar Patel and others and it truly made me love my country more”, said Rawal. 

He is very sorry to see the lack of leadership in India country. He is also a strong supporter of Narendra Modi. “I love what Narendra Modi represents. He is incorruptible, very capable and has brought tremendous development to Gujarat.  I support him not for who is but what he stands for.  I would support any other leader who stands for such ideals. I want our country to really achieve its potential”, says Rawal.

Despite his being a very famous film artist, theater is his first love. “In theater one gets an opportunity to do something new with the role each day. One can experiment. In the case of film, once it is done it we cannot change it at all”

What is the difference between presenting a play in the US vs India? “In India we have a lot of manpower and hence one can have good production values.  Our sets are exactly as we would like it. As we travel in the US we cannot get the lights and the sets we need very easily. That really takes away a large amount of the impact of the play.  People are wonderful.  So it is very nice to present to the audience in the US”

He has had such a successful career. Does he think his best role is yet to come? “I think of each role as an important role and try to give it my best. I do not know what the future holds”

Who does he look up to as mentors? “In the world of actors I look up to Nasiruddin Shah and others. On a personal level what I am today is because of my wonderful teachers at school and college who gave me such love and made me the man I am today,” says Rawal. 

His favorite singer is Lata Mangeshkar and his favorite novel is Fountainhead by Ayn Rand. He loves to eat home cooked simple food. He is very grateful to his wife Swaroop Sampath for all her support.  â€œShe is my life”, says Rawal.

What advice does he have for people wanting to make a career in Bollywood? “Work hard and do not be deterred by disappointments,” says Rawal.  

Does he have any regrets? “Yes. I am so sorry that my father passed away at a young age and he never got to see me play Sardar.  He was such a fan of Sardar Patel. I would have loved for him to see the play”

Any special message for Lokvani readers? “For your Indian readers I want to ask that they really love their country more and do the best they can to improve it. For your Indian American readers, I thank you for your support. I admire all you do to support and impact India”