‘We must learn to live and let live’
Lashtam Pashtam was one of veteran actor Om Puri’s last projects. Puri passed away in January 2017, about one week after dubbing for the film. Here’s what he said about the film in one of his last interviews:
How was your experience of working on Lashtam Pashtam?
I enjoyed working with Manav (Bhalla, director); he is jovial and sweet. I play a Pakistani taxi driver. I have many sweet memories of this film. I am really happy with my performance. I’m praising myself but ab sach hai toh kya kare (smiles.)
What message would you want to give to the audience through your character?
My character itself gives out a message. Manav has written it in such a way that it tells that hatred should end. I have been to Pakistan six times. People tell me that their fathers are buried in various states in India. It’s so tragic that 10 lakh people died during the Partition. It was a partition of relationships, emotions and feelings... it was a very painful thing. I pray that this film releases smoothly. Unfortunately, people have to be reminded that we must live and let live.
Any advice for new filmmakers as it’s very difficult to get in and survive in the industry?
For small films, it is more difficult. I request people who will read this interview that whenever you get to know about small films, please go and watch them because they can’t make noise three months before the release date, neither can they have a lot of advertisements on TV. Nor can they afford big hoardings.