A BIT OF EVERYTHING
A boxing coach in Toofan, an insecure husband in Hungama 2—at age 66, Paresh Rawal has learnt to find a balance between roles that scare him and those that reunite him with his favourite directors. The actor has announced his return to Gujarati cinema an
What was it about Toofan that caught your attention?
Being a boxing coach was interesting, but the core of this character was very appealing. The layers are very slowly peeled through the film—how he reconciles to his fate or to the situation around him. I wanted to work with Rakeysh Mehra because he takes so many pains to treat the subject delicately. I have also always been fascinated by Farhan (Akhtar) and his passion.
Were you ever interested in boxing as a sport?
I was kind of interested, but it’s quite a brutal sport for my nature. I get a little sick in the stomach when I hear that thudding sound. I have seen boxers getting dementia in their old age because of the constant beating they take in the head.
Another film that you’ve completed is Sharmaji Namkeen…
Yes, it was so sad Rishi Kapoor couldn’t finish that film, because Sharmaji Namkeen has a beautiful script and the audience would have seen him in a very different role. I really salute the producers for wanting to complete the film in such a unique manner, else a good script would have been lost.
You also have Priyadarshan’s Hungama 2 releasing. Considering the number of films you have made together, is it understood that you will do any film he approaches you for?
No, I would want to see the story and the role. But even if there’s something I don’t like about it, I know that Priyanji, being who he is, will take care of it and that the end result will be a good, entertaining film. Although he’s made films like Kanchivaram and Marakkar, which was the most expensive Malayalam film ever, he’s not pretentious. It’s always a joy to work with someone so honest.
You are returning to Gujarati films after almost 40 years!
Yes, the film is based on Dear Father, a play that I have performed over 400 shows of all over the world. It’s a beautiful story—an emotional thriller through which you evaluate relationships within a family.
While Gujarati theatre is very vibrant, the film industry there hasn’t grown as much. As someone who is from there, what do you think needs to change?
There is a very vibrant Gujarati theatre scene in the Middle East, Africa, America, the UK. Unfortunately, it hasn’t translated to cinema. Hopefully, the younger generation of filmmakers will take advantage of the ready audience.