Courtesy: IndiaFM
Friday, November 11, 2005
From being the most hated man after Naam to moving you to tears in Tamanna to keeping you in splits with Hera Pheri, the effortlessness with which Paresh Rawal moves with each character can make a chameleon blush. Right now, Paresh Rawal is on a 'laugh trip' - his latest being Deewane Huye Paagal and the actor in him is already getting cagey.
Is it true that Deewane Huye Paagal is a sequel to Awara Paagal Deewana?
DHP is not a sequel of APD. These stories must have been spread because the name is quite similar to Awara Pagal Deewana and so is the font of the film on the posters. Moreover the cast of that film, Akshay, Suniel and myself have been repeated in this film. Also the fact that we three are doing a sequel to Hera Pheri must have added to the confusion of us doing a sequel to APD as well. In DHP, I'm one of the four guys (Akshay, Suniel, Shahid and me) chasing the same girl (Rimii Sen); each of us tries different ways and uses different tactics to win her heart.
What do you think is the popularity behind the Akshay-Suniel-Paresh combination?
I would attribute the success of Akshay-Suniel-Paresh to the great tuning and rapport that we share amongst ourselves; it's excellent. There's no insecurity. We respect each other's work and motivate each other to do their best. When we work together, it's like working in a film with a family member.
For an actor who's done all kinds of roles, you're now more often seen in comedies?
That's because all my comedy films have done well. But yes, even I'm beginning to get cagey about doing just comedies. I'm looking out to play some good, meaty characters - it could be serious, it could be negative. Anything but comedy especially since I have done varied roles in the past like - Sardar, Tamanna, Kabzaa, Sir, Naam, Hatya. I am a character actor and I have no regrets about that since it gives me so much scope to do much more than just being a hero.
It's strange to see an actor like you working so well with Akshay and Suniel, who've known to be non-actors in the initial stage of their career. Comment.
No, I wouldn't call them non-actors. I've always been of the firm belief that given a good role, good material and good directors any actor can excel. Look at Akshay and Suniel... they not only prove that, they are amazing. Suniel is going to be the highlight of DHP.
What's it like to work with newcomers like Shahid Kapoor in Deewane Huye Paagal and John Abraham in Garam Masala?
Actors, nowadays, come with a clean slate. You can mould them the way you like. Shahid and John show these inclinations and are willing to learn, which will hold them in good stead for a long time. Because an actor never stops learning as every film is a new experience.
Why do you think we should watch Deewane Huye Paagal?
I don't want to get philosophical or spiritual about DHP, but look at the title; it's catchy and underlines only one thing - that it's a nice breezy comedy. What more reasons can we need to see a good healthy family entertainer?
What are your upcoming releases?
There's Deewane Huye Paagal, Phir Hera Pheri, Maalamaal Weekly - all comedies.
What do you think of the crossover film rush?
Crossover films are a good sign and indicate an amalgamation of forms and culture taking place. I've had a brief but nice experience with Chai Time and there are talks taking place of more such films. These films have affected the mindset, the work culture and discipline of the film industry for the better. About five years back a making of a film was spread over, rather fragmented over to 3-4 years, now it gets completed in six months. Such things do make a difference to the quality of films. In the earlier scenario when shooting moved at a sluggish pace, not only did the quality suffer but also the producer. And when the producer suffers the whole industry suffers. Fortunately things have changed, and a lot of credit also goes to people like Aamir Khan who said 'no, one film at a time' which was later reinforced by Shahrukh Khan. I salute these guys.
What's been your experience with fans abroad?
Oh, extremely overwhelming. They love you so much that you can safely say that they are blind in their adoration of you and your work. They are very much atuned to the growth of an actor from India, and give the right tips and criticism to do better in the future.
Finally, what would be your message to your fans abroad?
Just be Indian; don't ever forget India.
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