Paresh Rawal on ‘Dear Father’: Glad to get a chance to do a Gujarati film after 4 decades

Senior actor Paresh Rawal is looking forward to reprise his role in a Gujarati film after 430 shows around the world in the popular play Dear Father. “Dear Father is a drama that is close to my heart,” Rawal says, excited to be acting in a Gujarati film after 40 years, since his last outing Parki Jani (1991). For a long time, I've wanted to convert this play into a film script.

I'd been doing a lot of plays for a long time and had exhausted most of them. I wanted the story to appeal to a broader audience and society. In addition, I wanted to be a part of a film that was relevant and valuable in Gujarati, my mother tongue. I'm Glad to get a chance to do a Gujarati film after 4 decades (40 years). I'm Glad to get a chance to do a Gujarati film after 4 decades (40 years).”

He adds that the play has a solid screenplay and is an emotional thriller, but that it took some work to convert it into a good screenplay. He's pleased that the team was able to complete it. “The film will have a small cast, so there won't be any issues during production; otherwise, filming with a larger unit has its own set of obstacles in the midst of the pandemic.
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The story is what pulled me in and compelled me to make it into a film. In terms of storyline, the tale will be racy and compelling, and my acting style will be different from what I've done in the past. There, you have to be loud for the back row, whereas in the movie, you may be subtle and internalised,” he explains.

Rawal will next be seen in Sharmaji Namkeen, taking the role played by the late actor Rishi Kapoor. He shot the scenes that were needed to finish the picture following Kapoor's death, and he admits that he was sad while doing so. The actor also admires the concept of an actor's death being followed by another actor taking over the part and filling in the gaps.

“It's a yet another unique concept, and I felt extremely different while filming it. It was challenging at first to walk in his footsteps and work on the characterisations with him. But, with the support of the director and co-stars, I was able to finish the picture. In fact, I haven't seen a good script like Sharmaji Namkeen in recent years. He describes the film as "a slice of life film with an endearing story."

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Despite his recent film's release on OTT rather than in theatres, Rawal says he understands the producer's issue. “What can one do?” he responds. How long can you keep a movie in your mind? Money is stranded, and the economy is suffering because if a producer's money is locked up in one picture, he won't be able to make another, and thus workers won't be hired.So many people rely on shootings for employment, and the entire cycle must function in order for people to be employed.” While OTT appeals to him, the veteran actor says he's looking for a movie that's "interesting and excellent.”

When ask him about the Corona pandemic and lockdown in the previous 15 months. “I focused on my health and tried to be as active and healthy as possible,” he says. I also read, watched movies, and took time for myself to keep my mental health in check.”