Interview | Paresh Rawal: You can’t remain theatrical in your performance

It’s not easy to adapt a play into a film. Ask Paresh Rawal. After his Gujarati play Maharathi, and Hindi production Kishen Vs Kanhaiya, his Dear Father is all set to be adapted into a film, which will be produced by Ashutosh Gowariker and directed by Satish Rajwade. While the first film didn’t make any noise, OMG – Oh My God! adapted from Kishen Vs Kanhaiya ran largely because of its “courageous content”, according to the actor. He tells us more...

When a play is adapted into a film, do the dynamics change?

Yes, they do. We could not succeed in terms of the screenplay in Maharathi, while OMG ran hugely because of its courageous content. So the screenplay was not much of an issue as the content itself was so powerful, sensational and shocking. In Dear Father, you will see some remarkable work in terms of the screenplay. In a movie, you also have to work on your acting. You cannot remain theatrical in your performance. But mainly, you have to work on the screenplay.

Does it become easier to spread the message of the play via a bigger platform of a movie?

Yes, if the content of the drama is good, then with the help of camera, locations and visuals, you can enhance the message. You can make it more palatable and interesting. In a film, I can show you the beach, the sunset, the roads, while in a play you have to imagine all that. But the more advantage you have, your responsibility also increases.

You have worked with Ashutosh Gowariker in the past. How did he approach you for the adaptation?

Ashutosh saw the play and told me that he really liked the premise and wanted to adapt it. I was happy that somebody wanted to do this play as it’s very close to my heart. (The Gujarati play has completed more than 600 shows, while the Hindi version is currently on and doing pretty well, too). It is being made in Marathi first with Nana Patekar playing my role. The shoot for the Hindi film will start from May.

What do you think of Nana Patekar as an actor?

To talk about him is like talking about sunrise in the morning. He’s the first character actor to demand Rs 1 crore, main uske guts ko maanta hoon. He does so much for the farmers of the country, such noble work. Nana as an actor, as a human, as a citizen is an asset for any country. As for playing my role, I did it my way and now he will do it his way. It will be fun and interesting to see how the same subject is approached by different actors.

Theatre-wise, are you looking at doing something new?

I’m looking for a good script, but I’m yet to find one. There has to be something to say in it. If I have to do a show every day, then I should have fun. It must have an element that enriches you as a person and as an actor.