The man and the superman
NANDINI NAIR
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Theatre doyen Satyadev Dubey is a man with a complete imagination and a persistent drive.
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I am going to be difficult. At my age, I am quite worldly wise!
All knowing Satyadev Dubey’s “Dear Liar” (below) was recently shown in the Capital.
“I am not prepared to be a midwife. I have to either be the husband or the wife,” veteran director, actor, scriptwriter, playwright, Satyadev Dubey says of his role as a director.
He adds, however, “I might interfere, but I do love my playwright.” He clearly shares the wit of George Bernard Shaw. Dubey is hence most suited to direct a play based on Shaw’s life.
“Dear Liar”, written by Jerome Kilty, is a play of sparkling wit and delightful cleverness.
It was brought to Delhi recently by CanSupport. With a star cast of Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah, it ran to a full house. With the proceeds going to CanSupport, the aisles doubled up as seats.
Adapted from the correspondence of Shaw and famous stage actress Stella Campbell it is a witness of those times (1895-1939). It recreates their unique genius and formidable personalities, while leaving their humanness intact.
Through the letters of these two friends and lovers, the politics of theatre, literature, film and war are revealed.
A loyal fan of Shaw, Dubey discloses that he first saw and decided on the play in 1967. Enacted by the Shahs and directed by Dubey, it was first staged nearly 10 years ago. Talking of his actors, Dubey says, “Jhagde to hote rehte hai. But Naseer and Ratna are like family.”
He adds, “It is intense. But since they are very disciplined it becomes easy.” Originally the play was staged with minimal sets. But when Naseeruddin told Dubey the shows were a sell out, they went in for a more involved set. Dubey’s resume would read like the Indian theatre and film world’s hall of fame. He has written scripts for the iconic movies of the 1970s and ’80s like “Kalyug”, “Aakrosh”, “Junoon” and “Ankur”.
He has appeared in movies like “Guide” and “Maya Memsahib”. He has worked with directors from Shyam Benegal to Mahesh Bhatt to Govind Nihalani. He has trained actors like Amrish Puri, Sonali Kulkarni and Jamini Pathak.
Future projects
Unwilling to disclose his age, this “senior citizen” today wants three crores for his Marathi movie “Ram Naam Satya Hai”. With a merry chuckle he asserts, “I am going to be difficult. At my age, I am quite worldly wise!”
Dubey is in a good mood. He has just returned from asking Manmohan Shetty, Managing Director, Adlabs Limited, for the money. Shetty has neither conceded nor refused. Dubey is optimistic. With a cast of 40 actors, Dubey wants to shoot 100 shifts in 70 days.
With youthful enthusiasm he narrates the movie script with a cinematographer’s detail. Set around terminal patients, it is stories within a story. The script includes everything from terminal patients to AIDS to ghosts to taboo relationships. He says, “It is not a black comedy. But there is cruel humour.” He adds secretively, “The end is very beautiful…”
Dubey has worked with Hindi and Marathi stage for nearly 50 years; today he veers towards English plays. He explains, “English in an Indian language today.”
He is now working on “Antigone” by Jean Anouilh. His cast includes Benjamin Geelani and the Shahs. Acknowledging the role of the playwright, Dubey clarifies, “I have edited the original. But in the main parts I have used him verbatim.”
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