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Camera, lights, Paresh

Paresh Rawal is tired of being typecast in Bollywood

CONSUMMATE Paresh Rawal

You saw Paresh Rawal recently in 36 China Town in a forgettable role. You will soon see him as a fisherman in Chup Chup Ke. Another forgettable comic role for the accomplished actor? "No," he says, defensively and adds, "it is not purely comedy. It also has emotional shades."

Though Paresh is happy that roles are being written specially for character artistes, he feels they are under-utilised. He himself has been typecast in comic and villainous roles in Bollywood. "If I am getting repetitive, the directors and producers are to be blamed. Most often the treatment to a role changes as the film is being made. I cannot simply walk out after having made a commitment. Jab achche role hi nahi mil rahe to kya karun (When I am not getting good roles what do I do?) But after such experiences I am trying to pick and choose my roles. Ab main sare roles nahi karunga (I will not take up anything that comes my way). Let's see if it helps." However, he feels the changing face of Indian cinema has led to many positive developments. "For instance, now there are good story ideas. The work culture has changed. It is more energetic and less time-consuming.

Bound scripts are the order of the day. It doesn't take years to complete a film. But even in this kind of atmosphere, I see little being done for character artistes," says Paresh. But creative people always find an alternative. And for him it is theatre. "Angikam, my theatre group, gives me creative satisfaction." Come August, you can watch this brilliant actor in a play on relationships.

RANA SIDDIQUI

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