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Homing in on Om
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Om Puri reveals his plans for NDFC as its new chairman
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Photo: R. SHIVAJI RAO
NEW HOPES Om Puri feels that NFDC can offer more than just entertainment
Say Om Puri, and a kaleidoscope of images flood the mind. There he is with barely-controlled rage as Anant Velankar in Govind Nihalani’s “Ardh Satya” (1983), the mute sufferer in “Aakrosh” (1980), the rough and ready Ahu
ja in “Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron” (1983), the genial but super sharp detective in “Gupt” (1997), the extremist Sanatan in “Maachis” (1996), the conflicted father George Khan in “East is East” (1999), commissioner Tej in “Dev” (2004) or Aslam’s authoritarian father, Amanullah Khan, in “Rang De Basanti” (2006).
Om Puri has always managed to escape an actor’s worst nightmare — that of getting typecast. A look at his filmography is breathtaking for the sheer magnitude and variety. That he makes each role appear so different, speaks volumes of his skill. And now the 58-year-old thespian takes on another role — that of chairman of the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC). In this freewheeling chat, he talks of his plans for NFDC. Excerpts:
Is the NFDC a spent force now?
In the 80s, art cinema was noisy. There was a lot of activity with people like Shyam Benegal and Govind Nihalani making films. Not all the films were successful. The younger filmmakers like Rajkumar Santoshi and Vishal Bharadwaj realised that they needed to use the commercial format to make successful films. The form changed while NFDC continued to follow the so-called art cinema format so it looked like NFDC was doing nothing.
What are your plans to rejuvenate NFDC?
One of the ideas I have put forth is to pick up viable scripts; films that can stand on their own feet and not purely as an intellectual exercise. We are looking at co-producers. I am also in favour of script doctors for ideas that seem promising but are not viable in their present state. Then there is the concept of a cooperative where we use established stars who want to do good cinema. Not Shah Rukh or Aamir Khan though, they will never work for NFDC!
Have multiplexes made a change to filmmaking?
They have, but the films are what I would call fashionable films. There are no socially relevant films. Themes like farmers’ suicide or population control are never tackled. These are important issues that need to be discussed.
Why are filmmakers no longer tackling causes?
While there are filmmakers like Mani Ratnam and Santoshi whose cinema is issue-based within the commercial format, I will agree with you that the number has reduced. The commitment has lessened. This is unfortunate as such an effective medium is reduced to mere entertainment. There is nothing wrong in entertainment or using the musical format. Song and dance are part of our cinematic history. Look at filmmakers like Bimal Roy and Raj Kapoor. Their cinema was meaningful and entertaining and also spoke the language of the people. I have been frustrated myself. After working in movies like “Aakrosh” and “Ardh Satya”, the last memorable films I did were “Dev” and “Dhoop”.
What are your compulsions while choosing a role?
I signed my first commercial film after “Ardh Satya”. Till then I had done 25 films and was living in a PG accommodation. After three commercial films I had my own house! However, I do not want to be only remembered as the actor who made pots of money.
Have you ever thought of directing a film?
No. I have never paid attention to the technical aspects. I might be able to direct the actors but not the cameraperson or the editor. Are there more roles for older actors now?
Certainly. Look at Anthony Quinn and Amitabh Bachchan. I too want to be pampered now. I want some big studio to adopt me! I have given 30 years to the film industry. And I have behaved myself. I have not been naughty. So now I want something back. Preferably all of Mr. Bachchan’s roles!
MINI ANTHIKAD-CHHIBBER
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