Vinay Pathak talks about his love for diverse narratives and scripts and how he has never portrayed a hero in the conventional sense. By Ramya Palisetty
Despite having been a part of many movies or maybe because of it, Vinay Pathak is well-aware of his flaws and shortcomings. He is unperturbed by the opinions of people and looks at life with a quirky perspective and that is reflected in the way that he is dressed up. A pair of red pants and a black casual t-shirt with a multi-coloured scarf and black sunglasses is as eccentric as it gets.
Open-minded, he answers every question with frankness and honesty minus a societal filter. Pathak, true to the characters he has often portrayed on screen is funny and casual and has no inhibitions. How can one forget Bharat Bhushan Bheja Fry or for that matter Asif Iqbal from Khosla Ka Ghosla or Mannu Gupta from Chalo DilliIJ But he has also been a part of many movies which touched upon the more serious aspects of life.
His latest film, Khajoor pe atke, too, is a light hearted comedy with subtle and sensible situations. The name is quite apt since all the family members are stuck with one problem or another, unaware of when things would change for better or worse. The cast feels the audience would walk out of the theatre smiling after watching the movie. It is the directorial debut of actor Harsh Chhaya, who has been seen in Corporate, Bheja Fry and life in a Metro and produced by Welcome Friends production house who are passionate about the content of a film rather than the star cast.
He essays the role of the youngest brother in the film that revolves around a seriously ill sibling in an ICU in Mumbai. What ensues are hilarious circumstances around a bickering, fun loving family with their own perspectives around a comatose patient. The ensemble cast includes Manoj Pahwa, Seema Pahwa, Dolly Ahluwalia and Sanah Kapoor.
How was the experience of working on the filmIJ
It was great as I knew all the cast members and somehow, it felt like a family on set. Everyday, we used to go for work but we came back home after having quite a lot of fun.
You have done serious films like Gour Hari Dastaan and Manorama Six Feet Under. Is there a specific reason for your inclination towards comedyIJ
I think I get excited about telling different stories. Even within comedy, if the similar story comes along, I get disinterested. After Bheja Fry, I can’t even begin to tell you how many Bheja Fry came along. If I really wanted to do Bheja Fry, then I would do sequels. For me as an actor, the greed is to tell different stories.
Why do you think small budget films are still struggling in the industryIJ
Indian film industry is concentrated around song and dance especially during the 80s. The mainstream cinema around it is not going anywhere as it is the bread and butter of our industry. But, I don’t think that is the only cinema that should be created since we have talented and versatile actors with unique filmmakers. In the 20-odd years, there has been quite a change with storytellers coming up with out-of-the-box content.
When a big film does bigger at the box office, the small films don’t come into contention. Individuals who put in money in the business of cinema want to make a big budget film with greater returns. They are willing to take bigger risks. It happens the other way too. If a movie like Bheja Fry is a hit, everybody wants to copy it as it is the new formula.
In the name of small films, many average bad films are also made. Then you go through a phase where investors say no to every small-budgeted movie. Then out-of-the-blue, a film like lunchbox becomes successful and the trend comes into picture again. That struggle has always been there if you analyse the last 50 years. Indian films have always struggled to get finances and release dates. We make 900 films a year and we only have 52 Fridays, so who is going to get more shows. That is the biggest struggle right there and in all these transitions and trends, the smaller films are the biggest casuality.
How can we create a more literate audience who appreciates art and content-driven filmsIJ
It has to start early. We need to acknowledge the dire need for it and then work towards its quest. Education is the answer. In our country, many of our issues have the similar basic query. How can we improve on them.... and the only way forward is through education. Understanding the need for an overall wholesome education where arts are a crucial element is important. In Japan, France, Sweden or any of the developed countries, the love and need for arts are engrained from the very beginning. The newer generation needs to understand the importance of art and culture in their worldview.
What are your thoughts about the future of comic actors in IndiaIJ
It’s a new faculty and a new profession. I am happy to see it being a commercially viable one as well. If this becomes the new pop culture then it’s a wonderful change. The future seems golden and promising.
With so many stand-up comedians cropping up in India, do you think the audience understands the different hues of comedy. Also, do you think audience is able to comprehend subtle and dark humour or are we still stuck with in-your face jokesIJ
I believe they understand the various hues of comedy. It is only a matter of time before it would become mainstream and those would be better days for Indians and the literature. Stand up comedy is a new urban phenomenon and it’s there because we have an audience. I strongly and sincerely think that the audiences are evolving everyday. That’s the thing with India — with millions of people all kinds of things flourish.
Why do you think you have never done a hero film in the conventional senseIJ
The answer is straight and simple. I don’t have the talent and all that is required to be the main stream hero. And I know it better than anyone. I am the first person to accept and understand that and realise my limitations.
Everybody is eager to travel for breaks after hectic work schedules and stressful life. As an avid traveller, why do you think individuals crave peace and solitary environmentIJ
I don’t know about anyone else but I definitely need that travel to be with myself. Even without a break I take off as it’s a fuel and a quintessential need. I can’t do without it. It refreshes my mind and my creative tentacles.