“THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE WAS TO LOOK AND ACT AS A BLIND PERSON WITHOUT TAKING ANY ARTIFICIAL OR EXTERNAL MAKEUP LOOK”

GIRIJA SHANKAR tells JYOTHI VENKATESH in this exclusive e mail interview from Los Angeles where he has settled that there is a huge difference in the atmosphere in the way we work in Mumbai and the way we work in Hollywood but we are catching up.

How apprehensive were you to play an old and blind Dhritarashtra in Mahabharat at just 28?

 A little because I did not know much about Dhritrashtra and most people knew only about Kauravs and Pandavs and Draupadi etc. When Mr B R Chopra and Rahi Masoom Raza and the entire team felt that I'm hesitant, they gave me a huge granth- like book, the name of which I really cannot recollect today after 33 years, to read on which they were basing the entire series and then decide.

I took the book home and started reading it and after reading it for few days I decided that I will play Dhritrashtra because I gathered while reading that the conflict begins with Dhritrashtra and also ends with him even after the war was over and throughout the story he carries it also.

How did the offer land in your lap?

Mr B.R.Chopra and the entire family use to come and see my plays which were being staged at Prithvi Theatre and saw the serial Buniyaad also before Mahabharata was made. They all liked and appreciated my performance in that and probably felt that the role of Dhritrashtra is the major and pivotal role and wanted an experienced and dependable actor to portray it. They all insisted that I should do it and I accepted the offer. The rest is history.

Did you read any book on Mahabharat to do your research on Dhritarashtra?

I read the book which they gave me and I researched on my own as well and also went and met some blind people in blind schools and tried to study their mindset and psychological process and the world they live in because the entire body language of the blind or handicapped person depends on that .

What was the biggest challenge you had to face as an actor while doing Dhritarashtra?

The biggest challenge was to look and act as a blind person and that too without taking any artificial or external makeup look and carrying it throughout the shoot which lasted for almost three years. I worked very hard for that and am happy that Mr Chopra and the entire team were very happy the way I did.

Can you recollect any memorable incident on the sets of Mahabharat?

There are quite a few. We used to have a lot of fun on sets. It was very inspiring and positive, like a big huge family.

Though you have settled down in Los Angeles, you are still acting regularly in Punjabi films. Why?

I keep traveling wherever there is work, whether Mumbai, Punjab or any other place. I am from Punjab and a Punjabi and love doing Punjabi films too. I have done more than 20 Punjabi films till date, as an actor.

Have offers dried up in Bollywood?

No. I still pick and choose the offers that I get.

You had even turned a director with a film called Banana Brothers. Why have you not directed any film after Banana Brothers in 2003?

I produced and directed the film Banana Brothers in 2003 but after that I was busy doing acting assignments and didn't have the time at all to direct but may be now will do some projects.

How did you rediscover Radha Saluja for your film Banana Brothers?

We wanted some Indian actress of her age and luckily somebody in LA suggested her name and she was happy and kind enough to accept it.

What is the difference between working ethics in Bollywood and Los Angeles since you have set up a production house there?

There is a huge difference in the atmosphere in the way we work in Mumbai and the way we work in Hollywood but we are catching up and doing good now.

Did Mahabharat help you to bag films in Bollywood or scuttle your chances?

It reassured the Indian movie industry that I am an actor who can carry and do any role with ease. After and during Mahabharata I did many films and it gave me a big huge recognition as a dependable actor.

Which are your five favorite TV serials till date as an actor?

Buniyaad , Mahabharat ,  Alif Laila , Uttran etc.. I also liked doing Kissa Shanti Ka and Chunni.

Which are your five films as an actor till date?

Ab Ayega Mazaa, Pratigyabadhh , Shiva , Kal Ki Aawaz and Diva Bale Sari Raat

With which film did you make your debut and when?

Ab Ayega Mazaa in 1984 which I produced too.

With which TV serial did you make your debut as an actor?

Kissa Shanti Ka and TItliyan which were made before Buniyaad but it was Buniyaad that gave me instant recognition, as an actor.

What has been your growth as an actor over the last three decades?

It is an interesting question. I have been growing as an actor and a human being since I entered the profession of creative arts, starting with theatre, TV and films. It has been a long journey and it’s still on. It’s a learning process which never ends for a conscious actor and a human being. I have played a variety of characters and still in search of more as I feel that versatility is my forte.

Is there any filmmaker who is there in your wish list as an actor today?

There are many specially the new generation as they are very talented..

What made you take up direction? Did that move affect you as an actor?

I think it’s a natural transition for any actor or any other person in crafts like Cinematography, Stunt direction or Writing to direct as it’s an individual urge and growth.

How was Ravi Chopra as a director?

Rabiji was one very good director who gave me complete liberty to enact my scene before and set up the shot accordingly. It was always a great pleasure working with him

Would you describe yourself as natural actor or a director’s actor?

Both.  I am as natural as needed and as obedient as a director wants. I am a performer first and will like to carry forward a director’s vision the way he wants.

Which are your forthcoming projects either as an actor or as a director?

Quite a few and they are happening in LA. Hollywood. I will keep you posted as and when it ready. Thank you for the opportunity to talk to you exclusively via this interview through e mail.