Showing posts with label Gufi Paintal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gufi Paintal. Show all posts
Puneet Issar and Gajendra Chauhan remember Gufi Paintal
8:09 AM
Puneet Issar and Gajendra Chauhan, who played Duryodhan and Yudhishthira in B R Chopra’s Mahabharat, remember the Shakuni actor
Hiren Kotwani (MID-DAY; June 6, 2023)
Monday morning brought sad tidings for the television fraternity. Gufi Paintal, best known for his brilliant portrayal of Shakuni Mama in B R Chopra’s epic television series, Mahabharat, passed away. He had been hospitalized a week ago for age-related health issues.
The veteran actor, 79, born Sarabjeet Singh Paintal, was an engineer before following in his brother Kanwarjit’s footsteps to be an actor. After arriving in Mumbai in 1969, Paintal took up modelling, acting, and dabbled as an assistant director, before joining BR Films.
Having known Paintal before sharing screen space with him in Mahabharat, Gajendra Chauhan, who played Yudhishthira in the epic saga, shares, “Gufi saab was the GM [general manager] at B R Films when I started working there. We got the opportunity to work in the iconic mythology show because he was the casting director, besides essaying the role of Shakuni.”
Contrary to his manipulative character in the show, Paintal was a jovial person, shares Chauhan. “He had a fabulous sense of humour. He wrote poetry and would often sing when we went for shows. Gufi saab was always helpful. He has helped as an actor and a friend. My mother addressed him as brother, so he was my mama [uncle].”
Among the actors who played the Kauravas in Mahabharat, it was Punnet Issar who was closest to Paintal. His character, Duryodhan, was, after all, the protégé. In fact, Issar had collaborated with Paintal on the play, Mahabharat: The Epic Tale, before his hospitalization.
“When I set out to make the play, Mahabharat: The Epic Tale, from Duryodhan’s perspective, how could I not have Gufi-ji playing Shakuni in it? We performed 80 shows with him. The way he essayed his part and spoke his lines, audiences would give him standing ovations.”
Remembering his audition for the 1988 show, the actor shares that it was Paintal who selected him to play Duryodhan. “They were keen to cast me as Bheem, but I requested that they test me for Duryodhan. I was not sure if they would give me the role, but after a week, my doorbell rang, and I opened the door to see Gufi Paintal standing there. He congratulated me, and said that I was Duryodhan. I was a nobody then. I was so moved that Gufi-ji had come to tell me the biggest news of my life. He had a keen interest in sher-shayari. When we met at parties, we would talk about the films, what kind of subjects were being made, and what was working. He had a great journey. He has gone with his boots on, with dignity.”
Paintal is survived by his son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter. His last rites were performed at the Andheri crematorium last evening.
Gajendra Chauhan and Puneet Issar
Gufi Paintal aka Shakuni Mama passes away
8:06 AM
Bella Jaisinghani (THE TIMES OF INDIA; June 6, 2023)
Mumbai: Senior actor Sarabjeet ‘Gufi’ Paintal, 79, died of age-related ailments at an Andheri hospital Monday. His masterful portrayal as the evil, lame Shakuni Mama in B R Chopra’s epic serial ‘Mahabharat’ cast the die for his eternal fame.
A native of Tarn Taran, Punjab, he was born October 4, 1944. Gufi was the older brother of comedian (Kanwarjit) Paintal and followed him into cinema after having served in the Army. Aside from acting, Gufi worked as casting director and was also an occasional writer and director.
Nephew Hiten informed PTI, “He passed away peacefully in his sleep in hospital around 9am. His heart gave up.” The actor was admitted a week ago for cardiac trouble and blood pressure.
Gufi Paintal featured in Basu Chatterji’s ‘Dillagi’ (1978), where he played the photographer brother of actress Kajri. Other noteworthy films are ‘Rafoo Chakkar’, ‘Des Pardes’ and ‘Suhaag’ and TV serials ‘Shaktimaan’, ‘CID’ and ‘Hello Inspector’. His name appears as assistant director in a few movies as well.
However, it was his notoriety as Shakuni Mama that earned him the permanent nickname ‘Mama Shree’. Friends and fans addressed him in this manner as they mourned his death on social media. Gufi lived in Lokhandwala Complex, Andheri, near his brother Paintal. His last rites were performed at Oshiwara crematorium at 4. 30pm.
Gufi leaves behind wife Rekha and son Harry, who lit the funeral pyre. The Kaurava tribe from the ‘Mahabharat’, including Surendra Pal (Dronacharya) and Pankaj Dheer (Karna) attended. Mukesh Khanna, who enacted Bheeshma, said it was Gufi who cast him in the coveted part.
Pankaj Dheer said, “Till date, people try to copy him but they are not able to reach his style of performance.” The threesome, including Puneet Issar, spent a lot of time together on set as the villainous trio of Shakuni, Karna and Duryodhana.
Cine & TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) offered tribute on social media. Actors Gulshan Devaiah and Nimrat Kaur also expressed sorrow.
Gufi uncle is in the ICU, but he is stable-Hiten Paintal
8:31 AM
Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; June 4, 2023)
Gufi Paintal (80), best known as Shakuni mama from Mahabharat, has been admitted to a hospital in Andheri. There were reports that he was critical, but when we spoke to his nephew Hiten Paintal, he said, “Gufi uncle was unwell for many days due to age-related issues. Initially, he had a heart ailment and later developed kidney issues. He was critical, but the doctors have said that he is stable now. We are hoping that he recovers soon and we are all praying for him and waiting for him to get better.”
Apart from Mahabharat, Gufi Paintal was seen in films like Rafoo Chakkar, Des Pardes, Dillagi, Maidan-E-Jung and Daava,among others. He was also part of TV shows like Kanoon, Sauda, Akbar Birbal, Om Namah Shivaay, Mrs Kaushik Ki Paanch Bahuein and Karn Sangini. He was last seen in Jai Kanhaiya Lal Ki.
There was no need for Gajendra Chauhan to belittle Mukesh Khanna or indulge in personal slander-Nitish Bharadwaj
12:37 PM
Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; October 10, 2020)
The Mahabharat special episode on The Kapil Sharma Show has triggered off a Mahabharat of its own among its cast. Recently, Nitish Bharadwaj, Gajendra Chauhan, Arjun, Gufi Paintal and Puneet Issar, who were a part of the mythological, came together for a special episode of the comedy show. Mukesh Khanna stirred up a hornet’s nest when he commented on the quality of Kapil’s show and why he chose to not be a part of the reunion on it. In turn, Gajendra said it was a case of sour grapes for Mukesh because he was not invited on the show. He also referred to him as a “flop actor”, who does not have a PhD in Mahabharat.
This has not gone down well with the rest of the Mahabharat team. Nitish Bharadwaj, who played Krishna, expressed his unhappiness over the turn of events in an exclusive chat with BT. He said, “Five of us, who comprise the top cast of the show, are extremely unhappy with what is going on between Mukesh Khanna and Gajendra Chauhan. Firstly, I feel that every person is entitled to his or her views. If Mukesh had a view on Kapil Sharma’s show, it is his view, and if anyone has the right to react, then it should be Kapil and his team. Why is Gajendra talking on Kapil’s behalf or defending his show?”
He further added, “It is Mukesh’s view or choice why he did not want to be a part of the show. There was no need to belittle him or deride him and indulge in personal slander. Mukesh’s role as Bhishma Pitamah has surpassed all his other roles, and he played it to perfection.”
The actor finds this war-of-words between his co-actors distasteful. He elaborated, “It is not in good taste to comment on anyone’s performance or career. We have all seen how Gajendra has performed in films, politics and also, as FTII chairman. By commenting on Mukesh and his knowledge and performance, he is only venting out his frustration. All these years, the actors of Mahabharat have never been embroiled in any controversy, and we should maintain that decorum. All of us may not agree with Mukesh’s views, too, but this kind of personal slander was not required.”
Nitish concludes with a word of advice, “We, as artistes, should only take positives of others and move on, rather than focus on negative points. I would say that Gajendra should imbibe the restraint of his on-screen character, Yudhishthir, in his real life, too.”
Mahabharat teaches us to face all battles of life-Nitish Bhardwaj
8:30 AM
Ankur Batra and Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; March 29, 2020)
After announcing the retelecast of Ramayan, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar tweeted on Friday that DD Bharati will be airing B R Chopra’s Mahabharat as well. The three-decadeold series is being shown every day at noon and 7pm. Excited about the rerun, the actors of the epic show say that it will help keep people engaged amid the Coronavirus lockdown and give them valuable life lessons.
MAHABHARAT CAN TEACH PEOPLE THE ‘ART OF LIVING’ IN THESE DIFFICULT TIMES: NITISH BHARDWAJ
Speaking to us about the rerun, the original Krishna of Indian television, Nitish Bhardwaj, says, “Mahabharat is a mirror of life, which can help us sail through all the trials and tribulations of life. It teaches us to face all battles of life, rise above the perils of emotions and be righteous. It has so many lessons, which are relevant for all times. This is a new opportunity for the current generation to learn in the most engaging and entertaining manner.” He adds, “If the current generation ignores the VFX of the serial, which was practically unavailable in India then, and focusses on the dialogues of Dr Rahi Masoom Raza, I am sure they will learn the ‘art of living’ in these difficult times and not turn negative. Now is the time to fight our battle and Mahabharat teaches us how to do that.”
When asked what was the most challenging part of his role, he replies, “The episodes of Bhagwad Gita were the most difficult. The Almighty’s blessings and my mother’s teachings on Hindu literature helped me sail through.” So, how is he coping with the current lockdown? “I practise meditation, yoga and pranayam. I also spend time cooking and reading Indian and world literature, apart from brushing up my screenwriting and directorial skills,” he shares, adding, “What we need to do now is crisis management; avoid boredom by enhancing our skills. We also need to introspect. We must build a better tomorrow. I hope to see a new India after the lockdown in terms of people’s behaviour and psyche, which can only happen with Swadhyay or self-education.”
AHANKAAR MAT KARO WAS THE MAIN MESSAGE IN MAHABHARAT: PUNEET ISSAR
Puneet Issar, who played Duryodhan in show, equates the ongoing fight against coronavirus with the battle of Mahabharat. “The epic retained maximum viewership till its last episode. And airing it during this time will help everyone regain focus. Each episode will help viewers do self-analysis, while throwing light on their strengths and weaknesses,” he says, adding, “I remember in 1988, when the series had started, the roads used to be empty. And today also it’s the same, owing to the lockdown and curfew. History repeats itself.”
Issar shares, “Mahabharat helped me grow as an actor, besides giving me the ability to understand what life is all about. It teaches how to stay calm, and also talks about what can instigate you. Like today, staying indoors is a test of patience. Bahar na nikalna can leave you exhausted, but it’s your patience which will eventually pay. Ahankaar mat karo was the main message in Mahabharat. Some people are arrogant and feel that the virus cannot touch them. Many of the characters in Mahabharat had also thought no one can eliminate them. But they were wrong.”
THE SHOW WILL HELP PEOPLE INTROSPECT: GIRJA SHANKAR
Girja Shankar, better known as Dhritarashtra of Mahabharat, continues to live under the shadow of the character. “Even after Mahabharat got over, Dhritarashtra never left me,” he says, adding, “Mahabharat’s rerun will help lower stress levels and anxiety, which I feel is spiking in this time of coronavirus. It will help people introspect. They will draw strength from it. Their entire perspective of life will change.”
Girja shares, “Mahabharat teaches us that jo kuch hai sab yahin hai. You will get back what you do. In my profession, there are people who get egoistic, but this virus has halted everything. Indirectly, the situation teaches us to remain humble.”
BACK THEN, SUNDAYS WITNESSED CURFEW-LIKE SITUATION WHEN THE SERIAL WAS ON: GUFI PAINTAL
Gufi Paintal, who played the scheming Shakuni mama, is excited about the rerun. “We are all looking forward to it. There’s a shutdown, otherwise I would have gone to my (onscreen) bhanja Puneet Issar’s place to see it,” he says, adding, “Mahabharat is the reflection of the world... rage, desire, fight for supremacy. The younger generation will get to witness the golden era of television.”
In today’s situation, the veteran actor feels Mahabharat has an important role to play, especially when people are looking for ways to beat boredom amid the nationwide lockdown. “Back then, Sundays witnessed curfew-like situation when the serial was on. And today, too, when there’s a lockdown we are coming again. It’s not a co-incidence. Ab fast food (referring to daily soaps) toh nahin mil raha, so achhi tarah paka hua khana (Mahabharat) ab swaad increase karega (laughs). The ras bhara time is coming back, we must sit together to relish it,” he signs off.
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