Satish Kaushik knows how to strike a balance between his two profiles as an actor and filmmaker. If the actor makes you laugh with some of his performances in breezy entertainers, the filmmaker is also known for directing intense social dramas like Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain (1999) and his last directorial Kaagaz (2021). He is now backing Kaagaz 2, which went on the floor recently. Unlike the first instalment, which was directed by Kaushik himself, the second one will be helmed by renowned South filmmaker V K Prakash.

Ask the actor-filmmaker if the movie marks the beginning of the Kaagaz franchise, and he says, “Yes, it does. The aim is to highlight issues that are true to life with an emotional treatment and a dash of humour.”

Kaagaz 2 is part of the actor-filmmaker’s dream to create a brand that “tells stories of the common man’s problems and struggle caused by the negligence of our system”.

He elaborates, “Kaagaz and Kaagaz 2 have been aptly titled because the subject of both films is about the power of official documents. They make a positive statement about improving our system as the films do not only highlight issues, but also suggest solutions. The first instalment was about a common man being declared dead on paper and his struggle to prove his existence. On the other hand, Kaagaz 2 is about human rights violations. It showcases a common man’s struggle to get justice for his daughter, who loses her life due to a protest on the road.”

The film has Anupam Kher and Darshan Kumaar sharing screen space. “Anupam was the perfect choice to play Darshan’s father. He has been a dear friend of mine for many years and he is a great actor,” says Kaushik, adding, “Besides, he and Darshan look great as father and son.”

The filmmaker-actor will also be playing an important role in the film, which in his words, is “something that I have never attempted before.”

Actor Satish Kaushik has worked across films and web shows helmed by various new-age filmmakers, including Abhishek Chaubey’s Udta Punjab (2016), Shaad Ali’s Soorma (2018) and Bloody Brothers, Raj & DK’s Guns And Gulaab, Raj Singh’s Thar, and Hitesh Bhatia’s Sharmajee Namkeen.

He enjoys working with the younger makers for many reasons. “What I like about them is that they know the importance of time and have faith in their actors. They offer you a complete script before the shoot begins and conduct workshops and readings with actors before a film goes on floors. All this ensures that they don’t waste time during the shoot explaining what they want,” says Kaushik, who has also directed over 15 Hindi films.

Kaushik goes on to highlight the key difference between the younger makers and senior ones: “I have worked at a time when films were shot leisurely in 18 months. But nowadays, filmmaking is pacier and more systematic. I love this new way of working. Filmmakers today have a strong team of DOPs and assistant directors, and their duties are divided perfectly.”

He adds that gender parity is also a highlight, as far as the film industry of today is concerned. “There’s inclusion of women across all the departments. From DOPs to production assistants — you see strong-minded girls who believe in giving their best to the film and working passionately. This inclusivity is great to see,” says Kaushik.

Being a senior filmmaker himself, does it ever become difficult when a younger maker asks him to do something? “Not at all,” says the 65-year-old, adding, “In fact, when they ask me to do something new, it’s like a learning process for me. At the time of the shoot, the director is the captain, it doesn’t matter what his age is.”

With a number of projects lined up, filmmaker Satish Kaushik is grateful for “good times”. He has been shooting all over India for projects. “Working with the younger lot is exciting. Today, experienced people have to impress the younger generation, too (laughs). This year, has been hectic, but fun,” he says.

Kaushik’s mantra in life is that his roles should be relatable. His performances in films like Udta Punjab (2016), Soorma (2018), and the web show Scam 1992 have got him better work of late, he shares. “More than comedy, my character roles connected with the audience. Now, I am getting negative and serious roles, as well. Today, the audience wants to be surprised by actors, so you have to adapt yourselves. Going forward, I am doing a series with director Shaad Ali and my role will shock people,” he says.

Kaushik, who has been in the business for three decades, has many interesting experiences and stories. He admits, “People ask me, ‘Why don’t you write a biography?’ When they hear anecdotes about my struggles and growth, they want more. Back in the 80s, there was no alternate to entertainment, apart from films. Today, there are so many avenues. I have been thinking about writing a biography. It will be funny and inspiring, because it will be about a person of my nature and looks, who got into films and made a name.”

Moreover, the filmmaker recently sung a song called Chatar Patar, which is about being old school in this new age. “I have sung songs before, including on stage, but this was fun. The idea was to present my thought and nature with simple lyrics about life. Something that common people can be relatable. Besura aadmi bhi gaa sakey aisa gaana,” he quips.

Actress Neena Gupta, who is known to be upfront and candid, recently released a book chronicling her life and certain anecdotes penned down in the book caught everyone’s attention and became a talking point. There was a part in the book where Neena mentioned how actor-director Satish Kaushik had offered to marry her when she was pregnant with Masaba so that her child would have a father figure.

In an exclusive chat with BT, Kaushik opens up about his equation with the Badhaai Ho actress. He reminisces, “Our friendship dates back to 1975 and the bond has been strong ever since. We fondly called each other Nancy and Kaushikan. I have known her family, too. We lived close by in Karol Bagh, Delhi. We were together at Delhi University and were quite active in theatre. Neena jab mere college aati thi, toh hamaare yahaan toh hungama mach jaata tha (laughs!). She impressed everyone even then — with her views and the way she carried herself. She later joined NSD, a couple of years after me. We struggled in our respective ways to make a mark in the film industry. We also did several films together, like Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, Mandi, and Teree Sang. Though we got busy in our film journeys, whenever we met, it was like a walk down memory lane. I have always applauded and respected Nancy for the way she bravely faced the challenges in her life, especially when she was pregnant with Masaba.”

Kaushik was among the few, who were privy to the news of Neena’s pregnancy. He says, “I used to appreciate the fact that a girl at that time decided to have a child out of wedlock. As a true friend, I simply stood by her and gave her confidence. Whatever you are reading in the memoir, it was all an expression of my affection for her as a friend. I was concerned about not letting her feel alone. At the end of the day, that’s what friends are for, right? As mentioned in the book, when I offered to marry her, it was a mix of humour, concern, respect, and support for my best friend in her time of need. I told her, ‘Main hoon na, tu chinta kyu karti hai?’ She was moved by the gesture and was in tears. From that day onwards, our friendship grew stronger. I am happy and proud that she is doing so well as an actor. She is a symbol of a strong woman in our society. She is now happily married to a great guy and a successful entrepreneur, Vivek Mehra and he is a great friend, too.”

Was he aware that Neena was planning to share this anecdote in her memoir? “She told me that she was writing about her life and if I had any objection. I replied, ‘Likh tu araam se. No problem’. I salute Nancy and the journey she has had,” says Kaushik, adding, “My wife, Shashi, knows about my equation with Neena, who is a regular at our home. She understands and respects our friendship.”

It was March 15. Bollywood director-producer Satish Kaushik experienced relentless muscle pain and headache. All he wanted to do was lie down, hoping the pain would go away. “When the film industry began to bounce back late last year, I was back at work. I remember having a bad cough once back then. But it wasn’t anything serious. This time, however, my throat felt different, strange even. I was almost sure I had contracted the virus,” Kaushik tells mid-day. On March 17, an RT-PCR test confirmed he was Coronavirus positive, along with three other staff members. His wife, Shashi, tested negative. But a day later, their eight-year-old daughter Vanshika’s reports confirmed that she too had caught the infection. 

Father and daughter went into isolation in the same room of their Versova home. “She [Vanshika] was excited. She said we will watch movies and chat all day. She didn’t have any symptoms, so I was relieved. But my condition worsened by March 19. I was admitted to Kokilaben Hospital,” he tells us.

Vanshika, who was born via surrogacy when Kaushik was a cool 56, was now separated from daddy and alone in home quarantine. She was struggling to cope. “I want to sleep next to mom, I want to hug her,” she would weep, every time Kaushik’s PPE-clad manager left a meal by her bedside. By March 23, her fever began to fluctuate. 

After medical consultation, it was decided that she would be admitted to a children’s hospital in South Mumbai. “While there is a facility for COVID-19 positive children at Kokilaben, all the beds were occupied,” he remembers. And, some suburban hospitals had beds for critical children, but they lacked paediatric staff. “They need special care. It was pathetic. The only children’s hospitals I was told could manage to offer treatment were SRCC in Mahalakshmi and Wadia in Parel. But since I was recovering in a separate isolation room, I suggested that Vanshika be allowed to share it with me and the hospital agreed.”

While Vanshika was admitted on March 25, Kaushik was discharged a day later. He comes across as a concerned helpless father when he says he cannot imagine how other parents have come to terms with having to leave their children alone in isolation wards and ICUs. “Hearing her weep as she would be taken away for tests would break my heart. I’d cry with her,” Kaushik says.

How does one introduce Satish Kaushik? In a career spanning 30 years, he has made a sizeable (pun intended) contribution to Bollywood, theatre, Indian television and international cinema as an actor, producer and director. Importantly, even three decades later, he has an insatiable appetite for his craft. As he gears up for the television sitcom Sumit Sambhal Lega, where he plays Jasbir Walia, that will air from tonight on Star Plus, this multi-faceted personality touches on the high and low points of his life and career. Excerpts from his interview...

You start a new journey on television tonight as Jasbir Walia...
I've been working continuously for 30 years. 24 has paved the way for finite series on TV becoming popular. This entire year has gone in shooting for Sumit Sambhal Lega. It is the adaptation of the American show Everybody Loves Raymond and I play the role of Frank, Raymond's father, in this case Sumit's father. I've made it more obnoxious, more interesting. It is not the central role but it is a juicy one and has a lot of scope. I'm a lazy man from a Delhi household, who talks in the 'aabe tubhe' language. I'm constantly eating and insulting people! It is a character with a lot of layers and though he seems obnoxious on the face of it, he has an endearing quality about him. I accepted the show because I was happy with the brand. Jeremy Stevens, one of the the writers of the original series came over, we had readings and workshops. It is all so well executed.

Three decades as an actor and you're still as excited about this role...
Acting is therapeutic for me. I have made so many names popular. Whether it is Calendar (Mr India), Pappu Pager (Deewana Mastana), German (Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain), Jumbo (Gharwali Baharwali), Kunj Biharilal (Haseena Maan Jaayegi), Mutthu Swamy (Saajan Chale Sasural) or Airport (Swarg), people on the street address me by all these names. Something tells me Jasbir will also become as popular as the characters I have named. I've done so much in three decades - from acting in films to producing and directing movies, to producing television shows, theatre and now acting on TV. I've also directed commercials. I always wanted to be busy.

When did the acting bug bite?
I stayed at the Naiwala Lane in Karol Bagh, New Delhi. When I was eight, I told my father - my name should come in the newspaper some day. I was the most ignored child in my school till I did a mono-act play on the last day of Std XI. Everyone was very impressed by it. That very moment I became the star of my school. The claps motivated me to take admission in Delhi's Kirori Mal College, which encouraged dramatics. Amitabh Bachchan is from the same college. Professor Frank Thakurdas, a patron of the arts from our college told me, 'Satish, don't do anything else in life after passing out from here. Become an actor'. I thought he was just humouring me, especially because I knew that I lacked good looks. But my professor turned around and told me, 'Never mind your looks. When I see you on stage, you are the ultimate good-looking person for me.' He is the one who put in a word for me at the National School of Drama (NSD) and this changed my life.

You came to Mumbai next?
I did a six-month course at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) and then came to Mumbai. After a year at NSD and a six month stint at the FTII, I worked with the Auroras of D'Decor for a year in their textile mill and earned Rs 400 a month. My first day's job at the mill in Vikhroli was to sweep the dust off the yarn bundles. I had been gloating over the reviews that I got for my plays at NSD and thereafter, the praise I received at the FTII and here, I was being made to sweep in a mill! However, since I knew that I had to survive in Mumbai to pursue my ultimate dream of acting, I just continued. I told myself  'if you sweep the dust off these looms well, your path in Mumbai too will be a smooth one'. This positive attitude is what got me going and paid dividends. My boss saw my play Bichchoo at Prithvi and was mighty impressed. When I reported at the mill the next morning, he said to me, 'You're lacking in the looks department, but you're a terrific actor. Whatever you do, do it with passion.' I became Shekhar Kapur's assistant. I waylaid him at the airport and asked him to take me.

Is Shekhar your godfather in Bollywood?
Frankly, I think Javed Akhtar saab is my godfather. My relationship with Shekhar was very fruitful. I assisted him on Masoom and Joshilaay. Here I met Javed saab, Boney Kapoor and Anil Kapoor. Javed saab asked me not to think small ever. I did one scene in Woh 7 Din and I forged a lifetime of friendship with Shekhar, Anil, Boney and of course, Javed saab. Anil is responsible for many good things in my career.

Any more additions on the friends list?
Yes, Anupam Kher and Jayantilal Gada.

Boney entrusted you with with two big films - Prem and Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja (RKRCKR), right?
Yes, RKRCKR was launched as a magnum opus. But both Prem and RKRCKR flopped. That really upset my morale. I then ventured into television with O Maria, Yeh Shaadi Nahin Ho Sakti and Philips Top 10. I was producing four to five programmes on Sony. But my heart was in films. I was down but never out. The big Bollywood directorial break came again with the Anil-Kajol starrer Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain. After that, I never had to look back. I had also become very busy as an actor. I did around 15-16 films with David Dhawan as an actor.

Isn't it true that David actually offered you Raja Babu, the role that Shakti Kapoor later did? Why did you opt out?
David gave me Raja Babu immediately after RKRCKR flopped. At the photoshoot, he wanted me to stand in a striped underwear with a naada hanging down and a Charlie Chaplin moustache. The get-up was very funny but I was nervous, thinking that after such a colossal flop, if I stood in an underwear, people would think I was finished. So, I requested David to give me something else. That's when he offered me Saajan Chale Sasural, where I played a South Indian. I saw this as a tribute to Mehmood, whom I deeply admired and who had played a South Indian in Padosan. It is ironical that both Shakti and I won Filmfare Awards for actors in best comic roles in two consecutive years.

You were fortunate to work with some of the biggest names...
Yes, I worked with Salman Khan (Tere Naam), Anil on several films and Tusshar (Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai). However, as far as my leading ladies go, I've worked with the most established names including Sridevi, Tabu, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Kajol. I recall I was nervous about working with Kajol in Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain. She was fresh from the success of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge and I was thinking, 'God, how will I convince her to do my film.' But the moment I met her on her farm in Khandala and she yelled, 'Aye Pappu Pager,' I knew things would be easier. I realised that when you speak to Kajol, you have to be honest. So, I narrated the script to her without mincing the melodrama. Of course, her first reaction was, 'Satish, it is too melodramatic.' But once she was convinced that there was no other way you could approach the script, she cooperated fully.

Heard you told Anupam Kher once that you would attempt suicide. Is this true?
When RKRCKR failed, I was at a hotel in Hyderabad and was so dejected that I was contemplating suicide. I was newly married and my wife Shashi was wondering what she had got into. Anupam called the general manager of the hotel and said 'please save my friend.' Also, a little later I was at a pub in Mumbai where I met Mahesh Bhatt. I was wearing a dejected expression and told him that I was feeling terrible because my film had flopped. He gave me a smack on my face (albeit playfully) and said, 'your film has flopped, you haven't. Treat films as a part of your life, they're not your entire life.' I came home that day and made a life-graph. I told myself that I had had such humble beginnings. God, my friends and colleagues had paved the way for me to become so successful, then how could I feel defeated just because I had suffered one setback? People who were better-looking and better-off than me were still struggling, while I had managed to reach some place. So, I told myself, 'Satish you need a kick on your arse.' And I picked up the pieces and started again.

You also lost your son Kush to an accident...
The biggest tragedy in my life was losing Kush 20 years ago. Shashi and I could not get over this tragedy. The accident shook me up. I was on top of things as far as my career went. I was elated, when at the premiere of RKRCKR, my wife was pregnant with our first child. And then we lost our son. I realised that as far as destiny is concerned, nothing is planned and fixed. This really shook me up. Today, my son, too, would have been around the same age as Anil's son Harsh and perhaps he, too, may have chosen to be a part of Bollywood. Not a single day goes by without remembering him. Three years ago my daughter Vanshika came into our lives. She is the biggest source of joy for us, the antidote to our sadness. She has filled the gap.

International honour came your way with Brick Lane...
I did Brick Lane and believe me, the producers were in a fix initially on whether a comic actor like me could pull it off. But I had the solid background of theatre. Sarah Gavron's Brick Lane and Dev Benegal's Road Movie opened global doors for me. I met Robert De Niro and Martin Scorsese at the Tribeca Film Festival. I won a lot of accolades at the Toronto Festival for Brick Lane. And I had the privilege of meeting Sir Ben Kingsley at Doha. A new phase in my career began as I started hobnobbing with Hollywood stars at international film festivals. In fact, even before I could approach Ben, he turned around and said, 'Am I meeting this great actor from Brick Lane?' He even introduced me to his wife, who is also a famous actor.

On the social front, you have adopted a village in Haryana.
Yes, I have adopted my paternal village Dhanaunda that is in the Mahendragarh district of Haryana. I got a lot of aid from the local government for making pakka streets and even a sports stadium is being constructed there. I also run a NGO called The Roots that holds workshops in girls' schools. The motto is to tell girls to dream big and become achievers in their chosen field. I believe if God has given you enough, you must give back to society.

Are you planning on directing again?
I have directed around 14 movies and filmmaking remains a passion. The script of my next film is almost ready. It is a gritty drama based on a book. However, I will announce the film at a later day. Acting in television, theatre and films has kept me quite occupied. My play Salesman Ramlal, which is an adaptation of Death Of A Salesman, has kept me fully busy. Besides that, I'm currently doing roles in Abhishek Chaubey's Udta Punjab, where I play Shahid Kapoor's uncle and Wedding Pullav. I also have Ritesh Sinha's Promise Dad, that has an international starcast and is expected to release soon.