Showing posts with label Seema Pahwa interview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Seema Pahwa interview. Show all posts
Every day I call struggling actors; main jabardasti unko poochti hoon ki unko kuch zaroorat hai ya nahi-Seema Pahwa
8:39 AM
Juhi Chakraborty (HINDUSTAN TIMES; May 11, 2021)
As the second wave of Coronavirus affects every industry and profession in some way or the other, many from the film fraternity are facing financial strains too.
According to actor-director Seema Pahwa, as shoots have come to a halt, many are out of jobs and struggling to make ends meet. “Every day, I call as many struggling actors as I can. Main jabardasti unko poochti hoon ki unko kuch zaroorat hai ya nahi. I ask them to tell me if they need anything without any hesitation. Even though I do understand that it must be embarrassing for them,” she says.
Pahwa says that this is not the time to shy away from asking for help. “This time is crucial to help each other. One must not be ashamed to ask for help. There should be no ego and no shame,” she says.
The Ramprasad Ki Tehrvi director adds that often there are people who want to help but are unable to, as they don’t know who needs the help.
“I want to request friends and junior actors, technicians, and others, who are struggling, who are away from home, to reach out. They should seek help from their seniors and other established people. We want to help as many people as we can but if we don’t get to know who needs the help, how will we help?” she asks.
And therefore, she insists on the urgent need to set up a relief fund in aid of all those struggling without work. “This is the time when we must create a fund to help small-time actors, technicians, and others from the film industry. This fund will help us overcome such trying times. I’ve been thinking about it for a long time, and I hope that we all can come together and set this up soon,” Pahwa concludes.
How can box office be yardstick in such times?-Seema Pahwa
8:24 AM
After trade dubs Ramprasad Ki Tehrvi a “commercial disaster”, director Seema Pahwa notes how small films have hit the marquee despite 50 per cent occupancy order
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; January 12, 2021)
While big-ticket releases have shied away from theatres, it is the smaller films that have been placing their bets on cinemas. Soon after Seema Pahwa’s directorial debut Ramprasad Ki Tehrvi — featuring Naseeruddin Shah, Konkona Sen Sharma, and Vikrant Massey — hit the marquee on January 1, trade circles dubbed it a “commercial disaster”. The director is hurt that films continue to be judged by their box-office performance, especially at a time when movie halls are operating at 50 per cent capacity. Manoj Bajpayee, whose Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari hit screens post-pandemic, too questioned the practice.
“For a film to release in current times and survive is a challenge in itself. How can box-office be the yardstick of a film’s success when theatres are functioning at half the capacity? Samay ka dosh hai, meri film ka nahin,” asserts Pahwa, whose little gem about a joint family’s interpersonal dynamics has won glowing reviews. “When people ask me why shows like Hum Log aren’t made anymore, I tell them that these days, filmmakers make commodities for profits instead of making films that give a message. There’s such an atmosphere of fear that directors and writers have to compromise on their subjects.”
The director recounts her struggle to give shape to the drama as she had to battle expectations of casting well-known stars. “I had approached a different set of producers earlier, who asked me to bring in saleable faces. But I stuck to my guns. I laud my producers [Jio Studios and Manish Mundra] for releasing the film now. They knew it’s no Sooryavanshi nor does it have a Salman Khan, but they had faith in the content. Why do we never move beyond negative talk to appreciate a film that tries to put a smile on people’s faces?”
We’re happy, industry ne ma baap ki izzat rakh li-Manoj Pahwa & Seema Pahwa
8:06 AM
Manoj Pahwa and Seema Pahwa get candid about the appreciation they are receiving for their work
Deepali Singh (DNA; July 22, 2019)
She was a delight to watch as the mother who is obsessed with her daughter’s wedding in 2017’s Bareilly Ki Barfi as well as Shubh Mangal Saavdhan. He was talked about for the poignant portrayal of a Muslim man accused of terrorism, in last year’s Mulk and as a police officer with a dark side in Article 15. But ask Seema Pahwa and Manoj Pahwa if they were pleasantly surprised by the appreciation from the industry and they reply, almost in unison, that they would have, had they not been prepared for it. “Iski taiyyari toh bohot saalon se ho rahi thi,” says Seema with a smile.
The couple met each other in Delhi, where they were part of the same theatre group. While Seema became a household name with her role as Badki in 1985’s popular soap Hum Log, her husband was noted for playing Bhatia in 2001’s comedy show Office Office. Post marriage and two kids, the couple moved to Mumbai in 1994 to continue their work in television, films and theatre. Like Seema says, more than three decades of work has brought them to this juncture.
CONTENT IS KING
The couple attributes their recognition to the kind of films being made now. “Content has become hero now, and when the story takes precedence, then the characters become important,” believes Manoj. The result then is the casting of good actors for those roles. “Ab vaisa daur chal raha hai. In content-driven films, characters ubhar ke aate hain. That’s why films like Bareilly Ki Barfi, Shubh Mangal Saavdhan, Mulk and Article 15 are appreciated,” he states.
While it may not have been a big deal for the Pahwas, Seema is glad that her son Mayank and daughter Manukriti — both National School of Drama grads — saw the appreciation coming their parents’ way. “For years, they had been seeing us work, but nothing much was happening. We’re happy, industry ne ma-baap ki izzat rakh li!” she laughs.
ROLE REVERSAL
Manoj’s last two films saw him in serious and intense roles, while Seema’s recent movies have explored her lighter side. Ironically, such roles were exactly what they were not known for. Seema’s image as the serious Badki was so impactful that once a director turned away from her while narrating a comedy script to her husband! “But we are theatre actors and we have done so many different kinds of roles on stage. It’s just that we got typecast in films that were being made earlier,” reasons Manoj, who has usually been the one making the audience laugh.
The role reversal of sorts has been a pleasant change for them. Of late, directors are approaching them with different kinds of roles. “Now, I am being offered characters that were actually meant for him!” exclaims Seema, citing films like Ferrari Ki Sawaari and Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga, where the roles were originally written as male characters and offered to Manoj. “As long as the money is coming to our house, it’s fine!” Manoj laughs.
SUPPORT FOR EACH OTHER
Over the years, the couple has been each other’s support through thick and thin. What about criticism? “Oh, yes, we don’t share the kind of relationship where you only have to say good things about each other. We discuss each other’s work and if need be, criticise it as well,” shares Seema. “There are some films of mine that neither my wife nor my children are interested in. That’s criticism without even saying a word! There are some that even I don’t tell them about. Bolke gaali thodi khaani hai!” Manoj guffaws.
With both their children into the performing arts too, there are often some healthy discussions over dinner. “They learn from our experience and we also get updated about what appeals to the youth of today. That check is good for us and our experience is valuable for them. God has blessed us with this combination of young artistes and senior actors,” says the doting mother.
The actress is now ready with her directorial debut, Pind Daan, which she has written as well. The cast reads like a who’s who of talent, including Naseeruddin Shah, Konkona Sen Sharma, Vinay Pathak, Supriya Pathak and Vikrant Massey among others. Is Manoj in it as well? “Of course, inko kaise jaane deti!” Seema grins, as Manoj cuts in jokingly, “Maine toh bhaagne ki poori koshish ki thi!”
HONING THEIR CRAFT
Over the years, the couple has also kept its relationship with theatre alive and can often be seen in plays by Naseeruddin Shah’s Motley theatre group. For Manoj, theatre is like a paathshaala, which keeps them refreshed and raring to go, while for Seema, it’s the instant response she gets from the audience which makes being on stage so special for her. Working with a stalwart like Naseer, too, has been a blessing for them. “Where else would we find someone who still corrects us, who can tell us even today that we’re not doing it right? There is still so much to learn and it’s a wonderful process that keeps you on your toes as an actor,” Manoj adds.
While Seema and Manoj are acting in a couple of plays in the ongoing Motleyana Festival at Prithvi Theatre, next Sunday is a Pahwa Special as all four of them are involved in story-readings. Seema will read a story by Ismat Chughtai, Manoj, one by Saadat Hasan Manto and their daughter Manukriti is reading a story written by their son Mayank. “When the brochure came out, I sent my son a picture of the same (Mayank is learning filmmaking in London) and told him he should feel proud of himself. After all, Naseer saab liked the story so much that he’s put it in the same bracket as Ismat and Manto,” says the beaming father.
The Pahwas certainly seem to be enjoying their share of success. And rightly so!
Seema Pahwa and Pankaj Tripathi share interesting experiences about Bareilly Ki Barfi
8:00 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (August 15, 2017)
A long with the bride and
groom, families also occupy the centrestage in Indian weddings. Bitti's
(Kriti Sanon) wedding in the upcoming film Bareilly Ki Barfi (BKB), is
no different. Every bylane of Uttar Pradesh, where the story is set, has
parents like Narottam Mishra (Pankaj Tripathi) and Sushila (Seema
Pahwa), whose only concern in life is finding their daughter Bitti her Mr Right. The
lighthearted entertainer, produced by Junglee Pictures and BR Studios,
has been directed by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari and written by Nitesh Tiwari
(who helmed the blockbuster Dangal). With the film set to release on
August 18, BT caught up with Pankaj and Seema for a quick chat.
Excerpts...
90 PER CENT MOTHERS IN INDIA WORRY ONLY ABOUT THEIR CHILDREN'S MARRIAGE: SEEMA PAHWA
There was a time when mothers played a key role in almost every Hindi film. Today, they are either the central characters or absent from stories. Where does Sushila, your character in Bareilly Ki Barfi, fit?
Yes, there was a time when parts were written for actresses like Nirupa Roy, and they slowly bowed out. Talking about today's scenario, with the advent of small-budget films, even character actors who play fathers and mothers are getting author-backed roles. I think attaching a background adds more flair to the lead character. To some extent, it also helps the hero and heroine to essay their parts. For example, the leheza in which Pankaj Tripathi and I spoke helped Kriti adapt to the language.
Who was your reference point for Sushila?
As actors, you have to go beyond the script and observe people around you. During my travels to UP, I've observed many common women. My character is inspired by all of them, whose only worry is to find their daughters a good match. I've also drawn inspiration from my aunts, whose worlds are limited to their homes and children. Almost 90 per cent mothers in India have the same worry: bachche ki shaadi.
What do you think is responsible for this scenario?
They don't know any better. When a girl gets married, her mother's sanskar also gets judged along with hers. So, mothers can't bear to see their kids going astray. Even otherwise, moms get blamed for their children's failures. On the other hand, they don't get a medal or a badge of honour if the kids are successful.
How much did Kriti contribute to your on-screen equation with her?
Initially, I had thought, 'Kriti bahut modern ladki hai. How will she even understand what Bareilly is and what sort of girl Bitti is?' But from the first shot, we got our chemistry right. She understood her character well. In fact, during a workshop, I remember she had placed her hand on my shoulder aur maine uska haath jhatak diya, kyun ki maaon ko aisa khulapan accha nahi lagta. The whole team said, 'Yeh maa beti tayaar ho gayi hain' and Kriti started laughing because that is how our on-screen equation is. Rajkummar (Rao) was also fun to work with. This is my third film with Ayushmann (Khurrana) as his mother-in law. Hum saas-daamaad package deal mein aate hain!
-Rachana Dubey
IT'S A DIFFERENT AND WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE PLAYING A SWEET, SIMPLE FATHER: PANKAJ TRIPATHI
More often than not, dads are stereotyped in Hindi films. So, what sets Narottam Mishra part?
It was the sincerity of Narottam Mishra that drew me to the role. He is not a typical father, the kind usually seen in our movies. While he's funny, he's also sensible and shares a great bond with his daughter. Above everything, he is progressive, which is rare in small towns. He knows that his daughter smokes, but he doesn't judge her for that. He also allows Bitti to choose her partner. You, too, will relate to Mishraji; you'd be reminded of someone you know. You won't find him going over the top.
Did you draw inspiration from your own experiences as a father?
My daughter is all of 10 and my relationship with her is special. Bitti is around 25 years old, but still, I borrowed from my experiences as a father and that comes across in the emotional scenes. There is a scene where Mishra and Bitti are having a conversation on the terrace; I got so emotional while shooting for it that I actually had tears in my eyes.
Seema Pahwa plays your wife in the film. Considering the fact that she is a senior artiste, did you have any apprehensions? How was it working with her?
This is our first film together. I had asked Ashwiny how we'd look like a couple because we don't look the same age. While Seemaji's character is a bit loud - thoda cheekhna-chillana hai - my character is the opposite. Seemaji is a senior artiste who comes from theatre. So, we used to improvise a lot, which in turn helped Kriti better her scenes.
After Bareilly Ki Barfi, are you optimistic that you'll get more such meaty, relatable roles?
It's a different and wonderful experience playing a sweet, simple father, and all the credit goes to Ashwiny. Mishraji is present throughout the film, which is not just a love triangle, but also a story of families and relation ships. A good script is half the battle won. I'm optimistic that I will find more interesting and diverse roles after BKB.
- Hiren Kotwani
90 PER CENT MOTHERS IN INDIA WORRY ONLY ABOUT THEIR CHILDREN'S MARRIAGE: SEEMA PAHWA
There was a time when mothers played a key role in almost every Hindi film. Today, they are either the central characters or absent from stories. Where does Sushila, your character in Bareilly Ki Barfi, fit?
Yes, there was a time when parts were written for actresses like Nirupa Roy, and they slowly bowed out. Talking about today's scenario, with the advent of small-budget films, even character actors who play fathers and mothers are getting author-backed roles. I think attaching a background adds more flair to the lead character. To some extent, it also helps the hero and heroine to essay their parts. For example, the leheza in which Pankaj Tripathi and I spoke helped Kriti adapt to the language.
Who was your reference point for Sushila?
As actors, you have to go beyond the script and observe people around you. During my travels to UP, I've observed many common women. My character is inspired by all of them, whose only worry is to find their daughters a good match. I've also drawn inspiration from my aunts, whose worlds are limited to their homes and children. Almost 90 per cent mothers in India have the same worry: bachche ki shaadi.
What do you think is responsible for this scenario?
They don't know any better. When a girl gets married, her mother's sanskar also gets judged along with hers. So, mothers can't bear to see their kids going astray. Even otherwise, moms get blamed for their children's failures. On the other hand, they don't get a medal or a badge of honour if the kids are successful.
How much did Kriti contribute to your on-screen equation with her?
Initially, I had thought, 'Kriti bahut modern ladki hai. How will she even understand what Bareilly is and what sort of girl Bitti is?' But from the first shot, we got our chemistry right. She understood her character well. In fact, during a workshop, I remember she had placed her hand on my shoulder aur maine uska haath jhatak diya, kyun ki maaon ko aisa khulapan accha nahi lagta. The whole team said, 'Yeh maa beti tayaar ho gayi hain' and Kriti started laughing because that is how our on-screen equation is. Rajkummar (Rao) was also fun to work with. This is my third film with Ayushmann (Khurrana) as his mother-in law. Hum saas-daamaad package deal mein aate hain!
-Rachana Dubey
IT'S A DIFFERENT AND WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE PLAYING A SWEET, SIMPLE FATHER: PANKAJ TRIPATHI
More often than not, dads are stereotyped in Hindi films. So, what sets Narottam Mishra part?
It was the sincerity of Narottam Mishra that drew me to the role. He is not a typical father, the kind usually seen in our movies. While he's funny, he's also sensible and shares a great bond with his daughter. Above everything, he is progressive, which is rare in small towns. He knows that his daughter smokes, but he doesn't judge her for that. He also allows Bitti to choose her partner. You, too, will relate to Mishraji; you'd be reminded of someone you know. You won't find him going over the top.
Did you draw inspiration from your own experiences as a father?
My daughter is all of 10 and my relationship with her is special. Bitti is around 25 years old, but still, I borrowed from my experiences as a father and that comes across in the emotional scenes. There is a scene where Mishra and Bitti are having a conversation on the terrace; I got so emotional while shooting for it that I actually had tears in my eyes.
Seema Pahwa plays your wife in the film. Considering the fact that she is a senior artiste, did you have any apprehensions? How was it working with her?
This is our first film together. I had asked Ashwiny how we'd look like a couple because we don't look the same age. While Seemaji's character is a bit loud - thoda cheekhna-chillana hai - my character is the opposite. Seemaji is a senior artiste who comes from theatre. So, we used to improvise a lot, which in turn helped Kriti better her scenes.
After Bareilly Ki Barfi, are you optimistic that you'll get more such meaty, relatable roles?
It's a different and wonderful experience playing a sweet, simple father, and all the credit goes to Ashwiny. Mishraji is present throughout the film, which is not just a love triangle, but also a story of families and relation ships. A good script is half the battle won. I'm optimistic that I will find more interesting and diverse roles after BKB.
- Hiren Kotwani
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)