Paresh Rawal: It’s fun to play real-life charactersJan 16 (AZINS) Last June, Paresh Rawal had shared an image of himself on social media, looking like NSA Ajit Doval, prompting somebody to comment, ‘Ajit Doval might be wondering... ye mera humshakal kaun hai?’

Indeed, the talented actor seems to have morphed into the real life hero, who was the man behind the retaliatory surgical strike carried out by the Indian Army in Pakistan in September 2016, just 11 days after the terrorist attack in Uri. When we praised him for the physical transformation, Paresh who was seen in the recently released, Uri: The Surgical Strike, laughed and said, “It’s all thanks to my make-up man and some to my parents ki aisa kuch bana diya ki thoda bahut unse milta julta rahe!” Over to him:

Apart from the physical transformation, what else played a part into becoming the character you play in Uri?

People like Ajit Doval are so unassuming and self-effacing; they keep a low profile. It’s only when you speak to them that you realise their worth and value. Till then, you don’t even look at them. That’s the hallmark of a great spy or a great undercover agent. When you listen to his speeches, you come to know that he has in-depth knowledge of foreign policies, the history of our country, etc. and that becomes an interesting combo. So, one has to bring in all this — not bringing himself in the forefront but still calling the shots.

Did you get the chance to meet him personally?

Yes, I met him personally once or twice in the Prime Minister’s Office, but even if I had not, the videos I saw of his would have sufficed.

You have done several roles where you’ve portrayed real-life characters, including Sardar Patel and Sunil Dutt in last year’s Sanju. Is it more fun playing a part based on a real person?

Real-life characters play karne ka ek alag hi mazaa hai. It’s a challenge, and if you have the backing of a good director and writer, then it’s a lot of fun. The outcome is fulfilling and satisfying.

In Sanju, you shared screen space with Vicky Kaushal. How was it working with him in Uri?

It was a joy. These guys (the younger generation of actors) prepare so much and their performance is seamless. There are no tantrums on set, no brooding, no pretence. Their preparation is done in their room. They come to the sets and once the camera is switched on, they are in character. Unki iss quality mein mazaa hai. 

The film’s director Aditya Dhar makes his debut with this film... 

He had written a film called Aakrosh. At that time, we were doing a lot of outdoors, so we got to interact quite a bit. Aaadmi ki depth pata chal jaati hai uski baaton se. So, I’m really happy he directed this film. I don’t know how anyone else would have handled the subject, lekin Aditya ne kamaal kar diya hai. He has kept the dignity and the drama of the subject intact. 

Making a film on the Indian Army and observing them at close quarters, does it make you appreciate their sacrifices more? 

Absolutely. At the risk of sounding sentimental, I say that even parents have expectations from us; that when they grow old, we will be there to take care of them. These guys (the army men) are not going to meet you ever, but they are still giving away their lives for your safety. For you, everything is intangible, but for him, his life is tangible. And in spite of that, aap unke jazbe pe shaq karte ho, surgical strike ko galat batate ho, Army Chief ko gunda kehte ho, army ke baare mein galat kehte ho? What kind of desh bhakti is it?

So, you hope the film clarifies all those thoughts?

Bilkul. We call the army for so many things, even when an area gets flooded. They come because they want to help their countrymen. Aur unko aap... border pe dushman ki goli khayenge aur desh mein logon ki gaali khayenge. It’s very sad!