Character actors just enhance hero`s role: Om Puri
Seasoned actor Om Puri feels that character actors are not getting their due and says that the Indian films need them just to enhance the role of the main protagonist.
|Last Updated: Sep 23, 2012, 05:31 PM IST|Source: Bureau
Mumbai: Seasoned actor Om Puri feels that character actors are not getting their due and says that the Indian films need them just to enhance the role of the main protagonist.
"It is very rare that character actors get a meaty part. They are there as a character to enhance the hero. They don`t have their own individuality," he told IANS in an exclusive interview.
The veteran, known for his powerful performances in offbeat films of the 1970s and the 1980s such as ‘Godhuli’, ‘Bhumika’, ‘Aakrosh’, ‘Mandi’, ‘Party’ and ‘Mirch Masala’, ventured into light-hearted roles with ‘Chachi 420’ and later tickled the funny bones of the audiences with comedies like ‘Hera Pheri’ and ‘Malamaal Weekly’.
But now the 61-year-old enjoys satires much more than mindless comedies.
"I don`t enjoy comedy for comedy`s sake. I enjoyed `Malamaal Weekly` as it was innocent and harmless fun. Whereas films like `Buddha Mar Gaya` are disgusting. That kind of humour is low and cheap. `Chachi 420` was clean, even though it didn`t have a message. I enjoyed `Bollywood Calling` as well. But I prefer satire," said Om Puri, winner of National Awards for best actor for ‘Arohan’ and ‘Ardh Satya’.
He believes that Bollywood is in dire need of good actors and not just superstars.
"Without superstars also films do well.’Vicky Donor` ran without any big stars or known faces," he said.
His next is Priyadarshan`s ‘Kamaal Dhamaal Malamaal’, coming out Sep 28, and he said: "We had fun on the set. Nana Patekar is a wonderful entertainer. I am working with him after 30 years. When I worked with him earlier, he was not a brat and now he is a brat."
Talking about his role, he added, "Shreyas Talpade is the protagonist of the film. I am playing his father. He doesn`t have comic scenes. He is an angry old man who is disgusted with his son."
With so many newcomers entering the industry, Puri feels that it is the responsibility of senior actors to mentor them.
"If someone is a good actor, you can make it out the minute he speaks two lines. Even if he is not so good, it is the responsibility of senior actors to coach him because he is in the cast. Making comments on him (a newcomer) is a negative attitude," he said.
What is on his wish list?
"I am not getting any social films. I am looking for them," he said adding that he is, however, "happy with the films I am doing right now".
IANS
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.
Cookies Setting
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device and the processing of information obtained via those cookies (including about your preferences, device and online activity) by us and our commercial partners to enhance site navigation, personalise ads, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. More information can be found in our Cookies and Privacy Policy. You can amend your cookie settings to reject non-essential cookies by clicking Cookie Settings below.
Manage Consent Preferences
Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not then work or you may not be able to login.
Functional Cookies
These cookies enable the website to provide enhanced functionality and personalisation. They may be set by us or by third party providers whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies then some or all of these services may not function properly.
Targeting Cookies
These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. They are also used to limit the number of times you see an advert as well as help measure the effectiveness of an advertising campaign. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising.
Performance Cookies
These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. If you do not allow these cookies we may not know when you have visited our site, and may not be able to monitor its performance.