Timeless appeal

They are two of the Indian film industry’s finest actors. As much-acclaimed Vinay Pathak and National Award-winner Amruta Subhash share the screen space for the first time in their upcoming film Chidiya, their chemistry is more than evident. Undeniably, each is an individual in his/her own right with an enviable body of work. But when they get talking, you can sense a similarity in their thought process and sensibilities. First things first. What made them say yes to what seems like a children’s film? It was the script which, for Amruta, was like king/queen of cinema. The fact that Chidiya has taken 10 years to find a theatrical release is a reflection on an indie maker’s ‘tumultuous’ journey.

Like the struggles of the two children in the film, director-writer Mehran Amrohi too had his ups and downs to ensure the film saw the light of the day. Vinay nods that when a film takes so long to release, there is always a danger of it becoming dated. But, he insists, “There is a timeless appeal to the story and if I were given a choice today to do such a film and if it were to release in 2035, I would still go ahead.”

Amruta, who has watched the film recently, too believes the subject of two young children’s realisation of dreams against all odds is not only relatable but even more relevant than ever. She explains, “In the past 10 years, materialism has multiplied manifold. There is a lesson for today’s privileged children. How there are so many on this planet Earth who can’t even spare Rs 700 to follow their passion is a telling reminder that certain sections of society can’t afford the simple joys of life.”

Though quintessentially a story of underdogs, Vinay shares how filmmaker Mehraan has not tried to sell poverty or the under-privileged status of his young characters. Interestingly, one of the dialogues in the film goes, ‘filmon mein sirf ek hero hota hai baaki sab mazdoor hotein hai…’ do these two gifted actors who have played cameos feel the same? Well, Amruta claims that the commercial films, be it Zoya Akhtar’s Gully Boy or Ram Madhvani’s Dhamaka, were in a different space where all actors had to attend workshops and everyone was treated as an equal. Besides, Vinay dispels the notion that it’s only lately that actors have begun to be recognised. Rather, the actor of iconic Khosla Ka Ghosla adds, “In the mainstream cinema, actors are the more pampered species. On the sets compared to other departments, like, say, lights or cameras, they do get more attention and care.”

Since both of them come from a theatre background, it’s certainly the best grounding they could have ever got. For Vinay, being on stage is akin to riyaaz, a must as it is for other forms of art like music and painting. Amruta gained financial freedom by being part of commercial Marathi theatre and has recently even directed a Marathi play titled Asen Me Nasen Me (Rahein Na Rahein Hum).

Trained actors, Amruta is an NSD alumna and Vinay studied drama in New York; they talk about learning and unlearning the art and craft of acting. While Vinay observes, “The entire craft of acting lies in unlearning”, Amruta emphasises the need for intuition. She recalls lessons learnt from the legendary Naseeruddin Shah, whom she calls her guru and mentor. She shares, “As actors on stage at times, we begin to revel in the applause so much that we start to play to the gallery. Naseerji came to watch one of my plays, Mrug Trishna, at the National School of Drama. While I was lost in the reverie of wah wahs, he told me that he was disappointed to see me playing safe and for the audiences’ claps.” And his advice, ‘I would rather see you fail than do the same thing over and over again’ has stayed with her. She adds, “Often we end up imposing our capabilities on our character rather than going by what the character demands and fall into the dangerous trap of showing off.”

Indeed, both have escaped stereotypes simply as Vinay says, “by being honest to the text.” As for what happens when actors of similar calibre like them are in the same frame? Vinay laughs and quips, “It becomes a battlefield.”

Seriously, it’s all about timing, give and take, being on the same page and then the magic happens…. something they would love to recreate again and again.

Lifestyle