Celebrating Paresh Rawal: A Tribute to a Legendary Actor on His 70th Birthday
A Remarkable Journey with Paresh Rawal
Your connection with Paresh Rawal has been extensive and fulfilling. When did your paths first cross?
It's challenging to recall the exact moment when you meet someone who seems like an ordinary person but possesses extraordinary talent. However, I distinctly remember my first encounter with Paresh Rawal at Salim Khan Sahib’s residence during the casting for the film Naam. We were in search of an actor for a complex role—the antagonist who would serve as a significant obstacle for Sanjay Dutt's character, a role that ultimately played a crucial part in Sanjay's rise to fame.
What were your thoughts upon meeting Paresh?
Let me explain. Salim Sahib introduced him by saying, “This is Paresh Rawal.” I looked up to see a modest, almost timid young man who stood up respectfully to shake my hand. I learned he had a minor role in Arjun, a film featuring Sunny Deol and directed by Rahul Rawail. But what truly captivated me about Paresh?
What was it?
It wasn't his credentials that attracted me; it was his fervor for theatre. That alone was enough to impress me. Here was a newcomer, eager and trained in the theatrical arts, who would infuse the character with the authenticity it required. The role was that of a drug lord, living abroad yet deeply connected to his Indian roots. Paresh embodied that essence, carrying the spirit of the land within him.
Your collaboration has resulted in numerous brilliant projects?
His portrayal in Naam—particularly the haunting moment where he warns Sanjay Dutt’s character about the dangers of their business—remains unforgettable. The intensity of that scene still lingers in people's minds. However, it was in Tamanna, Pooja Bhatt’s debut National Award-winning film, that Paresh truly captured my heart. He portrayed Tiku, a transgender individual who raises a girl rescued from the streets of Mumbai. When I shared the story with him, he was visibly moved. He promised to invest his all into the role—and he did. I have seldom witnessed such complete dedication to a character. He became a true devotee of the role. I remember a poignant scene with Nadira ji—who plays a fading actress descending into madness—where he tenderly attempts to feed her. That moment, both gentle and heartbreaking, stands out as one of the finest performances I have seen in Indian cinema.
In my view, the pinnacle of your collaboration was in Sir?
In Sir—before Tamanna—he portrayed Veljibhai, alongside his favorite actor, Naseeruddin Shah. While Naseer delivered a remarkable performance, it was Paresh’s nuanced and grounded portrayal that left everyone in awe. He played a gangster with a bloody past, yet he held a deep respect for the teacher who came to educate his daughter. His admiration for Naseer was palpable, and it shone through. In Kubzaa, once again as Veljibhai, he created a semi-cult classic. Another formidable gangster, rooted in Kutch, with the essence of the earth captured on film.
Your final thoughts on one of the finest actors?
As Paresh celebrates his 70th birthday, I reflect on our journey with immense fondness and appreciation. I remember how he supported a young, aspiring theatre director and producer trying to stage a play in Delhi, how he remained connected to his roots at NSD and the stage, and how his legacy continues through his son, Aditya Rawal. Aditya’s impressive performance as a terrorist in Hansal Mehta’s Faraaz convinced me that the legacy is in good hands—he will not only carry it forward but may even surpass it. So here’s to you, Paresh. Seventy years young, still shining brightly. You possess the energy, the passion, and the essence of the soil in every role you take on. I have a feeling that your most remarkable performances are still to come.
Happy Birthday, my friend.