“Convince me or get convinced” says Nana By lipika varma
Bollywood actor Nana Patekar, who returns in the sequel to 2004 crime drama Ab Tak Chappan, claims that you don’t have to watch the original to make sense of his new film.
“We are taking the story forward. Police inspector Sadhu Agashe is now 42, retired and lives in his village in isolation with his son. But something happens in the city and the police department wants him back. He isn’t keen but they somehow convince him. The story starts from there,” said Patekar in an interview with Global Movie (Lipika Verma)!.
Ab Tak Chappan 2, is chronicles that trials and triumphs of a cop known for his radical means of dealing with gangsters and criminals. From faking deadly encounters to wiping out the baddies by registering false criminal cases against them, his intentions are always noble, but his methods are mighty controversial.
“These days, I take on roles only if I find it promising … Earlier in my career, there may have been compulsions for accepting films for money. But today, I take on roles only if I am thoroughly convinced. Ab Tak Chappan 2 explores the progress of my character Sadhu Agashe,” said Patekar, who has acted in blockbusters such as Raajneeti and Parinda. Not the most tactful actor in this industry, Patekar claims he isn’t worried about the reviews that will be rolled out.
“I have seen some films which were bad or trashy been given four stars. From that day on, I don’t believe in reviews.”
Earlier you would prefer speaking in Marathi only and never wanted to promote your films, why? Explain?
Well about not promoting films earlier and speaking mostly in Marathi, I take this opportunity to clarify that firstly, years back I was not very affluent with the Hindi language. Therefore I spoke in Marathi only. Being my mother tongue I was quick to answer ever bit correctly. However, today I realize the importance of promotions and so I am promoting this film. Also I would never like to promote a film which is not close to my heart and after doing a film if I understand that the film does not have an intriguing tale ,why on earth would I promote it..Firstly, I fail to allure my audiences by just bringing them to the theatre by stating,” yeah film meri bahut alag hai aur achchi hai! When they will see the film and not like it. Will I not be criticized for falsely appreciating my film. Thus “jo film mujhe achci nahi lagti hai mein use kabhi promote nahi karta.
What is your role in the sequel of Ab Tk Chappan 2?
“I feel the original “Ab Tak Chappan” has remained in the hearts of the people merely because the film is mostly shown on television. Therefore in-spite of the fact-ten years have gone by but the film remains with one and all. One thing is definitely changed in the sequel Sadhu Agashe was 40 years old then and now a man of 60 years will be playing this character. I play a staunch police officer. the criminals and the mode of performing crime has changed drastically. Earlier most of the criminals would be uneducated, wherein these days the criminals belong to the educated lot. What are the problems that arise in the films and how these problems are sorted out forms the crux of the story.
What is the difference you see in Film Industry ?
Actually, I do not belong to the film Arena. I just do my job and walk away. I do not like to attend any parties either. If at all I want to drink I will prefer sitting at home and help myself. Earlier I was a chain smoker but now I have stopped smoking. Well earlier we had very few media which could befit the channel ,but now the square foot room of Bollywood has increased drastically. Technically we have advanced undoubtedly. But the fact remains firm in place,” Its is the idea that sells. If the tale is not intriguing that the film does not click at the box office windows..Making has become cheaper and quicker owing to advanced technology, but the budget of the film making has raised a lot.
Do you agree that this is the best time of Cinema?
Yes definitely .The youth and new directors & writers with different and good ideas are entering our industry. With new talent and technical advancement the Hindi Cinema has travelled all over the Globe. We need to have good scripts. Undeniably we are lacking on pair with good and meticulous scripts
What is your take on usage of cuss words in shows like AIB?
I would clearly like to state that we all beings are naked under our clothes. But stating this as “freedom of speech and making shows which will not impart any good message amongst our youth should not be encouraged. On the other side I will also say it is the connotation of certain words which when used in a different tone may change the meaning. Like in our Konkani language we may say”Hey B**P kai karte tu!! This is out of love, hence will not give the real meaning. But if a child watches such shows, he will surely bring these words in his daily usage. Therefore we being responsible citizen are not imparting the right knowledge to our coming generation. This is why it is wrong.
What is the fitness secret of your’s ?
The 64-year-old actor told I can’t build 6 pack abs but I’m trying to be as lean as I can,and has enough energy (and aggression) where i can beat a handful of men (if not hundreds) to pulp, because I have my regular meal with proper vegetable with dal & rice on time, there is everything with full of proteins, carbohydrates and fats, so there is no need of taking any protein powder to keep my body fit & I intake lots of water what keep’s me fresh all day, so just take proper meal on time and proper food with seasonal fruits or fresh juice, this is the way how you can keep fit your body and mind always so there is no secret he smile’s….
What is your opinion about the Censor Board- about the cigarette inscription and banning murder, immodest scenes etc?
Look! While as creative persons when we are representing a story from within the society and if that character is a chain smoker, we will have to showcase his traits in the same way. Also if the story reveals the inside of a murderer do we not need to show the murders he is doing? How will we reprise our story truthfully then? Even on the border the jawans die or either kills the other soldier of the Country, what is that? Is it not a murder? Also the cigarette banning line printed on packaging of cigarette that “Cigarette is Injurious to Health” then too people invite death to themselves and this disturbs me a lot.
Do you feel Malhar can become an actor ?
Umm it is his life and choice he is free to follow whatever profession he wants to. Indeed he likes to be involved in production and direction .Thus he always likes to handle our production. It is not necessary that an actor’s son has to turn an actor only. Guru Dutt’s children could not follow his footsteps. If Malhaar feels to run a kirana shop he can do so man”.
When will we see you directing again?
I have always been directing all my films unofficially though. I was known to be interfering a lot with my directors. Well, this was only because I feel either they need to convince me or get convinced. If we are working together we will fight on creative differences but I never pursued any animosity with anyone. It is thus strange that a man with my kind of an attitude has survived in this industry .Also I didn’t have any God Father.
Tell us about your bollywood journey?
Well! I am not a man from the Film Industry. But my friend Smita wanted me to enact in films. It was for her I became a part and parcel of the filmy arena. I have done few films with her. It is indeed very sad that she has left for heavenly abode at an early age. We all do miss her. But one thing is sure that I choose my films in the film industry according to my terms and conditions. I did not have any Godfather either. When I look back, I indeed feel nice about being the part of this wonderful industry. When I look back and notice the fact of having existed for almost more than forty years here, indeed feels great.
You are also doing, ”Natya-Samrat, tell us something about that?
Yes! Mahesh Manjrekar is directing this. I remember when I first saw this play I wanted to enact this play. But now at this juncture of my life it is happening to me. Actually, this is a very huge play and those who perform in the play it is like a measuring tape for them, with their performance. I am happy to be doing it now. It is like a dream come true for me. Also the life of this man will be known to the youth of today. It will be the revival of “Natya-samrat .Sri ram Laagu had performed this character for the first time in the play.
Cop On The Top : Nana Patekar
“I have seen some films which were bad or trashy been given four stars. From that day on, I don’t believe in reviews.”
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