I still don't have any godfather - Aanjjan Srivastav

After giving memorable performances in serial like Wagle Ki Duniya and films like Kabhi Ha Kabhi Na, Aanjan Srivastav, at his sixties, is still busy working on seven films at a time. Few moments with the versatile actor where he shares bits of his professional life and his nostalgic journey in Bollywood and the world of booby-box…

Q. It’s been a long time since you were seen on celluloid…
A. Yeah, it’s been a little gap. But since November, last year, onwards I have been doing seven films at a time. We have finished dubbing for two films, so, this way; I am doing speedy work now. It seems like getting the old hectic days back even at my age of sixty.

Q. You are a known personality in theatre, too. Are you still continuing with it?
A. Of course, I am doing theatre with IIFTA. I am hardcore theatre personality and I can’t leave it under any circumstances.

Q. Are you doing any television serials also?
A. As of now I am doing only one serial named Airhostess which will be aired very soon on every Wednesday night on our National channel. But I am desiring to do films mostly rather than serials.

Q. In the past, Bollywood was tagged to make good arties dealing with society-related issues. Why aren’t these movies no longer to be seen?
A. No, it’s not like that. Now, as our society is changing drastically, so films are being made on those subjects itself. Whatever we do in our normal life get portrayed in films in a natural way.

Q. You did not have any Godfather in this Industry and still you had the confidence of facing the camera and the audiences on stage while doing theatre. How did you manage that?
A. I still don’t have any (godfather) but would like to say that it is a kind of blessing that Subhash Ghai called me to work in his film. I never expected it as there was no communicator and getting a call from a person whom you don’t know is like a big surprise. So it is all the grace of God. The confidence in me came by working in theatre of course.

Q. As an actor which thing is of utmost importance to you?
A. Every moment an actor has to study different things. One should know what is happening in the country.

Q. Most of the actors today are heading towards Hollywood. Don’t you, too, feel like going there and earning a different name?
A. I think, Om puri has made a name in Hollywood and others are also trying. For us Mira Niar is the pioneer who gathered Sharmila Tagore, Mohan Agasi, Mohan Gokhle, Ranjit Choudhury and me to make a Hollywood film in 1990. After coming back from Mississippi I never tried for any Hollywood film and I miss that. I also acted in a film called Flavour which comes in Star movies sometimes.

Q. Which character, amongst all you have played for television, is most close to your heart?
A. After the role of Wagle in Wagle Ki Duniya there was a role from Bhawar where a father is searching for his son who has been killed by the naxalites. That character is most memorable to me.

Q. Do you ever think of coming to direction?
A. As of now, no. I am totally concentrating on acting and, I guess, no one can predict about future.

Q. What are the other projects you are working in?
A. I am doing seven films this year which include Hawaai Dada, Paathshala of Ahmed Khan, Yuvraj, Mittal vs. Mittal, Mere Khwabo Mein Jo Aaye. After Chak De India and Halla Bol I am concentrating more on Yuvraj, Mittal vs. Mittal and Mere Khwabo Mein Jo Aaye.

Sabir Rahman