Bollywood actor Rajpal Yadav talks about his directorial venture Ata Pata Laapata –a light-hearted film that highlights the common man’s fight against a corrupt political system…
Q: What made you want to direct a film?
Rajpal: The decision to don the director’s hat was actually inspired by the best actor nomination I received a while ago for Main Madhuri Dixit Banna Chahti Hoon. I have worked really hard as an actor and am happy that people of all ages enjoyed watching me on screen. I felt that it was time to take a leap. I wanted to make use of my spare time and do something more besides acting. It was time for me to expand my horizons and explore new opportunities.
Raj Kapoor ji has been a great inspiration for me as he not only acted but directed and produced his own films too. Earlier, I wanted to produce films that were different and bring about a new kind of cinema. But when I heard the concept of Ata Pata Laapata, I felt the urge to develop it further into a screenplay and direct the film to be able to do complete justice to the concept.
Q: Is this the most challenging project you have ever done?
RAJPAL: Honestly, yes. I was not only acting, but also producing and directing this film at the same time. For Ata Pata Laapata, I was shouldering too many responsibilities, but I took it up as a challenge.
Cinema is an ongoing learning process and one never knows everything. There is always room for improvement. After directing this film, I realized how difficult it is to be behind the camera. It is an art form, which not everyone can master.
Q: Can you tell us about the movie and character you play?
RAJPAL: Ata Pata Laapata is about the struggle and fight of the common man against the political system and corruption prevalent in our society today. It is the story of Manav Chaturvedi whose house goes “missing” from Izzat Nagar, and the turn of events that take place once he files an FIR. It is a mad roller coaster ride full of music, drama and entertainment.
I play a double role in the film. I am playing the role of Manav Chaturvedi as well as Satyanand. Manav represents the aam aadmi of our society surrounded by corruption and malpractices at every level. He has strong values, and as a lawyer, he believes in standing up for what is right. The film will chronicle Manav’s fight for his beliefs and values against the system through music and dance, which will be narrated by Satyanand- the other character I play.
Satyanand acts as the narrator of the film and will weave the plot together in Broadway style music and dance.
Q: Who will the movie appeal to?
RAJPAL: The movie will appeal to people of all age groups. It is a film with a lot of layers, which can be enjoyed by the masses as well as the classes.
It is a film that shows you a mirror to the society we are living in and will make you laugh as well think.
Q: Do you have a favourite moment in the movie?
RAJPAL: I think my favourite moment in the movie was while directing Late Dara Singh Ji and Late Satyadev Dubey Ji. I feel extremely honoured and blessed that two such great stalwarts agreed to be a part of my film. The experience of working with them for the last time will always be etched in my memory.
Q: You are great at comedy, but are you funny in real life?
RAJPAL: Thank you for the compliment. I do have a knack for comedy, as I feel life is so stressful, one needs to relax and bring a smile to people’s faces. If my acting can up lift someone’s mood, I feel I have achieved a great deal.
I would not say I am funny in real life, but I do have a good comic sense and do not like getting stressed about the small things in life. Life is a roller coaster ride and there will always be ups and downs, so one must take life in their stride and move on with a smile.
Q: What is the secret of a great comic performance?
RAJPAL: Well, I would say the first secret to a great comic performance is to forget about the worries around you and just focus on bringing a smile to people’s faces. A comic performance has to come naturally and must be improvised on the spot.
Q: Will audiences supporting movies like this help expand the horizons of Bollywood?
RAJPAL: Yes, definitely. Indian cinema today is growing by leaps and bounds. We are achieving not only technical superiority, but are also making films on some very bold subjects which were considered a taboo probably just a decade ago. I would say Indian cinema is coming of age and has tremendous potential to grow even further and touch the lives of millions across the globe.
Q: Why should we watch Ata Pata Laapata?
RAJPAL: Please do watch Ata Pata Laapata for the earnest dedication and hard work behind the project. Watch it with your entire family to get entertained and also think about how to tackle difficult situations in life. It is a complete entertainment package, which will not only make you laugh, sing and dance, but also make you think.
Q: What other films are on the way?
RAJPAL: My next film is Bhopal: Prayer for Rain, based on the Bhopal gas tragedy. I essay the role of a rickshaw puller in the film and how my life turns upside down after I get a menial job in the Union Carbide factory. It’s a film which will touch the hearts of many people.
