INTERVIEW WITH CAST OF “ZINDAGI DOBAARA” | OUTSIDETHEBOXACT | THOUGHT LEADERSHIP |
1. Your brief introduction
Suman Mathur- a retired academic; a perennial student of music and theatre; a lover of social dramas; an ear. a hand and a shoulder for family and friends
2. Please tell us more about your role in the film
A concerned neighbour, keen to return the favours and the kindness received from others in the other film titled Zindagi which was on women’s health.
3. How did you prepare for your role?
By reading and re- reading the script, and immersing myself in the character. Being in tune with the objective of the project was important too.
4. In the movie” Zindagi Dobaara”, other than your character, which other character is your favourite and why?
Sanjeev Raja- The character was well delineated and multi-faceted as a father, father-in-law, grandfather, a member of a neighbour community. More people could relate to that character in their own ways. Many migrants could relate to the feeling of loss and loneliness resulting from dear ones left behind in other countries, including India. It was also interesting to hear how people reacted to the unscripted parts of his dialogues eg how he responded to his bahu’s dupatta getting caught in the car door with concern. Even his gait – which s natural to him, while walking to the park drew a lot of sympathy from viewers.
4. How is men’s mental health different from female mental health?
Most women are garrulous by nature and find it easier to offload their worries and seek help. They can also be more cluey when they see a sister in trouble and jump in with help and suggestions. Men suffer more as for centuries they have had to take on that macho man image of being invulnerable. They bluster away their mental health concerns in front of family and friends and are often in denial. Since help is not sought, none is given.
5. What is the importance of rehearsals and preparations prior to any screen opportunity?
I think there’s a big difference between live theatre and acting for the screen. For the screen, one needs to go over the script a few times, understand the project’s intent and objective through a team discussion or two. The possibility of takes and retakes in shorter segments are more possible so there’s less pressure to memorise the dialogues for the whole story. As for me, I reacted or interjected with words coming from my heart, even when it wasn’t a part of the script. For example, Manbir Singh walking towards us at the park, ‘Mubarkaan ji Mubarkaan” came instinctively to me.
6. On the sets, how do you go about your role?
Being punctual is very important- following the director’s cues in a timely manner, and also ‘staying within your frame”. On the set, feeling the character and becoming that character is the first step. Being in tune with the characters you are interacting with- focussing on the exchange of emotions, re-interpreting or rephrasing your dialogues to suit whatever comes most naturally to you, without compromising the intended meaning are some other things to keep in mind.
8. How do you ensure your take was as per the script?
When it is not, your director will tell you and ask for a re-take. There is no requirement to deliver exactly as per the script. At one point in the park scene, the director’s cue to us as the neighbourhood friends was to turn around at count 3 to turn around and see Sanjeev Raja falling from his seat. My natural instinct was to sprint back with a huge concerned look on my face, but my fellow friends fell out of sync in turning back. So this had to be re-done a couple of times.
9. In a summary, please tell us about the overall filmmaking experience in “Zindagi Dobaara”
Personally, I love being part of drama – whether live theatre or short films- that are based on relevant social themes. Pankaj Upadhyay of Euphony Films excels at such themes. Harman Foundation are doing great service for the Indian community in many difficult areas. It was the marriage of these two - Euphony Films and Harman Foundation that resulted in the creation of both Zindagi and Zindagi Dobaara. It was a fantastic opportunity and an unforgettable experience working with them and the cast.
10. Any other messages to your readers?
Give wherever and whenever you can to worthwhile social projects!
Suman Mathur
https://www.facebook.com/suman.mathur.988
