When Star Plus announced plans to bring the Indian adaption of the hit American TV sitcom “Everybody Loves Raymond” many wondered as to who will play the role of Frank Barone, Raymond’s father. When revealed that in its Hindi version, “Sumit Sambhal Lega” (SSL), it would be Satish Kaushik, one was sure that he will do justice to this likeable character who despite all his shortcomings made the audience burst into peals of laughterwith his one-liners and keen observation.
That the role was a supporting one did not bother Kaushik. He deems the script, a collaborative effort, to be good. Exuding confidence, this veteran actor-director says, “Any role can become effective provided one is willing to work on it,” and cites examples of Pappu Pager in “Deewana Mastaana” and the small but effective role of a laughing inspector he played in “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge”.
One was sure that Kaushik would give Frank’s (Jasbir Walia in Hindi version) role a different dimension. With a wide grin he affirms. “Jasbir keeps eating and drinking, passing insulting and sarcastic comments, telling silly things to his grandchildren, demanding rent from his elder son and of course constantly fighting with his wife. I have tweaked his actions by making them a little more obnoxious and dirty but definitely not cheap. I also took care not to overplay or overdo it.”
Kaushik who has played several comic roles in films, including “Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron”, an iconic comedy film whose dialogues he co-wrote with Ranjit Kapoor, feels, “A neat, pure and clean comedy will always remain popular with people. People still remember the “Philips Top 10” done by Pankaj Kapur and me which was a super-duper hit in its times.” Recalling the hardships the “Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron” team faced making this movie, he remarks, “Such films just happen.” He is happy that some of the current filmmakers notably Raju Hirani — who has directed “Munnabai MBBS”, “3 Idiots”, “PK” — among others is bringing comic movies with a social message back to the center stage.
Since Jasbir in SSL is depicted as a Punjabi settled in Delhi , Kaushik gave the dialogues a twist by giving it a Delhi touch. “Typically like a Delhiite, he uses the word ‘abe’ and you will find him saying kya ho riya hai be or kya kar riya be . He speaks like that to even to his wife,” he reveals. Despite the character’s shortcomings he finds it endearing and is sure that as the episodes progress the audience too will agree with him and discover softer sides to the character.
Kaushik is well-known for his association with other forms of performing arts like theatre, commercials and serials. But what does he like personally? “I love everything. For somebody who has lived in Naiwala gali in Karol Bagh, I am grateful to God for fulfilling my dream of becoming an actor. Otherwise there are so many unfortunate people who are never able to do what they want,” he says in all humility.
“Everybody Loves Raymond” which ran for several seasons at home and was subsequently remade in several countries, including Russia, Poland, Egypt, Israel and UK among others, according to Kaushik will be lapped up by the viewers here too. “Unlike the women-oriented shows, in ‘Sumit Sambhal Lega’ the protagonist is a male whose trials and tribulations will make him stand apart. Women will enjoy while men will like it,” he says.
Kaushik will also be back on big screen with “Mayanagri”, a film on male prostitutes which is expected to be released soon. He will also be seen in the Hindi movie “Wedding Pulao” and English film “Promise Dad”.
(The show will be on air from Monday to Saturday beginning August 31)
