“A play should be such that the audience can remember it long after it is over,” says actor Paresh Rawal. He plays a double role in Dear Father , which will be staged in Chennai on October 19 to raise funds for the various social activities of Madras Esplanade Ladies Circle 100, a non-profit organisation. The play features the actor in the role of a father as well as a policeman alongside actors Mrinmayee Godbole and Chetan Dhanani.
Over three hours long, the production will trace the story of the Mankad family (Manu, the father, his son Ajay, and daughter-in-law Alka), and has been called an ‘emotional comedy thriller’. “These days, people watch something and by the time it gets over, they forget about it. But a good play should remain in your heart even after the curtains come down,” he adds, speaking fondly of theatre. “There are some things that inspire you so much that you want them to be a part of your life,” he says, talking about his passion for the stage.
And how does he manage to balance commercial cinema and theatre? “ I love challenges. If it’s easy, it doesn’t interest me . Well-written roles are what I look for.”
Paresh, who ventured into production with OMG - OhMy God , will soon be seen in a biopic about the Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi. “We are working on the script right now,” he says.
Talking about Dear Father , the actor hopes that Chennai’s audience will enjoy it. Dear Father will be staged on October 19 at 7.30 p.m, at Sir Mutha Venkatasubba Rao Concert Hall, Harrington Road. For details call, 9840200568.
