Sunil Grover has made everyone across the globe laugh out loud through his comedic personas Gutthi, Doctor Mashoor Gulati and Rinku Bhabhi.
Even as an actor, Sunil has appeared in several non-comedic roles including Gabbar Is Back and The Legend of Bhagat Singh to name a few.
As such, beyond the smiling face lies a multi-talented and versatile actor.
After years of hard work and making people laugh, we finally see Sunil getting his dues in Vishal Bhardwaj’s Pataakha.
In a comedic role, Sunil Grover plays the main lead as Dipper Naradmuni – an instigator of arguments between two rival sisters.
The 41-year-old actor opens up on his character, the Pataakha journey and what it takes to be successful in a serious business like comedy.
Out of all the films you’ve done in the past, what makes Pataakha so enriching for you as an actor?
Yes, I have done some work in the past but Pataakha is directed by Mr Vishal Bhardwaj and he is a master filmmaker.
I have loved his work and always wanted to work with him. It was a dream come true.
Plus, the kind of story it is, the film and the role excited me.
The time spent on the movie was a great journey especially because it’s set in the backdrop of Rajasthan.
We actually shot in a village for that one month.
It’s been a great experience and had a great time!
Was it a challenge for you to adapt to Vishal Bhardwaj’s unconventional filmmaking style?
As I said, I wanted to work with him. So, I wanted to be a part of this artistic expression and style of filmmaking.
Vishal’s approach is different to many other directors. He is very realistic
Everything makes it a very challenging and joyful experience.
How much of your comedic personas Rinku Bhabhi, Gutthi & Mashoor Gulati are reflected in Dipper Naradmuni?
See, Rinku bhabhi and Gutthi cannot be reflected through because I don’t wear any female items of clothing.
As for Mashoor Gulati, firstly, he is comparatively much older. Secondly, there is the accent difference. Here, I speak with a Rajasthani accent.
Dipper Naradmuni has nothing to do with any of the characters I’ve played in the past.
Usually, those characters were part of gags and jokes with no story as such.
Here, I’m part of a great story, which is quite fresh for Bollywood and Indian films. Not many have shown sibling rivalry in such a way.
At the same time, the dialogues and scenes are very funny.
Comedy is the toughest genre to master. What do you do to maintain a balance to ensure that you don’t go overboard?
One should know the platform: where they are performing, what they are doing and who the audience is.
The platform can be on stage, for a film or TV show, so the grammar changes.
When I was doing live shows last year, I realised that timing also matters.
Jokes that are funny in the afternoon may not be appropriate for the evening.
Like breakfast, lunch and dinner we have different kinds of meals – there is also a different style of jokes.
When an actor works with a director like Vishal Bhardwaj, then one can feel at ease because he knows his craft well enough to guide an individual.
Listen to our interview with Sunil Grover here!
Your film roles are very different from your television characters. Do you actively look for different roles or are they naturally offered to you?
I think a role should appeal, challenge excite me and ultimately be something I will be able to do.
The ‘excitement’ factor in could be anything good, be it the director or the production house.
If all of these aspects are intact then you know you’ll be a part of a product that the audience will like.
After so many years of working in the industry, it’s only recently you gained a lot of fame. How have you kept yourself motivated?
Fame is not in one’s hands. It is a blessing from the Almighty and from the audience.
It is an actor’s job to keep working hard, try to challenge oneself and try to reinvent.
I love what I do.
Filme Shilmy hopes that this passion continues to help Sunil Grover achieve the success that he deserves.
Pataakha releases in cinemas worldwide on 28th September.
