Mumbai: The Mathura born actor Brijendra Kala has been associated with theatre for over 17 years. Besides winning hearts of the audience with his stint in multiple movies, he also wrote dialogues for Ekta Kapoor's Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki. Taking a leap further, the actor will next be seen playing the role of a lawyer in Sujit Sircar's next Gulabo Sitabo. In an exclusive interaction with ETV Bharat Sitara, the Panchlait actor shared his experience of working in the film alongside the A-listers. Here' is an excerpt from the interview...
- Your take on Gulabo Sitabo releasing on OTT.
Brijendra Kala: I keep on telling everyone that during the lockdown when you have less access to entertainment and new releases, it's a great way to experience movies via OTT platforms. If we wait for the cinema hall to open, it will be too late. The whole year will pass by. So many pictures are awaiting its release. Everyone is waiting for the cinema hall to open. Hopefully, all will be safe. And for a show to be houseful, we want all the seats. So now it is the only medium through which we can bring cinema to the people.
- On your role of a lawyer in the film...
Brijendra Kala: My character is very interesting and funny. I feel very good that I am able to do such a character after Pan Singh Tomar. Everything about the character is written in the script from the beginning. I had to just perform. So I would like to commend the director and the writer of the film Juhi Chaturvedi.
- Working with Amitabh Bachchan and Ayushmann Khurrana in Gulabo Sitabo...
Brijendra Kala: I have worked with Ayushmann and Amitabhji before. It had been a good experience earlier. It is a very good experience this time again. And to be honest, the experience of working with Bachchanji is different.
- How was your experience of sharing screen space with the notable actor?
Brijendra Kala: The first day when I went on the sets, after 4 to 5 take, the director confirmed our was 'OK'. Sujit asked us to be prepared for the next shot. Meanwhile, Bachchanji called me from behind and said, "Sir, there is a different technique the way you deliver dialogues and speak." I was looking at his face then. I was in seventh heaven after hearing him praise for me. Later, we did the scene in a similar technique and everyone liked. It's a memorable incident for me.
READ | Amitabh Bachchan shares BTS pic from Gulabo Sitabo
- On working with the Vicky Donor and Piku fame Sujit Sircar...
Brijendra Kala: I have waited to work with Sujit Sircar. I worked on a film Shaadi.com under his company. Then I thought many times, when will I get the opportunity to work with him again. I have also worked in a few commercials. I thought maybe I would find a place in the pictures he had made before. Finally, the day came and I had a chance. From day one, from the day he started working with me on the script, step by step, I loved it. On the first day of the shoot, I understood what kind of director Sujit is. He knows how to bring the actor into his comfort zone on the film set. Sujit knows how to work with various actors, be it Amitabh Bachchan or actors like me or Vijayraj.
- Did you appear for any auditions?
Brijendra Kala: I did not audition. Yogibhai, a very good friend of mine, who selects actors for Sujit Sircar called me up and said "Kalabhai, Sujit is making a picture. There is a role of a lawyer. You have to do it." After I heard the script and got to know Sujit a little more, I immediately agreed.
- On shooting in Lucknow...
Brijendra Kala: I grew up in a small town in North India. People go to Mumbai for acting, I fled to Lucknow for theatre. So, this is old place, Lucknow is my favourite place. Hence, the shooting experience has also been very good for me.
