If we go by the news, the so-called actors in Bollywood may be charging imaginary numbers of bucks and making a lot of
moolah, but there are superstars who despite of their sky high status in the Indian Film Industry, still prefer decent work
over just making money.
In a recent example, the veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah, who has just finished film "Bolo Raam", refused to take any fee
for the film, because he thought it would be an injustice with the script and the role if any commercial angle was brought in
to limelight.
Thus, Naseer did not charge a penny from the Director, Rakesh Chaturvedi "Om" or the Producer Goldy Bhutani of Shree
Keshav Films and left everyone stunned by refusing his price for the film which releases on Dec 31.
Another reason of Naseer rejecting any money for this film is the nostalgia of working with Padmini Kohlapure after a gap of
2 and a half long decade. The duo was last seen together in "Woh Saat Din" in 1983, and when Naseer was told that
Padmini will be cast in this film, Naseer went extremely nostalgic and immediately agreed for the film as he had already
been convinced with the strength of the script.
"I believe that scripts like Bolo Raam are very rare and they require a lot from an actor. I am sure that if I would have
charged any money for the film, I won't ever be able to deliver my best and it would have been an in-justification with the
film. I am glad that there were no monetary elements involved and which gives me an opportunity to say that I did this film
from & for my heart, " said Naseer.
"Yes, it is obvious that Padmini's presence in the film is another reason, which led me away to talk about any financials,
coz we had come together on screen after a span of 26 long years." said Naseer about his gesture in times of
commercialization of cinema.
Responding to this big favor by Naseer, director Rakesh Chaturvedi ‘Om', said: "I think Naseer Ji is a great personality on
and as well off-screen. He is a great actor and a great human being as well. I have been doing theatre with him for years
now and in all these years, I always kept telling him that I would love to direct him in a film.
"It is one random day when I narrated the script of Bolo Raam to him. He was so moved with the script that he said he was
doing my film and to relieve me of any problem, he said he was doing it for free. I can't say how obliged I felt. I thank him
from the bottom of my heart and can proudly say that he is the finest actor India has ever produced. I am sure people will
love his performance in Bolo Raam too."
Bolo Raam is the story of a boy Raam Kaushik (Rishi Bhutani). It is a fast-paced and gripping thriller murder mystery.
Raam is charged with the murder of his mother Archana (Padmini Kohlapure).
On the other hand, Raam falls in to a state of shock, brief psychotic disorder, after his mother's death and become silent,
refusing to talk or react in any manner. The story unfolds as the investigating officer, Indrajeet Singh Rathi (Om Puri), much
to his frustration is puzzled and unable to make Raam speak.
He consults a Psychiatrist Dr. N.S Negi (Naseeruddin Shah) to determine Raam's state of mind and the reason for his
slience. The movie progresses as he interrogates various personalities for the case, questioning each and every person
possibly connected to Archana and Raam. Every possible motive that Raam might have for murdering his mother is
explored.
Furthermore, Raam's neighbours Sub Inspector Sajid Khan (Govind Namdev) his daughter, Juhi (Disha Pandey) and son,
Sameer (Krishan Khatra) are summoned by Rathi for Interrogation. Will his silence solve the puzzle? This is what Bolo
Raam is all about.
Bolo Raam also marks debut of a young lad Rishi Bhutani, who plays Raam in the film and around whom the whole story
revolves. The film also casts Rajpal Yadav, Govind Namdev and Manoj Pahwa in pivotal roles.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009 11:02 IST