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If along with Sanjay Dutt, Shatrughan Sinha and the likes, you see larger than life hoardings of Rishi Kapoor smiling at
you with folded hands, don't be surprised. 'Chintu Ji', as he is fondly called amongst his family and friends, is also
gearing up to run for elections this season.
Well, let's clear the suspense now. It is his character which goes by the name of 'Chintu Ji' that contests elections in
the namesake film. Interestingly, the film's name is derived from Rishi Kapoor's nickname - Chintu.
Directed
by Ranjit Kapoor, this film is part fiction, part reality and part illusion, as per Rishi Kapoor.
Though Chintu Ji has been ready for a while, the release is being planned in such a way that it coincides with the Lok
Sabha elections, hence going with the film's theme. The makers are looking at bringing the film to theaters on 1st May.
"Yes, that's what I have been told", confirms Rishi Kapoor, the central protagonist of the film, "There is some good
marketing plan in place for this film. Even though it's a small film, it comes with a good idea and a timely release
around the elections will only help the film to be hyped further."
Though the film is partially based on Rishi Kapoor's life, it features the veteran actor in the role of a filmstar who is
looking for some adventure in his life.
As a result, he decides to contest elections from his hometown in spite
of not really being quite serious about politics. Carrying forward his bratty nature and a mega lifestyle, his main
intention of running an election is to win, mint money and make merry.
"My character of 'Chintu Ji' doesn't quite have any intentions of reforming the life of the villagers. However, he does
eventually bring in a turnaround even though it is done unknowingly. The film's script, has been done quite innovative
because it's quite a difficult task to build a story around a real life personality, add on elements of fiction to it and make
it a cinematic engaging experience as well", says Rishi Kapoor.
'Chintu Ji' is a special for Rishi for one more reason. The film also stars Russian artist Kseniya Ryabinkina who was
one of the leading ladies in Raj Kapoor's Mera Naam Joker in which Rishi played the role of a young Raj
Kapoor.
"Kseniya (Ryabinkina) will be seen again in 'Chintu Ji'. Incidentally, this will be only her second Hindi film since she
appeared in 'Mera Naam Joker'. In 'Chintu Ji', she has a very pivotal role to play as she brings along immense
metamorphosis in the life of the character that I play, " Rishi told.
In "Mera Naam Joker", Kseniya had played a Russian trapeze artist with whom the character played by Raj Kapoor
falls in love. However, the two characters don't unite in the film.
Though in "Mera Naam Joker", Rishi Kapoor had scenes only with Simi Grewal, his father Raj Kapoor had closer
interaction with Kseniya. But 'Chintu Ji' will see the two of them sharing screen space.
"It was a surreal experience because I was just a kid in 'Mera Naam Joker'. I guess it was a great idea to get her on
board in 'Chintu Ji', which is a film that is part fiction, part reality and part illusion when it comes to being based on my
life, " said Rishi, who is currently shooting for "Do Dooni Chaar", the comeback vehicle of his wife Neetu
Singh.
Though he adopts a wait and watch stance instead of divulging the rest of the storyline of the film, Rishi Kapoor does
hints that Chintu Ji reflects the socio-economic-political state of India Today!
A comedy, Chintu Ji is produced by Kaleidoscope Entertainment and would see a kick start in its promotion very soon.
Saturday, March 28, 2009 12:33 IST