JOIN US'Indian males are sexually suppressed'
For him the phrase der aaye durust aaye (better late than never) is so apt, because even though he is considered to be a storehouse of talent, he never really got his due for his acting credentials in his career spanning nearly three decades.
But today, Annu Kapoor is a happy man since he recently bagged the National Award for Best Supporting Actor for Vicky Donor. Although he has previously won a National Award for Best Debut Film Abhay (1994) in the children’s films category, this time it was for his acting skills.Metrolife spoke to the artist about the film industry in general, censorship, the feel good factor post the National Award and more. A laughing Annu says, “It obviously feels really good as it is a big thing for me. It is an honour because the country and the President is giving you the award. I am really thankful that my talent has been appreciated.”
Didn’t you have any apprehensions before taking up the role of Dr Chadha as the film had a possibly controversial subject of sperm donation? “The day I heard the script, I knew it would be a hit. It had a very good script and Shoojit (Sircar) and I knew that it carried a very thin line between a boring and a vulgar film. But, it was meant to be a good entertaining film with a serious message.”
The theatre actor adds, “Today, people have started accepting films which are packaged with both entertainment and nobel subjects and even producers and directors are accepting scripts, like Gangs of Wasseypur, Paan Singh Tomar and Kahaani. This is definitely a new era for Indian film industry.”
While the films and scripts may be undergoing a sea change, questions are now being raised about the connection between onscreen portrayal of sex, nudity, item numbers, aggression leading to increased violence and rapes of women in reality. “Any performing art is a reflection of the society. I accept that films do affect the thinking pattern but then they are not to be blamed completely for molestation and rape cases. One needs to understand that Indian males are sexually suppressed and one also needs to go back in the Indian history, know the economic backgrounds and history of Indian male’s attitude and mentality.
“I also believe that films are the prime entertainment here in our country. It is like roti, kapda or films. We have to give the matter deeper thought and analysis before coming to any conclusion, but fact of the matter is ki Mallika Sherawat ab zyada dikhai jaati hai parde pe or Annu Kapoor kam!” The actor now has a couple of meaty projects in hand including Yamla Pagla Deewana 2 and Muavza. Post Vicky Donor he has been getting some good roles. “Earlier, I had been really choosy but now I am grabbing more roles. I am also planning and thinkking about my second directorial venture.”