If we must give a title to Paresh Rawal, it should be the Versatile King, not just the Comedy King.
Take any of Paresh Rawal’s comedy roles and you’ll see his sheer brilliance. Let’s pick 'Hera Pheri' now, simply because it’s his most iconic work. Now if you watch it closely, you’ll notice his comedy is never just about cracking jokes. It’s built on a mix of subtle, technical elements. At the core, it’s confusion—that classic comic setup where the character is always a little off-track. Then comes timing—and in comedy, timing is everything. Even a second's delay and the moment is gone. Rawal's lines land exactly when they should, often followed by that signature raised eyebrow or a blank, deadpan stare that says more than words ever could. There’s also a contrast in his characterization. One moment he is beaming at Raju and saying “Tu toh deva hai,” and the very next he is threatening to whack him with a chappal. That switch—from warmth to total chaos—is what makes Baburao unforgettable. However, that’s the thing about comedy—it’s not taken seriously enough. But the truth is it’s one of the hardest things to pull off. You have to be an exceptionally skilled actor to make people laugh genuinely. And anyone who can do that with such ease can pull off any role. But unfortunately, especially in India, comic actors often get typecast. Tulsi Chakraborty, a legend in Bengali cinema, or Asrani in Hindi films, showed sparks of excellence in a few serious roles but were mostly slotted into the same kind of parts. Paresh Rawal too has faced this. Though he’s been a little more fortunate, his other roles haven’t matched the popularity of his comic work. But they prove that he is a master across genres.
So today, on his birthday, let’s go beyond the laughs and take a look at the actor who gave us not just Baburao, but so much more.
In the early stage of his career, Paresh Rawal carved a niche for himself portraying antagonists (in both Hindi and Telugu films) who were as compelling as they were menacing. Films like 'Kabzaa', 'Ram Lakhan', 'Daud', and 'Baazi' featured him in roles that required a commanding presence and a nuanced understanding of villainy. His portrayal of these characters was never one-dimensional; instead, he infused them with layers, making them memorable and, at times, disturbingly relatable.
Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal in ‘Sarfira’
In 'Soorarai Pottru' and its Hindi remake 'Sarfira', Rawal's portrayal of the antagonist is particularly noteworthy. He embodies a character that, while initially appearing as an obstacle to the protagonist's dreams, reveals motivations rooted in a complex interplay of ambition, fear, and pragmatism. His performance adds depth to the narrative, transforming a potential caricature into a fully fleshed-out individual.
Rawal's talent shines brightly in roles that inhabit the grey areas of morality. In 'Table No. 21', he plays Mr. Khan, a game show host whose charm masks a darker agenda. Initially perceived as a facilitator of entertainment, Khan's true intentions unravel as the story progresses, revealing a character driven by a desire for justice, albeit through questionable means. Rawal's ability to oscillate between affability and intimidation keeps us engaged throughout, prompting introspection about the nature of justice and retribution.
Credit: rvcjmovies
Similarly, in 'No Smoking' (yes, directed by Anurag Kashyap), Rawal's portrayal of Shri Shri Prakash Guru Ghantal Baba, the enigmatic leader of a rehabilitation center, is both unsettling and mesmerizing. His calm demeanor juxtaposed with the sinister undertones of his actions creates a character that is as intriguing as he is unsettling.
Transitioning seamlessly into dramatic roles, Rawal has portrayed characters that resonate deeply with audiences. In 'Shastry Viruddh Shastry', he embodies Manohar Shastry, a grandfather embroiled in a custody battle for his grandson. Rawal's performance captures the emotional turmoil of a man caught between familial love and the complexities of modern parenting. There's incredible restraint and authenticity in his performance, allowing us to connect with the character's plight on a personal level.
In 'The Storyteller', he takes on the role of Tarini Bandopadhyay, a retired storyteller who finds himself entangled in a web of deceit and introspection. His performance is a masterclass in subtlety, conveying a spectrum of emotions through nuanced expressions and measured dialogue delivery. The film, rich in cultural context and narrative depth, is elevated by his compelling portrayal.
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Beyond the aforementioned genres, Rawal's filmography includes several others as well. In 'Sardar', he portrays Vallabhbhai Patel, bringing to life the complexities of a historical figure with gravitas and authenticity. His role in 'Tamanna' as Tikku, a troubled individual who adopts an abandoned child, showcases his commitment to challenging societal norms and portraying marginalized voices with dignity and empathy. His ability to adapt to various roles is further exemplified in films like 'Oh My God', where he plays an atheist challenging religious dogma, and 'Sanju', where he portrays Sunil Dutt, capturing the essence of a father's unwavering support amidst the turmoil.
Credit: T-Series
Happy Birthday, Paresh Rawal!
