Sai Paranjpe, who made glasses Baddoor, revealed: ‘Shabana Azmi had asked- Tears fell from the left eye or right?’
Sai Paranjpe, whose stories are rich in human emotions, humor and sensitivity, are once again in discussion. In the new episode of Filmfare’s show in the Ring with Filmfare, he shared unheard stories of his life. His journey from Doordarshan to iconic films like ‘Sparsh’, ‘Katha’ and ‘Chashme Baddoor’ has been very inspiring. This episode is now available on Filmfare’s YouTube channel.
The first book was written at the age of 8 years
Sai said that he started writing at the age of eight. He said- “I was always lost in magicians, princesses and fictional worlds. My mother gathered and published my stories.”
Travel of direction from Doordarshan
Sai Paranjpe started her career from Doordarshan, Delhi, where she was among the first six TV directors in India. Along with this, she used to teach speech and drama in FTII, where her students were Jalal Aga, Rehana Sultan, Saddu Meher and Rakesh Pandey.
Why did Sanjeev Kumar back back after listening to the script of ‘Sparsh’?
Sai shared an interesting anecdote when he narrated the script of ‘Sparsh’ to Sanjeev Kumar. “He had given only 15 minutes of time, but while listening to the script, he was so drowned that he said- ‘Shave kar, you will not feel bad?’ But as soon as it was revealed that the producer Basu Bhattacharya, he left the project. ”
Question of Shabana Azmi: “Left tears or right?”
Referring to an emotional scene of touch, Sai says- “Shabana asked, ‘Will she cry?’ I said yes, only one tear. I said- left and then the same tears rolled from his face. “
Why ‘Rong Casting’ was the ruckus for ‘Katha’?
When Sai gave Naseeruddin Shah a turtle and Farooq Sheikh’s role of rabbit, it was said that it was wrong casting. “I told him clearly, ‘Are you poster boys or actors? How long will you do the same role again and again?’ And I agreed to convince them. “
Nana Patekar’s anger and Sai’s restraint
During the shooting of ‘Disha’, Nana Patekar showed anger many times. The third time when he rang during the dubbing, Sai bluntly said- “Either do it, or get out.” Nana went away but returned after half an hour and said- “You survived … because you are a woman. Otherwise it is not here.”
What did you get a different experience as a female director?
Sai Paranjpe said- “I never felt that I am a woman, so, rather, I always got the benefit because I was clear in my work.”
In a career of more than 50 years, Sai Paranjpe created stories not just films, but the depth of human emotions. His interview is an inspiration not only for cinema lovers, but for every person who wants to move forward with creativity, discipline and confidence.
