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None of the religious epics have influenced the life of Indians the world over as the Ramayana and Mahabharata and I am certainly blessed to have been part of the mega TV serial Mahabharata," says Bollywood actor Girija Shanker, who immortalised the role of the blind emperor, Dhritrashtra, in this serial of B. R. Chopra.
He shared his journey into TV serials and films, which he owes to his contribution to theatre, especially Punjabi dramas. Born and raised at Patiala, Girija had a passion for music and theatre from childhood. His performances not only won awards and adulation but also inspired him to fully devote himself to theatre. Girija left his postgraduation in geography at Punjabi University, Patiala, for his further grooming under thespian Harpal Tiwana and completed a three-year advanced course of postgraduation level in drama. Credited with over 1100 theatre performances in Punjab and Mumbai, Girija carved a niche for himself in theatre, which paved the way for his entry into TV serials and films, 45 in all, including five Hollywood productions. In the city recently for the shooting of his first Haryanavi film, Tera Mera Vaada, Girija shared his views on the contemporary stage and screen scenarios. With a successful innings in theatre, how was your transition into TV or film acting? Theatre is my life and first love, and has inculcated the values of discipline, dedication and hard work in me while TV and films have given me name, fame and money. I am thrilled to see drama growing as a contemporary art form in this region, with Chandigarh as the multidimensional centre for the proliferation of the performing arts. But sadly, the region lacks in the appreciation of professional dramas, which is imperative for the qualitative and aesthetical growth of theatre. How did theatre happen and how has your journey been as an actor, producer and director in Bollywood and Hollywood? Way back in 1971, I started working with the Progressive Theatre group at Patiala under Gyan Gakhar before joining thespian Harpal Tiwana, an NSD alumnus, in 1975. After shifting base to Mumbai in 1981, I worked with Om Puri and Naseer’s theatre ‘Majma’ Raj-Nadira Babbar’s ‘Ek Jute,’ Archana Pooran Singh and others. Without any godfather how did you enter films? Despite being a well-acclaimed actor in Mumbai theatre, films eluded me and to avoid frustration I produced and acted in a feature film, Ab Aayega Maza, which clicked and offers for TV serials and films started pouring in. Several long-running serials like B. R. Chopra’s Mahabharata and Chunni, Ramesh Sippy’s Buniyaad made me a household name. Besides films like Aaj Ki Aawaz, Pratigya Badh, Shiva Honeymoon, Jurm, Diva Bale Saari Raat, and Sarbans Dani Guru Gobind Singh, as well as Hollywood films such as Divine Lovers, Night of Henna, Awakening of Dream and the Black Russian ( under production) came my way. Which roles and productions are closest to your heart? There are many but portraying Dhritrashtra was very challenging. I had asked for the "good" roles like that of Arjuna or Karna but Chopraji replied, "See, I am offering you the best role because of your theatrical potential, read it and decide." I really found Dhritrashtra to be the central character around whom the whole conflict lies. So, I gave my best to enliven the role. Out of the directed and produced films, Banana Brothers was a hit in the US and India. Others include Ishq, Assan Hun Tur Jaana, Ab Aayega Maza and the forthcoming projects include Lalita ji, Hum Kisi se Kam Nahin, Mere Tumhaare Hamare and Black Russian.
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