Paresh Rawal and Narendra Modi are without a doubt two of the iconic individuals in their respective careers. Who would have thought that a day would come when the two names would be used in the same sentence?
Well, that day has arrived.
Indian actor Paresh Rawal is all set to act in a Narendra Modi biopic film and he will portray the current Indian Prime Minister. The actor will also produce the film, which would be his second after ‘OMG! Oh My God!’.
It goes without saying that the actor is an icon and many up and coming actors have seen him as an inspiration. Though he initially took up roles that required him to play an antagonist, his later transition into a comedian cannot be overlooked.
So, will he be able to do justice to the character assigned to him, which, by the way, is a major responsibility? Let us analyse a few of his roles that might draw us to a valid conclusion –
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, “Sardar” (1993)
Paresh Rawal as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Sardar
This is not the first time Rawal will be playing a politician in a film. He has done it many times and one of his successful roles has been that of playing Sardar Vallabbhai Patel in ‘Sardar’. Directed by Ketan Mehta, the actor did complete justice to the personality of the Iron Man of India.
Ram Gopal Bajaj / Shyam Gopal Bajaj, “Andaz Apna Apna” (1994)
Ram Gopal Bajaja / Shyam Gopal Bajaj from Andaz Apna Apna
Fans of Paresh Rawal have to love this comedy bit that he did in the 1994 film ‘Andaz Apna Apna’. Though he was not the lead character, he was one of the important parts in the movie and playing twin-role while at it. The roles of Ram Bajaj and Shyam Bajaj by Rawal struck a chord with the audience bringing him to the Bollywood forefront as a comedian.
Lalit Ramji, “Woh Chhokri” (1994)
Rawal as Lalit Ramji from Woh Chhokri
One year after ‘Sardar’, Paresh Rawal played a politician (though a supporting character) in Subhankar Ghosh’s ‘Who Chhokri’. Rawal plays a layman, who later goes on to become a politician, after abandoning his wife and daughter, that is, leaving them to fend off for themselves in the society. The film won three National Film Awards, including the Best Supporting actor for Rawal.
Tikku, “Tamanna” (1997)
The iconic actor also played a eunuch in Tamanna
1997-film ‘Tamanna’ truly highlights the actor’s versatility to his job. The decade was the time when the Rawal spent most of his time playing serious characters and Tamanna was no different. This time around, he depicted the role of a eunuch trying to raise a girl in the 1975 Bombay. He had never acted as eunuch before, but managed to perfectly demonstrate his ability to adapt to different characters. The movie went on to win an National Award the following year.
Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, “Hera Pheri” (2000)
One of his latest portrayals include Baburao Ganpatrao Apte from Hera Pheri
Another hilarious character that won the hearts of many Indians was that of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte that Rawal portrayed in Hera Pheri. Be it his transition to Marathi accent or the indulgence in lunacy, he infused organic comedy to not just the character, but the film overall, winning him the best comedian award at Star Screen Awards, IIFA and Filmfare.
Narendra Modi and Paresh Rawal do have a few similarities – for instance, they are both Gujaratis, politicians and belong to the same party.
Looking at the actor’s history, it can be said that he is the only actor in Bollywood, who could have landed this role. But can he do justice to the character? Yes, he can.
But will he, is the question that will be answered only after the film’s release.
