Cinema has been evergreen and so is an actor’s craft. In fact, the more seasoned an artist gets, the better is their acting prowess, but there are some who go beyond the camera and dabble into direction and production as well. Actor Satish Kaushik is one such talented man, with 40 years in the industry, he is not just being relevant by playing some interesting roles in films today, but also being at the top of his game as a director and producer. Recently, I spoke to the actor about his latest projects Sharmaji Namkeen, Thar and others. He also shared how there is some amazing coming his way without being typecast and how this is the best phase of his career.
Read the interview here:
Almost 40 years in this industry, you have been around to witness the growth of Indian cinema what is that one evident change you have witnessed?
The film industry is much more professional in terms of making films on time. Everything is pre-planned before you start shooting. Your agreements and shooting schedules are well-drafted in advance. In the 80s, there were very few stories to tell and so many films were made on literally the same story whether it was revenge drama, boy meeting girl love stories or social dramas. But now filmmakers are fearless and there is a variety of genres and stories which you can tell to the audience. There are additional platforms like multiplexes, satellite channels, and OTT to exhibit your films. Previously, we had only single-screen theatres. The most important factor is the inclusion of women’s empowerment. In all departments, there are girls who are qualified, hardworking & are so good at their job.
As an actor, you have delivered some amazing performances. Today also you are quite relevant in the industry. Be it Sharmaji Namkeen or Thar, do you feel glad that even today amazing roles and work is coming your way?
By the grace of God, I am going through the best phase of my career where young filmmakers are not looking at me as a comic actor and that is why I could reinvent myself with films like Udta Punjab, Soorma, Scam, Bloody Brothers, Sharmaji Namkeen, Guilty Minds and recently, Thar. Previously, actors were slotted in a particular role and somehow I also got a slot as a funny guy, especially after Mr India. Frankly speaking, I enjoyed the adulation and did those roles with aplomb which audiences just loved. On the other side, my roots are from the National School Of Drama, so I was trained to handle any role. I am happy to be relevant in the industry as you said by above performances as an actor and as a director by churning out a beautiful film Kaagaz in 2021 along with Salman Khan Films and ZEE5 starring Pankaj Tripathi. At the same time, this reinvention has made me more hardworking to do strong roles with younger generation directors & producers.
How do you see this digital era? As a director and producer your film Kaagaz was released on the OTT space, was the exposure it got, any different from the big screen?
The Digital era has definitely widened the sphere for actors & filmmakers. Though I made Kaagaz with a theatrical release in mind, its OTT release made the film be seen in more than 100 countries and later dubbed or subtitles in other foreign languages. Recently, somebody messaged me that he saw Kaagaz in German language subtitles which is so overwhelming.
Over these years, the cinema you have been a part of, is Satish Kaushik happy with the journey he has had?
I am more than satisfied & happy. Main 800 rupaye leke Mumbai aaya tha & I think this dream city has given me more than I thought and the most important thing is that it gave me the courage to keep moving and keep learning. I landed on 9th Aug 1979 in Mumbai by Deluxe train and now in 2022, I am living a deluxe life with work as an actor, director and producer on my plate. I always used to tell my father as a child that I wanted to be famous and today my father up there must be proud that I am famous. God has been kind.
How dear is cinema to you?
Apart from bread and butter, it is my life and my passion. I am the luckiest person in the world who thought of only one profession in my life as a youngster – actor in movies, and look I am there for four decades, not just as an actor but as a writer, director & producer too. What more I could ask for. That is why when I leave for work, I always pray to God to give me the strength to do my best today.
We loved your role in Sharmaji Namkeen, tell us about your experience working with Rishiji and Paresh Rawal. Any fond memory of Rishiji that you carry from this film?
Thanks a lot for your kind words. Sharmaji Namkeen was a special film because it states my journey as a fan of Rishiji from Bobby to his colleague, to get directed by him in Aa Ab Laut Chalen & to be part of his last film. He was an amazing person and we will miss him but always remain with a question that why this evergreen romantic hero had to leave the world so early. Paresh Bhai did a great gesture by taking over the remaining portion of the film. I think it was great of him and I think the emotion involved in this act by him proved this unique & historical concept of the same role played by two actors a great hit.
Also, what is happening next in terms of projects?
Both as an actor & director my plate is quite filled which makes me nervous about how to excel in all that is in front of me. My company The Satish Kaushik Entertainment helmed by my nephew Nishant Kaushik is also producing some great content for films & web shows in the coming years.
Satish Kaushik is a craftsman in the true sense, giving us some amazing performances, I am sure there is a lot we are yet to see of him on screen.