Tahir Raj Bhasin
For Tahir Raj Bhasin, Delhi is like a mother that pampers and nourishes you with all necessary nutrients of life, while Mumbai is like a strict father that brings in discipline and helps you learn the value of time. Excer
pts from the interview
You latest release Manto talks about freedom of expression. How do you see cinema as a means of expression?
Cinema is not just an outlet for entertainment, but
also a source that keeps them aware about the happenings of the society. And the new platforms like Amazon and Netflix allow the audience to be exposed to what’s happening around the world and most importantly without the barrier of censorship, which curtails an artist’s freedom of expression.
“In Mumbai, you don’t make choices. They choose you.” How has been the Mumbai to you when it comes to career choices?
Absolutely! It is so true in my case and I will say in many cases. We all come to this city with a dream to be launched under a big banner, but then destiny has its own way and this city is the biggest example of the sam
e. In my case, nobody knew that a boy next door who begins as an antagonist receives so much attention. Also, I feel there is no formula to succeed in this city. The supernatural magic blended with hard work defines your existence in the city.
Talk about your role of Sunder Shyam Chadda, Manto’s close friend in the movie. How did you prepare for the character?
It was actually an incredible opportunity for me. First, the character itself had so much volume in it that I had to be very much sure about taking up it. Secondly, I had to share the screen with Nawazuddin Siddiqui (sir), who is critically acclaimed for his acting nuances. The level of hard work was intense because it’s a period film. For me, it was more about cutting down modern mannerism than adding anything to the character. Also, the trickiest part was to get the right diction of Urdu as a language, along with rigorous research work of Nandita Das.
You have done theatre extensively in Delhi, what is the scope of theatre in Northern India at large?
It is the most powerful and relevant medium to date. It’s been 7 years I am in Mumbai, so it will be unfair to comment on its scope in Northern India at present, but in general, I feel funding is still an issue. We need to understand that if a film is a director’s medium, theatre is an actor’s medium.
Tell us about your future projects.
I am super excited about Chichore, a Nitesh Tiwari film, produced by Sajid Nadiadwala. The reason behind the excitement is, of course, the storyline and the blockbuster combination of the director and producer. In simple words, the film will redefine the meaning of friendship and success in this current generation.
Where do you stand on the nepotism debate?
It will be unfair to say that nepotism doesn’t exist, but in the same breath I would like to say that even the kids of people from the fraternity have to work hard to make a space for themselves. I know people in the industry who had been and are still working hard for the same. For those who are not from the industry, it is like sky-diving. You jump out without knowing the fact that whether the parachute of protection and recognition will work for you or not.
Tahir Raj Bhasin, If you had a choice, which actor would you have liked to be named after and why?
Well, it’s a big thing to be named after someone. I have grown up watching Tom Hardy and Al Pacino’s work so they have had a great impact on me. And in Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan and Irfan Khan‘s work has influenced my sensibilities.
Talk about your mentors who have played a key role in shaping your career.
I would say my acting coaches have shown me the right path. I started with Barry John Acting Studio in Delhi and then I moved to Melbourne to do my masters in film and acting. After meeting veterans of the industry and listening to them at the workshops, I have realized that your acting is like a canvas, where the personal experiences and mentors add colour to it. Last but not least is my parents, who have believed in my madness and supported it at every stage to see me ‘Succeed’.
In this new age media, how do you handle competition?
When I started as an aspiring actor, I had no work for almost 2-3 years and that is the phase that either makes or breaks you. The thing is, when you have seen the ugliest, the external factor like insecurities and competition just vanish with time. And in my opinion, the most interesting part of this profession is that there can be only one you. So, it is necessary, to be honest and real to be unstoppable.
What are your insecurities as an actor?
I am fearful of being repetitive. I like to surprise myself and the audience because that is what keeps an actor fresh and viable.
Rapid Fire
Passion for you: Acting
Last book you read: Sapiens
Last movie/series you watched: Mindhunter
Love for you: Fun
Last holiday destination: Italy
Favourite cuisine: Indian and Italian
Favourite car: Maserati
Favourite perfume: Dolce & Gabbana
Social media is: A necessity
You are proud of: Being a chaser
Tahir Raj Bhasin for TMM
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