Actor Gulshan Devaiah talks with Subhash K Jha about A Death In The Gunj which released eight years ago on June 2nd.
Gulshan, how do you look back on the experience of working in Konkona Sen Sharma’s directorial debut?
A Death In The Gunj is the only film of mine I absolutely loved upon first viewing. I saw the premiere during MAMI in a packed Regal Cinema and I even forgot I was in it! Do you know Konkona initially offered me the part of another character Vikramjit?
Really? Then what happened?
To be honest I was actually quite interested in playing Vikramjit. But I knew that Konkona always had Ranvir Shorey in her mind for it, and they were separated by then. I told her that if they can find a way to work together, I’ll happily step aside because he was her first choice and they did find a way to work together in spite of their separation.
That was quite generous of you!
I was then offered Nandu, which is very loosely based on Konkona’s real-life father (the late writer Mukul Sharma) and I accepted it because I thought this was a great story and I wanted to support the people who were making this project.
Was it any different being directed a woman?
didn’t find any real difference between male or female directors. But since Konkona had written the script and the story was deeply personal to her, she put everything she could into it. That kind of passion can be very powerful and overwhelming.
Was Konkona Sen Sharma affected by the personalized screenplay?
I did see her get very emotional at times during the filming. I really loved everyone who were cast for this film. Most were my friends and people who I really admired. Om Puriji whjo played my father, was in poor health already but he was hilarious and very warm with every one.
You had the rare opportunity to work with the great Tanuja?
Tanuja ji was also very warm and friendly to all. I really enjoyed being around them in the actual location where this story is based in. We spent 34-35 wonderful days together in the Jharkhand winters.
Om Puri passed away before the film could release?
Omji didn’t live long enough to see the film and I always remember him when I think of ADITG. He was all over the place healthwise but totally on point from Action to Cut.
Did it dampen your spirit when the film didn’t do well?
Most people don’t realise that ADITG is a profitable film when you study the ROI (return on investment) for the producers, so even if there is a general atmosphere that seems it’s impossible to make such films, some storytellers will still make them.
What do we see you in next?
I’m not at liberty to discuss two projects I’m currently filming. But Little Thomas, a small Indie film is what you’ll see me in next if everything goes well. It’s currently going to New York to be shown at NIFF this June.
