Over the decades, Saurabh Shukla has emerged as one of the finest performers from Hindi cinema. One of his most loved characters is the judge Sunderlal Tripathi in the Jolly LLB franchise. He was last seen essaying the character in Jolly LLB 3, which released last year and turned out to be a success at the box office. The movie is now all set to have its TV premiere on Star Gold on Sunday March 22.
Shukla got talking about the importance of TV premieres in the OTT era, how he almost rejected the character of Tripathi in the first film of the franchise and more in an in exclusive chat with Bollywood Hungama.
You have acted in a lot of films of varied genres. Where do you rate the franchise Jolly LLB?
It holds a lot of importance. The National Award that I won was because of a film from this franchise (Jolly LLB 2). I think it tops the list in my filmography. All three films have turned out to be very successful and my character has been appreciated. So, it’s truly a big milestone in my filmography.
Jolly LLB 3 will be having its TV premiere on Star Gold. How important are TV premieres of films in today’s times according to you?
It is very important. One thing we should understand is that this film earlier released in theatres and it did very well. It was a big hit. But we should understand that theatres haven’t penetrated in the entire country. It’s not that theatres are available everywhere. Theatres aren’t able to reach far off places. Hence, a major audience sees the film (in theatres) but a large chunk of audience is left behind. It then released on OTT. OTT has a lot of penetration and it’s seen a lot. But OTT is still a very personal viewing medium. A lot of OTT content is seen by people alone.
But the practice of watching TV with your whole family is still alive in our country. So, we have been able to reach to the kind of audience that wishes to watch films together. So, I am glad that Jolly LLB 3 is premiering on Star Gold.
What was your reaction when you were offered the character of the judge Sunderlal Tripathi in the first film Jolly LLB by Subhash Kapoor?
When he offered me the character for the first time, I hadn’t listened to the script. He is a very good friend of mine. I had visited him without knowing that he is offering me a role. Before starting the narration, he said that he is making a film on law and he wants me to play the judge. I was disheartened after hearing this. I told Subhash, “Bhai Subhash, give me any character except the judge” because till then the judge only used to use the hammer and give a judgement in the end while mentioning the penal code.
But Subhash said, “Pandit ji, please listen to character”. So, I did that. After listening to the script, I shook hands with Subhash and told him, “No matter what happens, I will play the character of the judge and you shouldn’t go to any other actor”. That’s how I got the role.
One can see a lot of little nuances in Sunderlal Tripathi’s behaviour. How much of this is your input?
Cinema is a collaborative art. If there is no collaboration, there won’t be any fun in it. Having said that, the script should have the material first. So, a lot of nuances were there in the script. Based on that, the actor adds his own imagination into it and brings his own nuances. Later on, it is difficult to say which nuance was brought by whom. The script was very nuanced. And I have added from my side whatever I could.
The first film had Arshad Warsi as the lawyer while the second had Akshay Kumar. The third film had both. How has your rapport been with both while shooting?
The rapport was very good. As an actor, I have always liked Arshad. Akshay sir is also one of my most favourite actors. He has done some wonderful films. His choice has been praiseworthy. But I didn’t know both of them personally. So, when I did these films, I got to know them closely and today we are friends, we know each other well aur bada mazaa aata hai. So, I have found friends in this series.
You have done a lot of films of different types in your vast career. What is your criteria before choosing a project?
It’s not always that I choose a project. Sometimes, the project chooses me. It would be wrong to state that only I choose projects. My criteria aren’t much; it’s quite simple – it should touch your heart. If I enjoy what I listen, I feel a possibility of being able to add something in the script. And I think that’s what my job is. But if I feel I have nothing to do in a film or a character, then I am not able to do.
What are your forthcoming projects for which you are excited? Shah Rukh Khan’s King is one of them
Yes, I am in King. The film is currently in the making. Presently as we are talking, two of my films have released, Subedaar and Jab Khuli Kitaab. These days, I am occupied in gathering the love I am getting for Jab Khuli Kitaab and feeling happy. And now, Jolly LLB 3 is coming on Star Gold. So, for me, the month of March has been festive.
After receiving such appreciation for Jab Khuli Kitaab, would you be willing to turn director again?
Definitely, if people are ready to produce (laughs).
More Pages: Jolly LLB 3 Box Office Collection , Jolly LLB 3 Movie Review
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