Taare Zameen Par (2007) completed 15 years on December 21 and despite repeated viewing, it’s a film that makes the eyes of most moviegoers moist. While Aamir Khan, Darsheel Safary, Tisca Chopra and Vipin Sharma have been rightfully celebrated for their performances in the film, Sachet Engineer, who played the older brother Yohaan, also did very well. However, after his lovely and sensitive performance in the film, he disappeared from the limelight and never worked in any film. Bollywood Hungama tracked him down and learnt that he’s at present in London, United Kingdom where’s studying Periodontology at UCL Eastman. Currently, in the final year of his course, Sachet Engineer, 27, took out time to exclusively speak to Bollywood Hungama about working on Taare Zameen Par and a lot more.
How did you bag a role in Taare Zameen Par?
I am from a film family. My grandmother, Krishna Kumari Seth, was an actress while my grandfather, Suraj Prakash, was a producer. So, I was always surrounded by the world of films though I didn’t plan to get into the field. The makers were originally auditioning my younger brother. I just happened to be there and they asked me, ‘Why don’t you also audition?’ I did and a month later, I got a call. I was 11 at that time.
Your role was unique as the older brother is shown to be quite supportive and not a bully. What was the brief given to you and how did you prepare for the role?
It was all impromptu. I did absolutely no prep! I didn’t know much about the role. They told me on the spot what the scene would be like. I had spoken to Amole Gupte’s wife Deepa Bhatia. She gave me a brief idea about the film and that I have to play the supportive older brother. Then, I did whatever I was told on the sets.
Taare Zameen Par was originally going to be directed by Amole Gupte after which Aamir Khan took over. Who guided you?
Both guided me and to be honest, they were on the same page. They had similar sensibilities and understanding of the character. Later, Amole became a creative director and he helped out with that aspect. Before the shot, we would discuss with him and Aamir uncle how to go about it. Both were equally helpful when it came to developing the character, learning about it, discussing the finer aspects and how they expected us to perform.
Do you recall any memorable incidents from the sets?
There are so many beautiful memories that it’s difficult to state one. However, there was this time when we were shooting in Panchgani in the winter. Obviously, being born and brought up in Mumbai, we were not used to the cold. It was freezing at that time. The unit members used to heat the water bottles for us since our hands were exposed. As soon as the shot was cut, someone used to come running and hand us those bottles. We used to hold the water bottles for 15 minutes until the next take was ready.
I had some beautiful memories with Tisca Chopra as well. She used to enjoy my palm massages! I used to massage her palm with my palm. She used to call it ‘matruseva’ since she played my mother in the film and I was doing seva for her by giving her the massage.
Did you give the massage to Aamir Khan as well?
Yes, I gave it to nearly everyone but Tisca enjoyed it the most.
This was the first film of you and Darsheel Safary as well. How was it working with him?
We were children back then. We were just playing around during the shoot. We both had a lot of fun and we were not as serious as they expected us to be! The minute Aamir uncle had the scene in mind, he used to get us in the mood and he would not allow anyone to talk to us once we were in that zone so that he could get the perfect shot. It helped us in understanding what was expected from us and then hopefully deliver it to the satisfaction of Aamir uncle.
Two scenes of yours are very memorable. One is the scene where Yohaan scolds Ishaan (Darsheel Safary) for roaming around and bunking school…
It was shot at 4:00 am. We were all very sleepy. Aamir uncle made me and Darsheel jump around and exercise so that we were fresh enough to shoot. In fact, he used to also jump with us, so that we both don’t feel odd.
The other scene is where Ram Shankar Nikumbh (Aamir Khan) comes to the house of the Awasthis and informs them that Ishaan is dyslexic…
Probably, it’s the most important scene in the film if you ask me. And it was made into an iconic scene by Aamir uncle; it’s just amazing.
Did you go to the cinema halls to check the audience's feedback?
I did once. I had to wear a hoodie and a cap. We entered the theatre once the film had already started; so everybody had settled by then. I left after the film got over and everyone had left. I didn’t see the point to tell everyone that the film’s actor is among them. The idea was to see the reaction. And I saw that everyone was crying. Meanwhile, I was sitting there smiling and I was happy to see everyone crying (laughs)!
Did you feel sidelined since Darsheel Safary stole the limelight?
Not at all. I was happy the film was doing well. It didn’t matter to me at that time. As I said, we were children. We didn’t even think about that aspect. Everyone around was glad that the film has worked so well. Whoever met me praised me and the film. People started recognizing me on the streets. I would just smile.
Does that happen even now?
Yes, from time to time. I have grown quite a bit but still, people are able to guess! Or people feel that they have seen me somewhere.
Are you originally from Mumbai?
Yes, I was born and brought up in Mumbai. But I have travelled all over. I was in the USA for a while. I have been in London for the last 4 years.
Was Taare Zameen Par the only film in which you have worked?
Yes. I did a couple of commercials later on. I got a few film offers but I didn’t take them up as I wanted to pursue my education before I got sidetracked.
Any plans of making a comeback in films?
Of course, why not? But it’ll happen only once I finish my education.
You spoke about your grandparents’ filmy connection. Are your parents also in this field?
No. My dad is a hotelier. He used to run the Imbiss restaurant while my mother is a homemaker.
Are you still in touch with Darhseel Safary, Aamir Khan and Amole Gupte?
Yes, on and off. We are all busy in our lives but once in a while, we do message each other.
More Pages: Taare Zameen Par Box Office Collection , Taare Zameen Par Movie Review
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