ACTING THROUGH A GARLANDED PHOTOGRAPH

It’s Entertainment

Mumbai: When Akshay Kumar starrer ‘It’s Entertainment’ hit the theatres last weekend, it was not just the handsome golden retriever – Junior, the wonder dog– that captured audience attention. Uncannily, (pun intendedJ) its master, Johari Sheth, also maintained a striking presence right through the film. And that too, as a garlanded photograph.

“Literally, I am present in one solitary scene. After that I am visible only through my photograph and references made to me by live characters,” says Dalip Tahil, who plays the role of Bangkok’s Indian origin diamond king Pannalal Johari. “It was a challenging role. How many people do you know who can act through a photograph? Emoting through the confines of a frame is not everybody’s cup of tea,” quips the actor light heartedly.

Tahil plays Akshay Kumar’s father who bequeaths his huge inheritance not to his son, but to his faithful dog, after he passes away. “My chemistry with the dog in the film was wonderful. Didn’t I after all make him the richest dog in the world,” teases the actor.

Known for portraying powerful characters, Dalip Tahil had stood out for his performances in Quyamat Se Qayamat Tak, Baazigar and Kaho Na Pyar Hai, among others. He is also credited with giving stand out performances in the 80s’ teleserial Buniyaad and the BBC classic East Enders. Lately he has been seen essaying the role of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in movies and TV shows that include Bhaag Milkha Bhaag and Shyam Benegal’s magnum opus Samvidhan.

“When Ramesh Taurani approached me for ‘It’s Entertainment’, I was a bit skeptical. The cameo didn’t seem appealing at the first instance. Then I thought why not. It would be interesting to maintain presence purely through a garlanded picture. As it turned out, I am glad I took up this project,” concludes Dalip Tahil.

About Dalip Tahil: An Indian film, television and theatre actor Dalip Tahil did his schooling from the elite Sherwood College in Nainital, India. During his senior years at school, he won the prestigious 'Kendall Cup' for the best actor two years in succession. He was declared the best actor for a record third Time in 1969, his final year at Sherwood College. After moving along with his Family to Mumbai in 1968, Dalip Tahil joined the Theatre Group Bombay, and trained under Alyque & Pearl Padamsee. During one of the plays, film Director Shyam Benegal noticed him and offered him his first ever role in the film Ankur. Since then, he has played principal character roles, demonstrating his versatility and unique talent in over 100 Bollywood films.