Latest news with #ChashmeBuddoor
News18
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Gajraj Rao Says Pam From The Office Reminded Him Of This Indian Actress
Last Updated: Gajraj Rao wrote a special tribute for the popular American sitcom The Office, saying he was moved by Jenna Fischer's performance as Pam Beesly. Actor Gajraj Rao often shares his thoughts on films, series and acting on social media. Recently, he wrote a special tribute to the popular American sitcom The Office. The Badhaai Ho star called the John Krasinski and Steve Carell-starrer 'one of the finest sources" of laughter after watching all nine seasons twice. He was moved by Jenna Fischer's performance, which reminded him of classic Bollywood characters like Ms Chamko from Chashme Buddoor and Swaroop Sampat from Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi, who are 'endearing, understated and unforgettable." He also praised Jenna's autobiography, which explores her tough journey before landing the role of Pam Beesly and how it changed her life. Taking to Instagram, Gajraj wrote, 'Laughter is the best medicine, and in my opinion, the American hit sitcom The Office is one of the finest sources of this remedy. I've watched all nine seasons twice in the past six years, and I'm already planning another serving in the coming weeks. Each cast member is an outstanding performer with pitch-perfect comic timing. Jenna Fischer is one of them. Her portrayal of Pam Beesly reminds me of Ms Chamko from Chashme Buddoor or even Swaroop Sampat from Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi, endearing, understated and unforgettable. Jenna made Pam one of the most charming and relatable female characters on television." 'A few years ago, Jenna wrote a beautiful autobiography. While browsing on Storytel recently, I stumbled upon the audiobook version, narrated by Jenna herself. I started listening during my evening walks, and within 10–12 days, I had finished it. The writing is warm and engrossing, and Jenna's voice makes the experience even more personal. It feels less like a book and more like sitting with a friend or an old acquaintance, listening to her life story unfold. The book traces her eight-year-long struggle before Pam happened, and how that changed everything," he added. Gajraj added that he could understand a lot of Jenna Fischer's experiences as an actor because many performers go through similar ups and downs, whether they are in New Delhi or New York. He believes there is no simple path to success, but Jenna's story shows how to stay strong and focused during hard times. He thinks her book is very helpful, especially for youngsters who want to become actors, but it also offers lessons for older readers. Gajraj thanked Jenna for being honest about her journey and said her story is inspiring. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gajraj Rao (@gajrajrao) The Office, which aired from 2005 to 2013 for nine seasons, was filmed in a documentary style, showing the daily lives of employees at a paper company called Dunder Mifflin, based in Scranton, Pennsylvania. It features a massive cast, including Steve Carell, Rainn Wilson, John Krasinski, Jenna Fischer, BJ Novak, Mindy Kaling, Melora Hardin, Leslie David Baker, Brian Baumgartner, Angela Kinsey, Oscar Nunez, Ed Helms, Creed Bratton, Craig Robinson and many others. First Published: May 19, 2025, 16:37 IST
Indian Express
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘Grumpy and disinterested' Sanjeev Kumar told Sai Paranjpye that he could spare just 15 minutes for narration, backed out of film because he had beef with Basu Bhattacharya
Renowned filmmaker Sai Paranjpye, one of the leading voices of India's New Wave cinema, recently shared a fascinating behind-the-scenes story with Filmfare about the casting of her acclaimed film Sparsh. Known for directing classics like Katha, Chashme Buddoor, and Disha, Paranjpye revealed that she originally envisioned legendary actor Sanjeev Kumar in the lead role of Anirudh, a part that would eventually go to Naseeruddin Shah. In the candid conversation, Paranjpye recalled approaching actor Tanuja first, who immediately agreed to come on board. And it was Tanuja who suggested Sanjeev Kumar, affectionately known as Haribhai in the industry, for the male lead. 'For years, I had Sanjeev Kumar in mind when I wrote the damn script,' Paranjpye said. 'In fact, when I wrote it in its final film form, I had seen Sanjeev and Tanuja saying the dialogues that I was writing down. It was so clear in my mind.' Excited by the suggestion, Paranjpye asked Tanuja, 'Fantastic, but how do we get to Haribhai?' To which Tanuja confidently replied, 'Leave that to me.' What followed was a peculiar yet memorable moment. Tanuja called Sanjeev Kumar right in front of her. Paranjpye remembered him being 'very reluctant,' but Tanuja persisted, reassuring him: 'No, no, no, but Haribhai, you can trust me, I won't just bring someone random to you… I mean, no, no, she hasn't made anything before, but believe me…' Eventually, they secured a meeting with the actor. Paranjpye vividly recalled the encounter. 'Anyway, finally we went there, to Haribhai. And there he was, looking very grumpy, because I don't think he was at all keen on hearing the script. But I think Tanu just bulldozed her way through. So we went in, and he said, 'I can just spare you 15 minutes because I've got to go somewhere in 30 minutes.' I said, 'Okay.' So we sat down, and he said, 'You ladies don't mind if I shave?' I was a bit surprised, but I said, 'Okay… beggars can't be choosers,' right?' She continued, 'So there he was, with my script, Sanjeev Kumar, with his brush, applying lather to his face, and I found it very peculiar. But somehow, my feistiness (came through) and I started reading.' As she read, something shifted. 'After about 10 or 15 minutes, or even before that, I saw the brush slowly stop. His body language changed. He leaned forward to listen. Then he put the brush down. And he was listening. And after 15 minutes, I stopped. He said, 'Haan?' I said, 'Well, the 15 minutes are up.' He said, 'No, no, that's okay, carry on.' I said, 'But I have to go somewhere after 15 minutes.' And Tanuja was scandalised: she looked at me, very annoyed, like, 'What the hell? Is this woman mad?' But I was very, very sure. Because I knew I had caught the fish, you see.' Also Read | Sai Paranjpye on advice for budding filmmakers: 'I believe people should carve their own paths, I did' Before leaving, Sanjeev Kumar asked her, 'Well, can you at least leave the script?' Paranjpye obliged. The next day, Tanuja confirmed that Haribhai had read the story and loved it. He was ready to do the film. But just as things were falling into place, fate intervened. Basu Bhattacharya stepped in as producer. Both Sanjeev Kumar had worked with him previously on Anubhav, an experience Paranjpye described as 'terrible' for Sanjeev. Because of this history, Sanjeev Kumar backed out of the project. Determined to move forward, Paranjpye turned to Naseeruddin Shah, fresh out of the National School of Drama. He came on board instantly. However, a suggestion came from someone close: pair him with a different female lead, not Tanuja. So Paranjpye approached Shabana Azmi, who too agreed immediately. The resulting film, Sparsh, was not only a critical success but also won multiple accolades, including the National Film Award for Best Actor for Naseeruddin Shah and Best Screenplay for Paranjpye.
