It's interesting that you say that Nakusha, that MR didn't seem to cash in on his success. I didn't know of Laagi, until well, this time last year and so I completely missed out on the 'popular' phase, but after having watched it, much is not left to the imagination. Not only was LTL huge, but MR was bigger and it is a shame of some sort, that unfortunately that didn't translate into something big for him, be it Bollywood or anything else.
BUT having said that, it does speak volumes that even today the name Dutta (or rather the character Dutta) creates a certain impact. The show is still highly regarded (and remembered) and MR more so. He does know it.
I can see why he went for something like 'Chhala' and (at a stretch perhaps) I may even be able to understand it, he's wary and tiresome, his whole career seems to revolve around that one character. Now while that is not necessarily a bad thing, if anything I know he is still immensely grateful for all the love he received, but for an actor, or rather for a performer it can be frustrating.
I caught a glimpse of that frustration in his interview with Telly Chakar at the launch of that show, where he made it a point to underline how far removed his character was from what he's played before. He said (I paraphrase) "The audience and fans will like that he's not serious, he's jovial, tries to create humour..." and he noted the eccentric dress sense.
This is classic MR. Classic because he is doing what he does best: thinking outside of the norm. Going beyond the proverbial box. And for that I do applaud him. However, as I have previously stated, while I know he's had fun experimenting and while it is good to break the mold and do something that is a little far out, this little experiment, other than being a bit of a refresher for him, in terms of acting, won't really amount to much else.
I hope it does. I sincerely hope I'm wrong, but somehow the cynic in me, isn't ready to believe that.
Either way, I wish him luck for tonight/tomorrow (whenever this thing is on) but like most of you here, I don't think I shall be tying myself in knots waiting for it to air ;p
Edited by goody2shoes - 11 years ago