Actors Need To Listen To Directors For Films To Do Well, Says Chandi Parija

Actors Need To Listen To Directors For Films To Do Well, Says Chandi Parija

Technology might have made things easier for filmmakers these days but the very essence of drama remains a prerequisite for good cinema that brings in the viewers. Technology might amaze the audiences but it is the drama that forms the human connection. Talk about drama on the silver screen and director Himanshu Parija aka Chandi comes instantly to mind.

After a hiatus of two years post his 2015 release ‘Love You Humesha,’ the director is now busy shooting his 17th film titled ‘Dil Mora Manena.’ The film, under MaaTarini Production Banner, starring Swaraj Barik and Sivani Sangita is a teenage love story. Prem Anand has composed the music. The ace director, known for his high-octane drama in films, made his debut in 1999 when the Super Cyclone struck Odisha. Shooting of the film titled ‘Suna Harini’ could resume only after the devastation of the natural calamity subsided. Chandi has to his credit successful films such as ‘Mo Kola Toh Jhulana’, ‘Je Panche Para Manda’, ‘Alo Mora Kandhei’, ‘Suna Chadhei Mo Rupa Chadhei’, ‘Mo Hata Dhari Chalutha’, apart from 12 serials including ‘Jagannath’, ‘Sanskara’, ‘Tassra Ghara’ and ‘Ama Ghara Lakhmi’. He worked in 16 films as assistant and associate director while helming 16 more as director. My City Links caught up with the director for an exclusive conversation. Here are the excerpts:

How Did You Start Working As An Assistant Director?

After completing my matriculation in 1976, I started acting in plays at Annapurna Theatre group B at the age of 19 from 1979 to 1985 where I worked with the legendary Samuel Sahu. Sisir Mishra was directing ‘Ae Ama Sansara’ then, and required an Assistant Director. Hara Patnaik, his chief assistant and my good friend, introduced me to him. It was 1985 and the beginning of my career as an AD (Assistant Director) in Ollywood. It took us six months to complete the entire movie. I subsequently did four films as AD and 12 films as an Associate Director, including films like ‘Pua Mora Kala Thakura’, ‘Bastra Harana’, ‘Chaka Akhi Sabu Dekhuchi’, ‘Daiba Daudi, Bhagya Hate Dori’, ‘Ganga Jamuna’, ‘Pua Mora Bhola Shankara’, ‘Suhaga Sindura, ‘Kalki Avatara’, ‘Mamata Ra Mandira’ and ‘Raghu Arakhita’.

Did Your Family Support You?

I am a law graduate and performing in plays was my passion, which then turned into a profession. My family members never really accepted my profession. They always advised me to take up a job. My wife was the only support system I had. In fact, she helped me a lot when I was working with the story of my first film ‘Suna Harini’ as an independent director.

Since You Started As An Actor In Plays, Did You Ever Think Of Pursuing Acting After Becoming A Director?

No, I am very happy with direction now. I will work as long as I can, may be till the age of 70.

You Married Late Actor Sadhana Parija aka Runu. Tell Us About Your Relationship.

We met in 1985 for the first time, when I had just begun my career. Gradually we started liking each other. I approached her after being sure that she loves me too based on certain signs I received from her. We got married in 1991. Her sudden demise left me extremely depressed. Since October 24, 2014, the day she left, I continue to feel her absence in my life.

Any Cherished Memories Of Shooting With Her?

During the shoot of ‘Suna Harini’, Runu and Rachna Banerjee were chatting and laughing which disturbed me while setting up the lights. I remember rebuking Runu saying she was not serious about her work.Is Your Daughter Interested In Acting?

My daughter was never attracted towards acting. She has always been very serious about her studies and is now working as an engineer at Infosys.

Which Actors In The Industry Are You Close With?

All the actors in our industry love me and I love them too. However, actors like Mihir Das, Aparajita Mohanty, Braja Singh, Uttam Mohanty and Bijay Mohanty are very close to me.

A Female Actor Accused You Of Casting Couch Two Years Ago. How Did You Deal With The Situation?

It was very difficult for me to believe that someone was accusing me of something like that. I have never experienced such things in 33 years of my career in the industry. I was saddened with the incident and even more frustrated answering people’s questions, many of whom threw bad comments at me during that time. I have heard that these things happen but I never witnessed it.

Why, Do You Think, Odia Cinema Has Lesser Audience These Days?    

The makers, the directors and we all are responsible for this. The new generation has further ruined everything. We used to work like a family while making films and had enormous respect for seniors. However, some new people who have entered the industry do not respect directors and, on the contrary, disobey them. That is the reason behind the failure of films, because at the end, it is a director-centric media and everybody should respect the director.

Short Films On YouTube Videos Are Trending Now. Would You Be Interested In Doing Something On Digital Platform?

Yes, I will do if offered. But when you are watching something on YouTube or on your mobile phone, the screen is very small as compared to the cinema screen.You can never experience the same feeling as the big screen. I don’t think the charm of cinema can ever be replaced by any other medium like YouTube.Have You Had Any Memorable Interaction With A Fan?

Once I came across a man who did not know me but loved my films. Once he got to know who I am, he hugged me tightly and said how much he loved my films and was a big fan of mine.

What Is Your Advice To The Newcomers?

They do not focus on learning. Instead, they develop superstar egos. They need to learn and be more down-to-earth.