Makarand Deshpande is very gifted: Naseeruddin Shah

Naseeruddin Shah has done brief role in Makarand Deshpande’s film Sona Spa. Says Naseer, “It was just a half-a-day’s work. I play a Godman who spouts inane wisdom from his home far away from India. It’s a very tongue-in-cheek kind of role.” Naseer says he likes Makarand Deshpande’s work. “I enjoy watching his plays. I just love Makarand’s work and his relentless energy...and his completely off-centre perception of the world. In his theatre productions he always manages to astonish me in one way or another. He had done Sona Spa as a play. I enjoyed the play. And when he made a film out of it he asked me to do a role. So I did it for a lark.” Naseer warns it’s a brief role. “It was just half a day’s work. My part is a spoof on Godmen. I just had to sit on a chair and pontificate, spouting big words that mean nothing. It’s about getting people to sleep for you while you’re busy elsewhere.” The idea sounded intriguing to Naseer. “I asked him how did this thought occur to Makarand and he said, ‘Well, if people can pray for you and perform pilgrimages for you why can’t people sleep for you’. It was great fun to shoot the film. I hope it works. He has directed some films before, none of which was released. I am so glad Sona Spa is releasing. He is very gifted. And he’s been around long enough.” Besides Sona Spa Naseer has not signed any new film. “I have no other film on hand. My primary interest is theatre at the moment.”