Will Return to Filmmaking Post Elections, Says Prashanta Nanda

Will Return to Filmmaking Post Elections, Says Prashanta Nanda

A colossus of Odia film industry, Prashanta Nanda is an institution in himself. Having played the roles of actor, director, producer, screen-play writer, lyricist and even playback singer, Nanda’s contribution to enrich Odia films remains unparalleled.

Making his debut in 1962 with ‘Nua Bou,’ a young Nanda received the National Award for his stellar performance. He went on to deliver numerous hits including ‘SeasaSrabana’, ‘MatiraManisha,’AdinaMegha,’ ‘Sindura Bindu’ ‘Naga Phasha,’ ‘GharaSansar’, ‘PakaKambala Pota Chhata’, ‘Dora’, ‘Maa O Mamata’ and ‘Swapna Sagar.’The list was long.

But Nanda was not going to be satisfied being just an actor and explored a bigger universe with film-making. The rest, as they say, is history. His directorial debut ‘Sesah Srabana’ was a run-away success which went on to be remade in Hindi as ‘Naiyya’ and released in 1979. He directed more than 24 films including ‘Naiyya’ in a career spanning more than four decades. In 2009, his film ‘Jianta Bhoota’ won the National Film Award for Best Non-Feature Environment/Conservation/Preservation Film.

Later, Nanda turned to politics full time and is currently a Member of the Parliament (Rajya Sabha). However, if all goes well, the audience might see him behind the camera soon.

As a part of the series ‘Legends of Ollywood’, MCL caught up with the legendary actor and director for an exclusive interview. Here are the excerpts.

How Did You Turn Towards Acting?

We are residents of Cuttack. Right from my childhood, my father used to take me and my siblings to watch plays with him to Annapurna Theatre group B. Samuel Sahoo aka Babi Bhai was a great theatre actor then and extremely famous. When I would come back home after watching his play, I used to mimic him at home. Although Jawaharlal Nehru was the Prime Minister then but for me Babi Bhai was above everyone else. I was pretty much inspired by him.

How Was Your Experience Working At AIR? What Was The Scene Back Then?

Back when I was in the fourth grade, one of my friends Pinaki took me to join AIR as a child artist in a program called ‘Sisu Sansara’, where I had to perform on different children’s plays on Sundays. I became the main lead within three to four days of joining. The senior actors there advised me to join AIR permanently as a drama artist. I did a radio series, ‘Purapuri Paribarika’, written by Gopal Chhotray, which became very popular then. During our rehearsals, I saw my idol Babi bhai, who appreciated my dialogue delivery. That was when I decided to become an actor. Odisha Natak Akademi used to arrange AIR drama competition then, and I received the best actor award several times. At a time when guys my age were playing sports, I was more interested in rehearsals of plays. I joined the industry in 1959, when only about seven to nine Odia films were being made.

How Was The Support From Your Family then?

My father was against acting then because he believed it would hamper my studies. As my elder brother became an engineer, he wanted me to become a doctor, and I was good in studies too. It was only my bou (mother) who supported me a lot during those times and allowed me to act in different platforms.

Although I was doing a job simultaneously with films, later on, I changed my mind and decided to focus only on films. I remember it was 1975 when my family decided to get me married and I wanted to quit my job before that. I was worried after my marriage, I might have to take permission from my in-laws too for quitting my job! My father was not convinced about my decision. He thought I could never earn my bread and butter working in an industry which produces only three to four films a year. I did ‘Sesa Srabana’ and some other hit films. After about four years, he agreed that he was wrong. See, I may have failed in my attempt but that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t do things I like to do!

Did You Face Any Difficulties In Your Studies While Acting?

When I was working in the film ‘Matira Manisha’, director Mrunal Sen told me that education is for knowledge, and that I should opt for knowledge, not mere degrees. I never faced any difficulties in my studies but I always kept changing track in my education career. I pursued graduation in Zoology. I joined MA in Political Science and then, studied Law followed by Business Administration. My motto was to gain more knowledge and I didn’t choose to study to grab a job.

You Began As An Actor, But Later On Moved To Different Aspects Of Filmmaking. Why?

I felt I had a fire in me which only I could put out. Hence, I became a director. And I believe that every director should know all the aspects of filmmaking. I wanted to prove that one should be an all rounder in order to become a director. My aim has always been to give my 100% to whatever task I take up. I was only 27-years old when I turned into a director, so that was a challenge. Time is money. I felt the earlier I start, the more money I’d be able to make.

You Have Worked Wonders In Politics Too. What Led You To Change Parties Twice?

I was the first actor to join politics and win inan election. Of course, we do not know much when we enter politics. Once you get involved, you understand the structure, the culture and the commitment levels of party members. I always believed that if you do not like something, change it. I preferred an anti-Congress party and that led me to where I am today.

You Have Managed Controversies Well. Can You Tell Us How?

It is not a cake walk. You have to be ready to face any type of critical situations or problems when you want to succeed in your life. I felt bad when my fortune was decided by somebody else in politics. While I had to avoid the situation sometimes, at other times, I overcame it.

Some Well-known Ollywood Personalities Accuse That You And Other Actors From The Industry Have Failed To Do Anything For Ollywood. What Do You Have To Say To That?

When we wake up in the morning, we don’t go to watch a film rather, we make arrangements for food first. When 70% of the state population is below poverty line, entertainment cannot be a priority. It would have been partiality on my part to have worked for the industry while in the government. Now when these things are being taken care of gradually and we are in a comfort zone, we can give importance to Ollywood and I believe Ollywood should get its due attention. The repair work of Kalinga studio has started already, and for the Odia film industry, I have prepared a list, a report of 100 pages. One of my ex assistant directors, Basanta Sahoo, who is a well-known director now, has a great contribution towards preparing this report. I have planned to give it to the Chief Minister for prompt action.

What Is The Reason Behind Ollywood’s Downfall? And Why Don’t We See You On Screen?

Remakes are the main reason behind the dissatisfaction of our audiences, which I never indulged in. I feel within the next five years, the scene will change. Good films will be made and more cine complexes will be available for our films that will get the audiences back! Our government is also planning to make several cinema halls block wise. As far as I am concerned, I did not quit films, but I was over occupied in the last three to four years. I will begin working on films again once the elections are over.

What Is Your Take On The Songs Of The Present Generation Which Are A Combination Of English And Hindi?

That is the trend. It is happening everywhere, not only in Odia industry, but in other industries too. Youngsters enjoy it and if we are targeting them, we have to do things they like.

Any Message For Newcomers?

Decide your goal and stick to it. God will help you. There is always a place for the right person in any field.