Vinay Pathak: Chintu Ka Birthday Is A Story Of Hope That Will Resonate With Our Time

Vinay Pathak has been part of some classic Hindi films like Bheja Fry and Chalo Dilli. In the lockdown, he is set to entertain you at home with Chintu Ka Birthday releasing on 5 June 2020. Tillotama Shome and Seema Pahwa are his co-stars in this film that is produced by AIB. This film has created quite a buzz since the selected screenings in late 2019. Vinay Pathak spoke to us about this special film and how it will bring families together during this tough time.

Watch the trailer for Chintu Ka Birthday on ZEE5.

The film Chintu Ka Birthday was in the making for 12 years. when did you become part of this project?

So the making of the film began only two years ago. They have been writing for the film many years before that, but I came on board when the making of the film started.

Since this film is produced by the comedy group AIB and you have an image of being a comedic actor. Did you first assume that this would be a funny film?

See I wouldn’t call myself a comedic actor, because an actor is an actor. The comedic actor tag is created by the media. I didn’t think it would be a comedic script. Chintu Ka Birthday is not your usual ‘haha’ Bollywood comedy, this is a slice-of-life film. There’s humour, satire, tragedy, drama everything

Can you tell us more about the character of a father in the film and how different is it from your real life?

In the film, I am a father of two kids in Iraq, one son and one daughter. In real life, I am also a father of two daughters. The film has a completely different background. But as a person, I think all fathers are like my character too. Every loving father will do anything for his family, so of course, that way I do relate to the character.

How did you go about preparing for the role of an Indian immigrant in Iraq?

The script. I truly believe the writer’s best preparation comes from the script. I read the script once, twice, thrice and I get the feel of the character. Plus this script was really well-written and they were able to answer every query I had.

What was it like shooting with international actors on the same set? How was the bonding?

It was wonderful. In fact, I have worked with Seema (Pahwa) ji and Tillotama. We’ve been neighbours also so the bonding was great. On the set, we had actors from New York, Los Angeles and Palestine too. We would all bond on talk to each other and even have lunch together. We bonded with them not just as co-artists but on a human level as well.

What was it like shooting with children?

I’ve worked with children before and I like working with them. They are spontaneous, pure and in the moment. I find it inspiring to watch child actors who play their characters so spur of the moment. There were four kids on the set so there was always something funny going on. We played games, fought over chocolates, it kept the mood light.

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A film with all the hearts, and all the drama , and the tragedies , and war , but above all love and hope! Come see this magic by the magicians @cinemese_twins On June 5th only on @zee5premium @zee5

A post shared by Vinay Pathak (@pathakvinay) on Jun 2, 2020 at 9:50am PDT

Did you attend any of the selected screenings of the film? What was the response like?

I attended one screening at the Jagran festival in Mumbai and Patna. The response to the film was overwhelming wherever we went. I mean people were giving standing ovations.

One of the big points of this film is, that it is a simple but fresh story that is not seen in films usually. You’ve been a part of the industry since the 90s do you feel this story is like nothing we’ve seen?

All stories have a uniqueness to them. In our industry we have a trend of repeating the same story formula. In the past few years, this trend has changed with new stories. I think what makes this film special is the impact it has. It’s a very human story about family and about hope. It gives a message of hope even in the toughest situations. That’s what makes the film special.

Since the story is about a birthday party that doesn’t go according to plan. What is the greatest length you’ve gone to for your daughter’s birthdays?

I’ve travelled halfway across the globe to be there at my daughter’s birthday. She was adamant that I be there for her birthday and I wanted to be there too. It meant as much for me as it did for her because I didn’t want to miss her birthday. So I was in London and I applied for a two day leave to fly back home, be at my daughter’s birthday and fly back to London. I think I spent more time on the flight than at the birthday party but it was worth it.

How do you plan to spend Father’s Day under lockdown? 

At home with my family, what else can we do? Do whatever they want to do watch the movie they want to watch, play the game they want to play, make the food they want to eat. I’m sure my daughters must have other plans but my plan is to spend the day with them.

What is the one message you wish people to take away after watching Chintu Ka Birthday? 

The only message and in the lockdown this is becoming clearer is that the most important people are your loved ones, your family. Whatever you do with them and for them, it is never enough and it is always special.

Watch the special film Chintu Ka Birthday on 5 June 2020, only on ZEE5.