EXCLUSIVE: I had cried twice at least during the film’s narration, says Gulshan Grover about the film 'I Am Kalam'

Official Instagram Account of Gulshan Grover

Today is the birthday of everyone's beloved Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam, who is also popularly known as ‘Missile Man of India' for his immense contribution in the field of missile developments. Bollywood's very own Gulshan Grover played an all-important role in the film, which went onto get him the ‘Best Actor' award at many prestigious festivals.

Mid-Day Online met up with Gulshan Grover for an exclusive interview on the occasion of Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam's birthday.

The film ‘I Am Kalam celebrated the survival of the human spirit against odds and highlighted the need for education of the underprivileged children. What was the first reaction when you were offered the film?
One of my friends had called me and told me to meet a director who had made a few documentaries and was wanting to make a feature film which was going to be produced by a foundation called ‘Smile Foundation'. My initial thought was ‘Oh God! How can they make a film!' But since my friend had forced me to meet this person, I thought I will say yes to meet them and then, smartly avoid meeting them. They (the film's director Nila Madhab Pandaa and ‘Smile Foundation's Director) and others had come home to meet me. By the time, they started narrating the film's story, I got so engrossed with the script that I just did not want to leave the place. The meeting, eventually, went on for two full hours! I had cried twice at least during the film's narration.

The film's narration moved you to tears?
Yes. Because, a few incidents which were narrated by them made me recall my childhood days, when I studied despite facing difficult financial circumstances. Those were the days when I used to sell detergent powder, phenyl, soaps at the places where wealthy people used to stay. After that, I used to change my uniform at some bus stop or any other place and then go to school. It was my father's faith in education, which has been imbibed in me.

Did you see yourself in the film's central character?
Yes, I did.

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Is it true that you had initially turned down the film because you felt that its budget was equal to your fees and later, you decided to do the film for free?
Yes! But, that was during the initial round of conversation. When they told me about the film's budget, I said ‘Itna toh main hi le loonga as my acting fees'! But, as I said earlier, when the talks got advanced, I just could not hold onto my tears post the entire narration. Immediately, I told them that I will be doing the film for free!

Did you get a chance to meet the respected Abdul Kalam saab?
I had just missed the chance. When the film's members were called to meet him, unfortunately, I was shooting that day and my producers did not let me go. But, they (the film's makers) made me talk to Kalam saab on the phone.

Wow! That's awesome. What did Kalam saaab say?
He said that he enjoyed the film thoroughly. He added that the film was so enjoyable and had been made with utmost sincerity.

After so many years of being in the industry, this film got you your first ever award for the ‘Best Actor'! How did it feel?
I was on top of the world! I got the ‘Best Actor' award from Stardust, Los Angeles Film Festival, Houston Film Festival, New York Film Festival. Plus, I had also got our National Award.

Speaking of during the National Awards, I think film maker J. P. Dutta (who was also a part of the jury that time) had told you something about your win…
Yes! He said, "Gulshan, it was so hard for us not to give you the award".

Are you in touch with the actors of the film?
We all do meet on and off. Nila Madhab Pandaa and the actor who had played the role of the young boy are very much in touch with me and vice versa.

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