Mithila Phadke (THE TIMES OF INDIA; May 15, 2016)
"Look at that painting,“ says Alyque Padamsee, pointing at a canvas by his brother, artist Akbar Padamsee. “I've had it here for over 25 years, and every now and then I look at it and say, 'What the hell does it mean?' I never found out the original intent but I have discovered a different interpretation every time I've looked at it.“ That's the case with good art, he explains, it has the ability to make a viewer keep finding new facets to it.
It's also true for people Padamsee has known for long. Over the past few months, as rehearsals for his upcoming play 'Legend of Lovers' intensify, the thespian is discovering a whole new side to his daughter Shazahn, who's acting in the production. The play, Padamsee's 76th, will mark the first time the two are working together. “I thought I knew my daughter. But through this play, I know her even better,“ he says. “And it's surprising. It's like, 'Hello! She's no longer five years old; she's a woman now. How come I never noticed the difference before?'“ It's also a process of discovery for Shazahn, curled up on the bed opposite him in the Breach Candy apartment. This is the first time she's getting to know her dad (also best friend and relationship counsellor, she adds) as a director.
“It's been quite challenging on my part to disconnect from the role of a daughter, and to play the role of a professional - an actor and producer,“ she says. “He's someone who expects 200% out of his team. He's very professional and meticulous.“ Sometimes a tad too much so, she adds with a grin. “It can be anything - from reaching two minutes late for a rehearsal to not knowing one word of your script. He's not a chalega person.“
Collaborating on the play, which centres on love, life and death, has been an experience she will treasure forever, Shazahn says. The play opens on June 18 at Sophia Bhabha Hall and as the premiere date inches closer, conversations outside of rehearsals too revolve around the production. Except, of course, during the Shark Tank reruns they watch to de-stress.
Padamsee has worked with family in the past - his ex-wives Sharon Prabhakar and Pearl Padamsee for instance. The director says such collaborations have both advantages and pitfalls. You are fully aware of each others' sensitivities, weaknesses and strengths. The disadvantage, he says, is the inhibition that this knowledge can sometimes bring. “If you say something at a rehearsal which hurts a family member, there is a cold silence that follows,“ he says, grinning. “You have to live with this person. So you become careful.“
But Shazahn feels this potential stumbling block is an advantage.“Growth comes from these things. Maybe today I'm upset and say, 'Oh, how could he talk to me like that?' but tomorrow, I'll come back, think about it, and say, 'Maybe he's right. Maybe I shouldn't have been so sensitive.' And that will make me a better actor.“
It's also true for people Padamsee has known for long. Over the past few months, as rehearsals for his upcoming play 'Legend of Lovers' intensify, the thespian is discovering a whole new side to his daughter Shazahn, who's acting in the production. The play, Padamsee's 76th, will mark the first time the two are working together. “I thought I knew my daughter. But through this play, I know her even better,“ he says. “And it's surprising. It's like, 'Hello! She's no longer five years old; she's a woman now. How come I never noticed the difference before?'“ It's also a process of discovery for Shazahn, curled up on the bed opposite him in the Breach Candy apartment. This is the first time she's getting to know her dad (also best friend and relationship counsellor, she adds) as a director.
“It's been quite challenging on my part to disconnect from the role of a daughter, and to play the role of a professional - an actor and producer,“ she says. “He's someone who expects 200% out of his team. He's very professional and meticulous.“ Sometimes a tad too much so, she adds with a grin. “It can be anything - from reaching two minutes late for a rehearsal to not knowing one word of your script. He's not a chalega person.“
Collaborating on the play, which centres on love, life and death, has been an experience she will treasure forever, Shazahn says. The play opens on June 18 at Sophia Bhabha Hall and as the premiere date inches closer, conversations outside of rehearsals too revolve around the production. Except, of course, during the Shark Tank reruns they watch to de-stress.
Padamsee has worked with family in the past - his ex-wives Sharon Prabhakar and Pearl Padamsee for instance. The director says such collaborations have both advantages and pitfalls. You are fully aware of each others' sensitivities, weaknesses and strengths. The disadvantage, he says, is the inhibition that this knowledge can sometimes bring. “If you say something at a rehearsal which hurts a family member, there is a cold silence that follows,“ he says, grinning. “You have to live with this person. So you become careful.“
But Shazahn feels this potential stumbling block is an advantage.“Growth comes from these things. Maybe today I'm upset and say, 'Oh, how could he talk to me like that?' but tomorrow, I'll come back, think about it, and say, 'Maybe he's right. Maybe I shouldn't have been so sensitive.' And that will make me a better actor.“