'Regional cinema, regional parties rule India'

New Delhi, March 21 (IANS) "Office Office" fame actor Sanjay Mishra draws a parallel between regional movies and regional political parties, saying both are doing well in their respective areas.

"Like the Congress party has been thrown out of Uttar Pradesh because of weak representation, and strong regional parties have taken over in Uttar Pradesh and Punjabi. Similarly, well made regional cinema has overshadowed Hindi cinema at the National Film Awards," said the 48-year old actor.

He was in the capital to promote his movie "Bumboo", which is releasing March 30.

"For years, Hindi cinema boasted about itself and looked down upon regional cinema, but now after putting in a lot of hard work, they have come out with well-made films and got recognition at a platform like National Awards. It is commendable," added the actor.

He is right as filmmakers and artists from various states won top honours at the 59th National Film Awards. Best feature film was shared by Marathi film "Deool" and Kannada movie "Byari" and Gurvinder Singh won best director award for his Punjabi film "Anhe Ghorey Da Daan".

Sanjay supports small budget films and said: "There were good films that were being made earlier, but there is a dearth of good cinema nowadays. The success of movies like 'Paan Singh Tomar' shows that the audience is getting more sensible nowadays."

"After watching that film, a person will keep thinking about it for at least two days. It leaves an impact on your mind. As long as the audience is appreciating good work, we will get to see films like 'Paan Singh Tomar'. Small budget films should be made and both media and audience should support it," he added.

With over 60 films to his credit, the actor says he considers few things before singing on dotted lines.

"The director, co-actors and location are the main points that I consider before signing a film. Generally actors are afraid of working with a new director, but I don't think that is important. A new filmmaker is not rigid about his frame. So it is good working with a first time director," said the actor who won star screen award for the best actor in a comic role for his performance in "Phas gaye Re Obama".

An alumni of National School of Drama, the actor is still remembered for his role in the Hindi sitcom "Office Office".

Sanjay praises small screen saying, "Nowadays there is a very thin line between television and cinema. I believe the main reason is the amount of money and popularity that small screen offers.

"TV gives instant popularity, which cinema cannot give. One major example of television giving instant popularity is Amitabh Bachchan, who became so popular with KBC ('Kaun Banega Crorepati')," he added.

The actor has ventured into directing too and his directorial debut "Pranam Walekum" starring Giselli Monteiro, Shilpa Shukla, Vijay Raaz, Sanjay Mishra, Asrani will release in May. Irrfan Khan and Rajat Kapur will be seen in guest roles in the movie.

The film takes a funny and satirical look at religious tolerance and intolerance in India.

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