Salaam Namaste Javed

Javed Jaffrey looks at the possibility of setting up a production shop in Dubai before visiting the Khaleej Times office to talk about his plans

Arguably known more for his comic japers and moves on the dance floor than his business acumen, it should be pointed out that actor Javed Jaffery’s 31 years of experience in advertising and 28 years in the movie industry as an actor and producer leave him with the unique ability to spot a gap in the media market. This is what inspired the performer’s flying visit to Dubai on Sunday.

Heading to meetings across the city before being welcomed by Suhail Abdul Latif Galadari, Director of Galadari Brothers, at the Khaleej Times office, the affable 48-year-old Salaam Namaste star discussed his project further.

“It is still early days, but the production company could be making cinema aimed at international audiences, Indian audiences or could be into locally based projects out here. We can also do television programming, software and events. I like to be a pioneer. I don’t like to be ‘just another’ person or company offering services. I like to offer something unique in all my endeavours.”

This notion – striving to put his own stamp on matters – can be seen throughout Javed’s career.

Debuting in 1985’s Meri Jung, Javed has straddled the world of Indian cinema (pointedly not Bollywood) and television ever since. His comic persona and dancing skills have been the overwhelmingly successful performing elements in his arsenal, but to cease exploring this man’s career there would be a mistake. Yes, the immensely popular Boogie Woogie dance talent show, on which he was the celebrity judge, ran every week for 15 years and his satirical ‘gangster’s paradise’-style hit Mumbhai is still referenced and played to this day, yet over the years there has been a conscious effort on Javed’s part to expand Indian audiences’ viewing experiences by making imported shows more familiar and throwing his production weight behind controversial subject matters for documentaries and features.

“I was the first to ‘Indianise’ Disney characters like Mickey Mouse and Don Karnage in the series Talespin. And my VJ presentation, instead of imitating the Americans, had a strong local flavour,” Javed stated. “I provided commentary for the Japanese game show Takeshi’s Castle, which created a cult following because Hindi speakers could identify with it. The English dubbing I felt was too risqué, so I made it suitable for both kids and adults to enjoy. I have also adapted scripts for whole Disney films like the Jungle Book 2. You don’t get paid much for these jobs, but I feel it is important to adapt these things rather than translate them word for word, so fans can get more out of it.”

Recently Javed has turned to producing less mainstream scripts to bring a certain edge to the cinematic landscape he sometimes feels is too overpopulated with ‘Bollywood’ fodder – a term he sees as a genre rather than an industrial label.

“’Bollywood’ can’t represent India. Each regional industry has more to offer than song and dance. That is not to say Bollywood is bad. It’s great to have escapist cinema and some of the most intelligent people in society still love to sit down and be entertained for three hours. But, there is a lot more to films too.”

Javed gave the example of his three latest exploits to highlight his point. The environmentally conscious feature titled Forest, where he plays the lead, had a limited release, but gathered enough plaudits for his serious depiction of the protagonist to be hailed a success. Equally, a documentary he funded about a Brazilian and Argentinean husband and wife duo who run a football team in Kashmir that was initially banned but has since won a national award highlights the off-beat tales that interest the entertainer.

Javed’s latest turn sees him producing a film called Bombay’s Most Wanted (BMW).

“We’ve just finished producing the thriller in Mumbai,” he revealed. “We have wrapped up all the shooting and I can’t divulge too much, but it stars Sarita Choudhury from Mira Nair’s Mississippi Masala, a guy from The Sopranos called John Ventimiglia and Tannishtha Chatterjee from the English movie Brick Lane. It’s a very interesting team.”

These latest efforts are by no means a first foray into the more gritty aspects of cinema. Back in 1996 Javed starred in Deepa Metha’s Fire, a contentious piece depicting an overtly homosexual relationship on screen for the first time in India. His character Jatin obtained much positive acclaim.

With so much varied work in the bank it was then put to Javed whether he finds escaping his comedic roots difficult or successful stints as a light entertainer a hindrance.

“The branding of an actor happens everywhere. It all depends on the success of the film. If you are successful in a particular role, people want you to play it again. But you can escape. You can’t say The Cable Guy didn’t work because Jim Carrey was not accepted as that dark character. The film didn’t work. He got good reviews for The Truman Show and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. So it’s all down to the quality of the movie. If I do a serious film and it does well, then people will accept me as a serious actor.”

Whether a subdued or a larger than life part; the lead male or a cameo, the plaudits Javed continues to enjoy mean most roles are safe in his hands as evidenced in his brief but essential performance in the Emirati-made City of Life.

“Ali (Mostafa, director) came to me and asked me to do this small role,” Javed concluded. “I like the guy and I liked his work. I have no regrets doing a cameo part. The main character was already cast and the finished product was great.

“It was like my role in Salaam Namaste. It wasn’t the biggest, but I am very proud of it because I won an IIFA award for my character and the film was a triumph.”

david@khaleejtimes.com