A Conversation with “ADIL HUSSAIN” actor

FLO, the Women’s Wing of FICCI organized an interactive session with internationally acclaimed actor, Adil Hussain on July 3, 2020.

Adil Hussain, a renowned actor who is known for his critically acclaimed performances in award-winning films such as Ang Lee’s Oscar-winning Life of Pi, Subhashish Bhutiani’s Hotel Salvation/Mukti Bhavan and Mira Nair’s The Reluctant Fundamentalist. He is also a part of the star cast of Star Trek Discovery Season 3.

Known in Bollywood for his roles as the husband of Late Sri Devi in English Vinglish and other movies such as Lootera, Aiyaary, Kaminey, Good News etc, Adil has won several national and international awards. More recently Adil played the role of a cop in Netflix’s Delhi Crime based on 2012 Delhi gang rape, an event that shook the entire country.

Adil Hussain also stars in Pareeksha, written, directed and produced by award-winning filmmaker, Prakash Jha, Pareeksha which is Inspired by real events, makes a sharp comment on the education system of our country. Adil plays the role of the central character ‘Bucchi’, the rickshaw puller whose biggest dream is to provide a decent education to his son and this dream takes him on a dangerous path, which could shatter all that he holds dear. After making its India premiere at 50th International Film Festival of India in Panorama section, Pareeksha-The Final Test made its UK premiere at the prestigious Bagri Foundation London Indian Film Festival (LIFF), held online on June 27, 2020.

In conversation, Adil said “Acting is all about embodying another personality and portraying it in front of a camera. If one focuses on the craft and goes deeper into the understanding the art of acting, the byproducts are inspirational. I have never aimed to be at the top but have always aimed to act well instead.”

He humbly put together on winning the Award by Norway government, “In India if you are an outsider you can’t win a National Award, but I was surprised when Norway Government has given me their award. Art should cross all boundaries and there should not be any restrictions”.

On Nepotism in Bollywood Adil said “It exists in every sphere of life, so does in Bollywood. If someone does not have merit and they are being pushed for certain advantages because they are from certain family then that is nepotism. In India we do not have the structure in place for the casting of a particular character unlike west which leads to nepotism to an extent”.

In a Q&A session with FLO members, he expressed his keen interest in doing movies in Assam for which he is in touch with Rima Das and hopefully soon they will work together.

Jahnabi Phookan, National President FLO anchored the conversation and asked some questions to Adil, who candidly answered all of them. Ms Phookan said, “FLO is the most apt platform to connect, learn and grow. We recognize and celebrate the success stories of inspirational personalities who break all stereotypes and are role models for others. Adil’s talent has truly transcended geographical boundaries and language barriers. We organized this interaction to learn more and be inspired by Adil Hussain’s journey from a stand-up comedian to a theatre artist to an internationally acclaimed actor.”