2010 January, 22nd

Phil Butler

As promised, Veer hit the screen today amid mixed early reviews. Salman Khan’s and Eros International’s most ambitious epic to date, regardless of critical scrutiny, reveals much more than film art. In a series of interviews given by the cast and crew of the film Salman Khan’s and Vijay Galani real art may be in catapulting news stars and professionals onto the movie scene. Veer as a conduit for progress in Indian film is maybe exemplified best by emerging talent. In this segment we talk with a fascinating talent in Purru Raaj Kumarr, one of the most interesting personalities from the film.

We have been following Salman Khan’s endeavor into producing his childhood ambition since Veer was in pre-production. Aside the film’s potential for driving Bollywood credibility to the next level, fulfilling Khan’s destiny, and entertaining audiences, there is another even more interesting aspect for this film, in this time, and for those interested in the art of mechanics of the film industry – emerging talent. One such character, who appears in only a few scenes really, is Purru Raaj Kumarr, a charismatic and talented actor from a venerable artistic family. We spoke with him briefly for what was maybe our most interesting interview. I got straight to the point about something I found interesting, the actor’s presence within frame. Here is the way the dialogue went:

Q & A

Phil – Your role in Veer is not unlike several you appear to have selectively appeared in. From the stills sent me, I have to say there is something striking in your apparent stage presence, I cannot put my finger on it exactly. The question I guess is; Did your father’s legendary career impact you in a way which would lead to what we might call an “inherent” or acquire ability to occupy frames?

Purru – Hi There and Thank You. I would guess its inherent. My father passed on before the realease of my first film so as much as I would have desired to have learned from him, this did not actually come to fruition. That irreparable loss and a regret I will have to live with. Having said that, I miss him so much and wish every moment he were around to see me in my films, guide me, offer a critique or simply hold me (us-our family) when things didn’t always seem so bright.

Phil – I do not often refer to male actors as handsome, but just like with female counterparts there is that aspect which comes through on film especially. The earlier question was a little nebulous as to some “character” beyond explanation. I think a way to isolate this is to compare your presence and appearance to another actor, let me call this a “Rulolph Valentino” aspect. Has anyone ever told you you appeared like him or in that way?

Purru – Oh My!! That’s a Huge compliment..Thank you so much. He was a icon and a ‘sex symbol’ of his time. There have been comparisons like Cary Grant, Robert Mitchum for eg( don’t ask , I don’t see the resemblance) but this is a first.

Phil – Veer is a huge opportunity for Salman Khan, and particularly and naturally for Lisa in her debut. Obviously films like this are catalysts for actors many times. Do you see something on the horizon for you in a leading role out of your experience in Veer? Or, is this something that really does not occurr as the role is the key element for you as an actor?

Purru – It is a catalyst in many ways for many people. For me, it is pleasure to be part of such a huge film and to work with Salman. The experience was memorable in many ways, he is so kind for one thing. As for lead roles, I have done them and they (roles) still come my way,thankfully. Currently I’m going through some scripts, so lets see how that develops. Like I say, Im a work in progress. Choosing and getting a role one wants to do, is not as easy as it sounds, but I am grateful whatever comes my way.

Phil – I asked at least one of the other key actors this question, if you can, please answer. There are obviously many fantastic things about Veer as an epic film, but if there is one aspect you could change, what would it be?

Purru – This usually is a question best answered by the audience. If they accept the film then I guess nothing needed to be changed.

Phil – Veer is a superb opportunity for many people involved with the film. Maybe it is only an impression of mine, but it appears this is largely due to Salman Khan, is that a fair statement?

Purru – That’s fair. However, I would not take credit away from the director, Mr. Anil Sharma, the producer, Mr. Vijay Galani, or the other actors(legendary, I may add) like; Mr. Mithun Chakraborty, or Mr.Jackie Shroff. Their contribution is immense. As my dear friend Akira Kurosawa said once; “Movies are made by a co-operative work force that is created by a union of individual talent.”

Phil – I asked Lisa if she thought Salman is cute, I asked Tim if he thought Lisa is cute, and I asked Willaim who he thinks is cutest of them or anyone on the film. Who is the cutest or most attractive member of the cast or crew?

Purru – (Puruu smiles sheepishly) Lisa is for sure, Zahreen has a pretty smile, and Gita Soto was adorable.

Am I good or what? Rudolph Valentino and Purru Kumarr

Puruu, of all the celebrities I have interviewed over the years, from athletes to Internet legends and beyond, exhibited this fascinating quality I tried to get a handle on just as a very few of those others had. The reader can see from his candid and unrestrained responses, the man is not only kind, but articulate and intelligent, but there is something more – my partner called it charisma. The most notable example of this is not necessarily that Puruu is handsome, but that when in frame with other actors, they and the scenery appear to disappear. As I said, Valentino had this rare quality, so too (as my partner Mihaela suggest) does Keanu Reeves. Cary Grant? Perhaps a good comparison too.

Humilitas – From the Heart

Regardless of my perceptions about Puruu, as he so aptly suggested, it is the audience overall who determines if these latent qualities of charisma, or even talent and kindness (which Puruu obviously possesses) are worthy. I thanked Puruu for his gracious offer of time. He is, in my view, that rare combination of extraordinary clothed in humility – the rarest form of human artists I think. Don’t be surprised with what appears on his horizon.

Purru Kumarr in a scene from Veer

Next Up? A brief talk with another of Veer’s talents, one of the UK contingent’s most interesting characters, veteran actor William Chubb.

• 2010/04/15 -- Rising Actor Naresh K, Grabbing the Keys To Bollywood
• 2010/01/22 -- Salman Khan’s Veer Premiers More Than Film [Exclusive I]
• 2010/03/16 -- Happiness May Be a Rare Great Indian Butterfly
• 2010/01/29 -- Indian Media Spoofs Movie Reviews, Veer and Tamizh Padam [video]
• 2010/01/28 -- Lisa Lazarus Talks About Salman Khan, Veer, and the Future
• 2010/01/26 -- Salman Khan, Lisa Lazarus Exclusive Veer Photo Gallery
• 2010/01/16 -- Salman Khan To Race Real Horseflesh for Veer [update]

About the Author

Phil Butler is editor-in-chief of Everything PR and senior partner at Pamil Visions PR. He’s a widely cited authority on beta startups, search engines and public relations issues, and he has covered tech news since 2004. Phil wrote in the past for ReadWriteWeb, Mashable, Profy, SitePoint, Search Engine Journal, AltSearchEngines. Follow Phil on Twitter or send him an email at phil [at] pamil-visions [dot] com.

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