20th June 2023,Mumbai: In the world of Bollywood, conversations and discussions among actors are often limited to interviews, award shows, and public events. However, in 2012, a unique platform was introduced that allowed Bollywood actors to come together and engage in candid conversations. The Bollywood Actors Roundtable, hosted by renowned film critic Rajeev Masand, aimed to create an open dialogue among some of the Industry’s most talented individuals. While this platform has been successful in facilitating meaningful discussions over the years, the first edition was not without its share of challenges.
During a recent podcast with YouTuber Varun Duggi, Rajeev Masand reminisced about the early days of organizing the Bollywood Actors Roundtable. He shared an incident involving the late Irrfan Khan that took place during the filming of the inaugural edition in 2012. Rajeev revealed that Irrfan had become irate and initially refused to participate in the roundtable.
The challenges began to arise when the logistical aspects of organizing the roundtable became apparent. One of the actors scheduled to attend was Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who was shooting for Ketan Mehta’s movie “Manjhi: The Mountain Man” in Wai. As Nawazuddin would finish his shoot late at night, the roundtable could only be scheduled for midnight. However, an hour before the filming was set to begin, Rajeev received a call informing him that Irrfan would not be able to attend. Irrfan had just finished filming for Yash Raj Films’ “Gunday,” and his phone was switched off, making it difficult to reach him.
Determined to include Irrfan in the roundtable, Rajeev resorted to calling directors and producers who had recently worked with the talented actor. It was Nikkhil Advani, who had collaborated with Irrfan on a project, who finally managed to convince him to participate. Irrfan arrived at the filming location, visibly furious at having been pulled away from another film set. Despite the initial setback, Rajeev managed to record the roundtable until the early hours of the morning, and the session turned out to be a resounding success.
Reflecting on the incident, Rajeev shared his experience with another actor, Akshaye Khanna, who had declined his invitation to participate in the Bollywood Actors Roundtable. Rajeev noted that while some actors readily engage in discussions, others may feel less inclined to open up. He mentioned Ranveer Singh, who energetically consumed 200 Red Bulls, showcasing his infectious enthusiasm during the roundtable.
Rajeev also admitted to his initial hesitance in organizing a Bollywood Actresses Roundtable in the first year, assuming that the actresses may not get along well or be willing to participate. However, to his surprise, the following year’s actresses roundtable proved to be a massive success. It became evident that just like their male counterparts, the actresses were keen on supporting and engaging with each other.
The Bollywood Actors Roundtable has evolved into an essential platform for industry professionals to discuss their craft, share experiences, and foster a sense of camaraderie. While the inaugural edition faced its fair share of challenges, it set the stage for future discussions that have continued to enlighten and entertain Bollywood enthusiasts. Rajeev Masand’s dedication to creating this unique space for actors has undoubtedly contributed to the growth and mutual understanding within the industry, making the Bollywood Actors Roundtable an eagerly anticipated event every year.
As we remember the late Irrfan Khan and his immense talent, let us also appreciate his willingness to put aside his initial anger and actively participate in the first-ever Bollywood Actors Roundtable. His contribution, along with the other actors, laid the foundation for an engaging and insightful series of discussions that continues to captivate audiences and provide a glimpse into the world of Bollywood like never before.
-by Kashvi Gala