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Actor Paresh Rawal says the powerful script and director Ananth Mahadevan convinced him to join Pastt Tense, while son Aditya Rawal calls sharing screen space with his father 'a real blessing' as the film premieres at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne

For Paresh Rawal and son Aditya Rawal, Pastt Tense is a first; the two actors share screen space for the first time. Interestingly, Paresh was not originally part of the film; the project was first offered to Aditya. But after hearing Ananth Mahadevan’s story, Paresh was so impressed that he says he “almost ventured out of the way” to be part of it. For Aditya, the opportunity to share the frame with his father comes at a time when his career is gathering momentum, making the experience all the more special as the film premiered at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne on August 21.

Excerpts from the interview:

You weren’t originally part of Pastt Tense, directed by Ananth Mahadevan. What made you want to come on board after the film was offered to Aditya?

Paresh: Aditya nahin hote iss film mein toh bhi main iss kahani ka hissa banta because yeh kahani bahot achi hai. Very unique, very human and absolutely emotional kahani hai and it’s a thriller. And another chief reason is Ananth Mahadevan himself. I like working with a director who is sure of himself, no nonsense, no tantrums, not throwing his weight around, absolutely cocksure and thoroughly prepared. I have done one fantastic film with him, ‘The Storytellers’ based on the great Satyajit Ray’s story, something which I got only after a career of 40 years in films. This was again a God-send opportunity and I was not going to let it go. I am very grateful for the opportunity.