Paresh Rawal has redefined the comedian's position in Hindi cinema. He can even make a film without major stars work at the box office. And if there are stars, he effortlessly steals the show from them.
Hera Pheri is a case in point. He took action stars Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty to create a superbly memorable comedy where he -- and not Akshay or Suniel -- was the undisputed star.
More recently, in films like Garam Masala and Hungama, while Akshay Kumar and Akshay Khanna had lead roles respectively, Paresh emerged the funniest character on screen.
If trade gossip is to be believed, Paresh now apparently charges a whopping Rs 1 crore (Rs 10 million) for a film.
In Priyadarshan's latest, Malamaal Weekly, Paresh is the leading man, and everyone else plays second fiddle. Finally.
Text: Syed Firdaus Ashraf | Design: Reuben NV