September 22, 2010 (Sampurn Wire): Onlookers in the crowded Lajpat Nagar market in New Delhi were amazed when they realized that none other than Rishi Kapoor was shopping amidst them. To their amusement, the veteran actor wasn't visiting premium shops and was instead hunting for clothes that carried a dirt cheap price tag on them. Though Delhites were left clueless about the reason behind Rishi Kapoor saving money during shopping, there is a tale attached to this.
The actual reason behind this was that Rishi Kapoor was in the city shooting for his film 'Do Dooni Chaar' in which he plays a middle class Mathematics teacher. Says a senior unit member of 'Do Dooni Chaar', "For this role of his, he didn't want anything fancy that could potentially go against his character. Hence, to lend a realistic feel, he wanted the clothing to match his character's persons. In quick time, he himself stepped out on the streets of Lajpat Nagar, one of the busiest markets in Delhi for middle class 'junta', and picked up a few clothes for himself."
Confirms Rishi Kapoor who has just finished a marathon shooting schedule for the film, ''I set a clear mandate for me that my clothes won't be costly at all for 'Do Dooni Chaar'. What was the point in doing so? How can you make a professor wear expensive clothes when he is barely surviving in his middle class bearings? This is why I thought of going out in the market and pick things up myself from the stands. I made sure that my sweaters and pajamas cost not more than Rs. 200.''
Neetu Singh, who makes a comeback to the film industry with 'Do Dooni Chaar' and is seen as Rishi Kapoor's wife in the film also, has a similar tale to tell. ''Even though it is my comeback film, I wasn't tempted to don a glamorous persona. My wardrobe throughout the film's duration has also been kept very simple and true to the requirement of the Punjabi housewife character that I play.''
Now one looks forward to know how this couple is seen in a new middle class avatar after regaling the heart of millions during the entire 70s. Directed by Habib Faisal (who makes his debut with the film), 'Do Dooni Chaar' releases all over on 8th October.
-- Joginder Tuteja / Sampurn Wire