Veteran actor Parikshat Sahni recently offered a rare glimpse into the profound influences that have shaped his illustrious career, from the enduring wisdom of his father, the legendary Balraj Sahni, to a pivotal friendship with fellow cinema icon Sanjeev Kumar. In a candid interview, Sahni reflected on the blend of artistic integrity and personal fortitude that has defined his journey in Indian entertainment.
Parikshat Sahni is widely recognized for his sensitive and authentic performances in films like ‘Anokhi Raat’, ‘Tapasya’, ‘3 Idiots’, and ‘Housefull 4’, alongside the acclaimed television series ‘Gul Gulshan Gulfam’. He not only carried forward the legacy of his father, Balraj Sahni, but also carved a distinct identity through his talent and dedication. He emphasized that the seeming effortlessness of his father’s acting was built on a deep internal process. Balraj Sahni would first transcribe his dialogues into Punjabi, in the Gurmukhi script, for rehearsal. This meticulous preparation allowed him to deliver his Hindi lines with a natural tone and emotional depth. His father’s enduring mantra, “Don’t act, believe,” served as the cornerstone of performances in classics such as ‘Do Bigha Zamin’, ‘Kabuliwala’, ‘Waqt’, and ‘Garm Hava’. This philosophy continues to guide Parikshat Sahni, who believes true acting involves living the emotions, not just reciting lines.
Early in his career, after returning from studies in Russia, Parikshat Sahni faced a significant challenge: a struggle with speaking Hindi fluently. It was during this period that he formed a deep bond with actor Sanjeev Kumar. Kumar became a mentor figure, helping Sahni refine his dialogue delivery and understand the intricate nuances of acting. Sahni recalls, “He was like an elder brother to me. I learned how to place the right pauses and infuse the correct emotions into every dialogue from him.” He described Sanjeev Kumar as an incredibly sensitive and versatile artist, capable of bringing authenticity to action, comedy, and tragedy alike. Sahni also acknowledged Kumar’s personal battles with unhealthy habits and stress, which tragically led to his premature passing.
Beyond mentorship, Sahni’s career also saw him navigate formidable challenges, notably during the production of the 1990s Doordarshan show ‘Gul Gulshan Gulfam’. The series, set against the picturesque backdrop of Kashmir’s Dal Lake, was interrupted when Sahni and his team received death threats from the JKNFF organization. They were explicitly warned to cease filming and leave Kashmir or face fatal consequences. The team responded by immediately evacuating Srinagar and meticulously recreating the entire Dal Lake set in Film City. The attention to detail was so precise that audiences reportedly could not discern the change in location. The show ultimately ran for 45 episodes and achieved widespread popularity across the country.
Parikshat Sahni’s commitment to his craft is evident in his approach to portraying characters from Kashmir. His deep connection to the region’s language, culture, and people allowed him to embody these roles with an inherent authenticity. He believes that his father, Balraj Sahni, was more than just an actor; he was a symbol of humanity who taught that the true essence of art lies in honesty. By upholding these principles, Parikshat Sahni continues to honor his father’s legacy, establishing a benchmark for simplicity, emotional depth, and truth in Indian cinema for future generations.