Veteran actor Paresh Rawal attended a special screening of Pastt Tense at the Jagran Film Festival, alongside director Ananth Mahadevan and actress Tannishtha Chatterjee. Following the screening, Paresh interacted with the media and spoke about working with his son, Aditya Rawal, for the first time in a film. The actor shared his thoughts on keeping professional and personal relationships separate on set, his son's dedication to his craft, and his own experience of watching the film with an audience. His candid remarks offered a glimpse into the professional approach he brings to filmmaking and the pride he feels in his son's journey.
When asked about the experience of working alongside Aditya, Paresh explained that he does not treat the collaboration as something unusual simply because they are father and son. He said, “Working with my son isn't a unique or separate experience; when he arrives on set, I view him strictly as an actor. The fact that he is my son—or that he might one day have a share in my estate—doesn't factor into how I see him. I treat him purely as a professional artist. This makes the work easier for both of us.” His response highlighted the importance of maintaining professional boundaries and allowing talent to take centre stage, regardless of personal relationships.
Paresh also expressed confidence in Aditya's future, praising his hardworking nature and preference for staying away from unnecessary publicity. He added, “Every parent naturally has expectations for their child—though, of course, it ultimately depends on the child themselves. That said, I am hopeful—and happy—because he is hardworking and keeps a low profile. He isn't like those who seek the spotlight; he truly believes in hard work and possesses a grounded, steady nature. Because of this, I am confident that he will succeed.” The veteran actor's words reflected his belief that discipline, patience and dedication are essential for building a lasting career in the film industry.
Speaking about his preparation for Pastt Tense, Paresh revealed that the film's engaging story and clearly defined character made the process enjoyable. He explained that preparation often comes through a director's guidance and the support of fellow actors, rather than following a separate formula for every role. According to him, the character felt almost ready-made because of how effectively the story had been developed. He also spoke enthusiastically about watching the film for the first time during the screening, admitting that he rarely visits movie theatres. Sharing the experience with an audience, hearing the sound and experiencing the film's technical elements on the big screen made the occasion especially memorable for him. He described the film as excellent and deeply moving, expressing happiness at being part of the project.
Directed by Ananth Mahadevan and written by Raghav Dutt, Pastt Tense marks the first time Paresh Rawal and Aditya Rawal share the screen. Interestingly, the two do not portray a father and son in the film; instead, they play strangers whose lives connect through the story. Aditya plays Raunak, a 26-year-old man who discovers that he was adopted and begins an emotional search for his biological parents. His journey leads him to the painful circumstances surrounding his birth, including the fact that his biological mother survived sexual violence and was forced to give him up. As Raunak uncovers the truth, his search becomes a larger quest for justice, giving the drama a sensitive and emotionally challenging subject.
The film also features Tannishtha Chatterjee, Sharib Hashmi and Adil Hussain in important roles. Its screening at the Jagran Film Festival in Mumbai, along with its selection for the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, has brought further attention to the project. With its exploration of identity, trauma, family and justice, Pastt Tense offers a story that goes beyond conventional relationships on screen. Paresh Rawal's positive response to the film and his encouraging words about Aditya have added another interesting dimension to the project. For audiences, the collaboration promises an opportunity to see two generations of actors come together in a drama driven by complex characters and powerful emotions.