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Few comic characters in Hindi cinema have achieved the enduring popularity of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, portrayed by veteran actor Paresh Rawal in the comedy film Hera Pheri and its sequel Phir Hera Pheri. With his thick spectacles, distinctive Marathi accent, and memorable comic timing, the character became a defining part of the franchise’s success. Baburao’s eccentric personality and humorous dialogues helped the films gain a cult following over the years, making him one of the most recognizable comic characters in Bollywood. However, Rawal has recently spoken about the challenges that came with the immense popularity of the role.
In an earlier interview with The Lallantop, Paresh Rawal described the character as a “gale ka phanda,” which translates to a noose around his neck. The actor explained that while the role brought him immense recognition, it also created a sense of creative confinement. According to him, the success of Baburao led to a strong association between the actor and the character, which made it difficult for audiences and filmmakers to see him in different types of roles. Rawal admitted that the situation eventually made him feel restricted and that he wanted to move away from the image that had become so closely tied to him.
Rawal also recalled that after the release of Phir Hera Pheri in 2006, he approached filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj in search of a project that could help him break away from the established comic persona. He expressed a desire to portray a character that would contrast sharply with Baburao while still retaining certain visual elements associated with the role. The intention, he explained, was to demonstrate his range as an actor and avoid being confined to a single type of performance.
Following these comments, filmmaker Priyadarshan, who directed Hera Pheri, shared his perspective on the matter during a conversation with Pinkvilla. Priyadarshan recalled that when the film was being developed, he personally contacted Paresh Rawal to discuss the character. According to the director, Rawal was enthusiastic about the role from the beginning. Priyadarshan said that he had clearly explained that Baburao would essentially be the central figure of the film, while the characters played by Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty would function as supporting roles in the narrative.
The director stated that Rawal readily accepted the part and was eager to bring the character to life. At the time, Rawal had largely been associated with negative or serious roles in films. Priyadarshan believes that Baburao provided the actor with an opportunity to explore a completely different dimension of his talent. According to him, Rawal embraced the character wholeheartedly and delivered a performance that ultimately became iconic.
Before Hera Pheri, Paresh Rawal had already established himself as a versatile actor in the Hindi film industry. Over the years, he had appeared in numerous films portraying a wide range of characters, including antagonists, supporting roles, and intense dramatic parts. Performances in films such as Andaz Apna Apna, Sir, and Naam had earned him recognition for his ability to adapt to diverse roles. Despite this versatility, he had rarely been seen as the primary source of comic energy in a film before Hera Pheri.
The success of Baburao significantly altered that perception. After the film’s release, Rawal was frequently cast in comedic roles, which led to several popular performances in films such as Hungama, Garam Masala, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa. His ability to balance humor with expressive character acting helped him become one of the most recognizable comic performers in mainstream Hindi cinema.
More than two decades after Hera Pheri first released, the character of Baburao Apte continues to hold a strong presence in popular culture. Scenes and dialogues from the film frequently circulate on social media, often used as memes or humorous references by fans. The character’s quirks, mannerisms, and dialogue delivery remain widely recognized, highlighting the long-lasting impact of Rawal’s performance.
The recent discussion between Paresh Rawal’s remarks and Priyadarshan’s response offers insight into how iconic roles can shape an actor’s career in complex ways. While such characters can bring immense popularity and audience affection, they can also create expectations that influence the types of roles an actor is offered in the future. In the case of Baburao Apte, the character’s legacy continues to be celebrated by audiences while also sparking conversations about the artistic challenges that can accompany such enduring success.
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Who Are Seat Fillers at the Oscars? The Little-Known Role Behind the Scenes
The Academy Awards, popularly known as the Oscars, is one of the most watched entertainment events in the world. The ceremony typically brings together major actors, filmmakers, and industry professionals to celebrate achievements in cinema. However, not everyone seated inside the venue during the broadcast is a celebrity. Some attendees are present for a very specific role known as “seat filling.”
Seat fillers are individuals hired to temporarily occupy empty seats in the audience during the live broadcast of the ceremony. Their role helps maintain the visual appearance of a full theatre on television. During long award shows, celebrities frequently leave their seats for various reasons, such as presenting awards backstage, meeting other guests, or taking short breaks. When that happens, seat fillers quickly move in to occupy those seats until the original guests return.
The ceremony is typically held at the Dolby Theatre, a venue known for hosting the Academy Awards every year. Because the event is broadcast live to millions of viewers worldwide, producers aim to ensure that the theatre never appears empty on camera. Seat fillers therefore play a small but important logistical role in maintaining the visual continuity of the broadcast.
People selected as seat fillers often include film enthusiasts, aspiring industry professionals, or individuals invited through specialised agencies that coordinate event staffing. In some cases, guests may also be chosen through personal invitations or connections within the entertainment industry. While the role is temporary and mostly behind the scenes, it gives participants a rare opportunity to witness Hollywood’s most prominent awards ceremony from inside the venue.
Despite the excitement associated with attending such an event, the role of a seat filler comes with several strict rules. In the lead-up to the 2026 Oscars, media outlet People spoke with Arjun Manjunath, a 22-year-old content creator based in Pittsburgh who worked as a seat filler at the Grammy Awards earlier in February. He described some of the regulations participants must follow while attending major award ceremonies.
One of the first requirements is that seat fillers typically have to pay for their own travel and accommodation expenses. While they are granted access to the event, transportation and lodging are not usually covered by organisers.
Another rule is that mobile phones are often not allowed during the ceremony. This restriction helps prevent distractions and reduces the risk of unauthorised recordings during the live broadcast.
Food and drinks are also generally restricted for seat fillers during the event. Since they may be asked to move quickly between seats at short notice, eating or drinking during the ceremony is discouraged.
A strict dress code is another requirement. Because seat fillers may appear on camera when occupying seats near celebrities, they are expected to dress in formal attire consistent with the overall tone of the event. This ensures they blend seamlessly into the audience without drawing attention.
Interaction with celebrities is also carefully regulated. According to Manjunath, seat fillers are not allowed to approach actors or start conversations with them. However, if a celebrity initiates a conversation, responding politely is usually permitted.
It remains uncertain whether exactly the same rules apply to the Oscars specifically, as guidelines can vary slightly between events and organisers.
The upcoming 98th Academy Awards is scheduled to take place on March 15 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The ceremony will be broadcast live on ABC and streamed on Hulu. A separate streaming agreement involving YouTube is expected to begin later, starting in 2029.
This year’s ceremony will once again be hosted by comedian and television personality Conan O’Brien. As with previous editions, the event is expected to feature performances, award presentations, and appearances by some of the biggest names in the film industry.
While most viewers focus on the celebrities and winners during the Oscars, the presence of seat fillers highlights the complex behind-the-scenes planning required to produce a smooth and visually polished live broadcast. Their role may be largely unnoticed by audiences, but it remains an essential part of the production process that keeps the show running seamlessly.
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