Wohnnie Jalker is an interesting man.
A self-proclaimed die-hard lover of alcohol, it’s his tendency to switch from unabashed neglect towards life to moments of deep guilt of disappointing people which leaves the viewer with a deep sense of discomfort.
It urges the viewer to ponder over the addictive nature of alcohol and its ability to corrupt a person’s sense of responsibility.
As part of an awareness campaign on alcohol abuse titled Meri Pyaari Zindagi, India’s most loved storyteller Neelesh Misra, also known for his iconic ‘The Slow Interview’ has created a spoof of his own interview series. The fictitious character of Wohnnie Jalker, the eponymous guest of the interview, is interestingly played by Neelesh Misra himself!
Also Read: He threw the liquor bottle to pick up the spice jar and they lived happily ever after
The awareness campaign is the result of a collaboration between the World Health Organization Regional Office for South East Asia’s (WHO SEARO) and Gaon Connection. The campaign involves videos, audio stories and memes that narrate the experiences of real-life former alcoholics as well fictitious protagonists who won the battle with alcoholism.
Adhering to his craft of casually dropping simple yet thought-provoking questions on his guests, Neelesh Misra ensures to stir Wohnnie Jalker’s psyche which is smoothly followed by the tippler presenting his thoughts on life at large.
Nonchalant yet guilt-ridden
As he begins to unwind his life, it is revealed that Wohnnie Jalker is a man of extremities. On one hand, he is nonchalant about hurting people and failing in relationships while on the other, he is a man who is fully aware of the poison he has imbibed his life in.
When asked if he cries at times or he feels like crying over anything in his life, Mr. Jalker seems stubbornly clinged to being indifferent to any tragedy or loss in life.
“I made everybody cry. My ex-girlfriends,my future girlfriends, my wife, my relatives. Why would I cry,” the drunkard said.
Also Read: A father chose alcohol over responsibilities until the day his 12-year-old son didn’t return home
Yet, towards the culmination of the interview, when Neelesh Misra asks him if given a chance to relive the life lived so far, what would he do differently, the tippler expresses a deep sense of angst for his friend who offered him his first drink.
“If I ever get a chance to meet him today, I would shower fists and blows on him. He would be the one who’ll be crying then. It is because of him that I cry at times. Why would I cry?”
Also Read: Alcoholism can be conquered and here’s ‘how’ Bhushan did it
Finally, the interview ends on a tragic note when talking about the people he has hurt, he bids adieu to the world and all that is seen on his chair is his photograph with a garland and some smouldering incense sticks.
“Sabko rula k hum chale gaye,” the drunkard said in his last words. (After making everybody cry, I left)
