A man with full of fury, raw energy and a passionate lover of theatre. This man’s dream to make his place under the arc lamps drove him from a sleepy town in Bihar to work his way up from TV roles to small character roles in films like Dastak, Tamanna and Bandit Queen to Bhiku Mhatre - the name that became synonymous with his real name. Yes it is Manoj Bajpai - the actor known for his acting sensibilities rather than his films.
Riding high on the success of Rajneeti, the thespian is excited about his latest release ‘Dus Tola’. The festive season is an opportune time for buying gold as well as “watching Dus Tola with the family” says Manoj Bajpai. In the city to promote his latest flick with his co-stars, he spoke to ‘Global Times’ (GT) about his life, career and particularly about the GOLD on offer right now.
Excerpt:
GT: With Rajneeti a big hit, what changes has it brought in your life?
MB: A hit doesn’t change my life. It’s the role that changes an actor. I never let my performance get affected because of a hit or a flop. Hit or flop changes the producer’s life (Laugh). As an actor my job is to give more than 100 percent in acting.
GT: So what is Dus Tola all about?
MB: Dus Tola is a simply told story of victory of goodness over greed. The story is set in Sonapur, a quaint little town that has its share of eccentrics. I play Shankar - a Goldsmith who is in love with his neighbour's daughter who has a greedy father. To climb up the social ladder, he is bent on marrying off his daughter to rich man who can dazzle her with gold. Armed with nothing but a heart of pure gold, Shankar sets out to overcome the obstacles of devious plots and heartache.
GT:The director Ajoy being a debutant, so did he play into your hands?
MB: Director Ajoy Verma is a very innovative; he is as simple as the role I play in the film. In fact, I have modeled my role on Ajoy by incorporating his characteristics. He is such a simpleton that he mayn’t have realized that.
GT: Going back to your life how did acting happen to you?
MB: Acting is a talent I should say I was born with. Right from the time I remember, I always wanted to become an actor. I was quiet good at it and somewhere I felt that I can make it big someday. So, I was very much into theatre in schools, college and even with the professional ones. Later I joined Barry John’s school of acting where my skills and ability were polished.
GT: It was heard that National School of Drama (NSD) rejected you thrice.
MB: Ya, it’s true I was rejected. But I did not let that affect me and demoralize me. I did not forget my goal and stop dreaming blaming my destiny. I came out stronger every time I was rejected.
GT: How has been your journey from Swabhiman (Serial) to Rajneeti or Dus Tola?
MB: It was a tough time for me initially. I was not blessed with a movie right after graduating from acting school. I had to struggle a lot. Yes Swabhiman came my way and I accepted with folded hands. Then Mahesh Bhatt noticed me and offered me a small role in “Tamanna”. I played more small roles in films like Dastak, Dhoh Kaal, and Bandit Queen and finally Ram Gopal Verma gave me the much needed break with Satya in 1998. Since then, it’s no turning back for me.
GT: You studied here in Delhi in Ramjas College. How was it for you?
MB: Frankly speaking, I had a tough time there. Coming out straight from Bihar, I was poor in English. My grade use to suffer because of that. However to keep up on the aggregate I make it a point that I score high in Hindi papers and work hard on the other ones.
GT: What was your favorite subject?
MB: I use to like Biology in School but Commerce in College.
GT: Coming back to your career, why into comedy films lately?
MB: As an actor I am interested in doing any kind of roles that excites me. I don’t mind if it is action, comedy thriller or romance. I will have to like the script and believe it in.
GT: Which character you have played is closest to your heart?
MB: All the characters I have played are close to my heart. I can’t name a particular one. I worked hard equally for every role and I won’t be justifying if I name one. All are special to me.
GT: What’s your role in Prakash Jha’s next?
MB: Right now what I can say is Prakash Jha has offered me a role again in his next venture-Arakshan. I don’t want to divulge anything about my role now. It’s a big film with a great script. Ajay Devgun and Amitabh Bachchan are also in the film.
GT: What about “Gangs of Wassipur” with Anurag Kashyap?
MB: It’s another great film in the making. Anurag Kashyap is a task master – he wants 200 per cent from me. We keep discussing the script, carrying out look tests. I am going by his vision. We start shooting in mid November; it will be mostly shot in Bhubhaneshwar and Benaras.
GT: Lastly any message for the youngsters.
MB: It’s a tough world. Nothing comes easy. So work hard and try , try and try until your goal is achieved.
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