The actor, who shot to fame as Bhiku Mhatre in Ramgopal Varma’s ‘Satya’, a gritty film based on the Mumbai underworld, is looking forward to his next film Lanka. Manoj Bajpai will be seen in yet another promising role, that of a modern day villain Raavan.
‘Lanka’ is a modern-day folklore shot in Uttar Pradesh, and talks about love, loyalty, betrayal and justice. Set to hit the screens on December 9, it was earlier titled ‘Vibhishan’ because it also talks about Manoj’s relationship with his brother, who is a reason behind his downfall. Talking about his character Bajpai says, “My character in the film is derived from Raavan and is socially and politically very powerful. He is wise and he loves his city. When he becomes obsessed with a girl, his downfall begins. His only mistake he makes is one-sided love without her consent.”
Manoj, known for his power-packed performances in movies like ‘Satya’, ‘Zubeidaa’, ‘Kaun’ and ‘Pinjar’, says, “As an actor it is very important that I approach each role differently and with focus. I always make sure that I understand the character properly and try to execute it in the best possible way. In ‘Lanka’ also I have tried my best to portray my character in the best possible way.”
Playing with a difference
I don’t always play serious characters. If you look back — I have done comedy films, suspense films. I am someone who loves to experiment with new genres and roles. As an actor it is very important that I approach each role differently and with focus. I always make sure that I understand the character properly and try to execute it in the best possible way.
Role in ‘Lanka’
The director of the movie, Maqbool is my old friend and he convinced me that it wouldn’t look vulgar or out of place. When he narrated the script and the role to me I just loved it. I loved it so much that I told him that no one else will do this role, only I will do it. This is the kind of role which required an actor and not a hero. And I am an actor. I am very happy to be a part of this film.
Selective
If the role holds my attention for more than two hours while I read the script, I take it. I don’t often get such roles. The role should challenge my acting skills, and Vikram Bhatt offered me one such role in ‘Lanka’.
Personal experience
Maqbool is a great director. He doesn’t come across as a serious director. But when it comes to doing his job, he is just amazing. He is a very simple guy and he puts his points across in a great way. He is intelligent and simply excellent in whatever he does. ‘Lanka’ is his first film but on the sets he was so confident and one could not say that he is a debutant director.
Shooting experience
For ‘Lanka’ we shot in Bijnor for approximately 40 days at a stretch. No theatres, no mobiles nothing. We all uses to spend time with each other — talk, eat together and that really helped all of us to bond on the sets. I use to get up as early as 5 am and go to the nearby fields. I miss them.
Manoj Bajpai kind of film
If it’s a Manoj Bajpai kind of film it should be real, honest, entertaining, full of new ideas and a very different concept. If the concept and the role doesn’t interest me or challenge me I will never do that film.
About theatre
I use to do theatre with Barry John in the initial years of my career. Then I moved to films. I would love to do theatre and will get back to it. As of now I am happy with the find of films I am doing. It’s one thing at a time.