A Didn’t expect to get accepted

ctor-comedian Maniesh Paul is on a roll, both professionally and personally. After being a part of actor Salman Khan’s Da-Bangg world tour, he is back to doing what he does best — making people laugh with his television appearances, regaling audiences with his funny quips on award shows, and tickling the audience’s funny bone with his performances in films.

When asked if he had any apprehensions before entering the entertainment industry, and he says, “Absolutely none. Even my parents had no issues. They always said ‘You are made for it (acting)’. I was very sorted, but the only thing I was worried about was whether my appearance would be accepted or not. (Being accepted ) was the biggest surprise for me.”

He also recalls the funniest audition he had to give for a project. “I was rejected at an audition. The people there gave the reason ki humein ‘khandaani looking’ ladka chahiye. Mujhe uss din apne aap par shaq hua and I called up my father to ask ki hum khandaani nahi hain kya?!”, laughs Maniesh.

Paul is often fondly referred to as the ‘Sultan of Stage’ by fellow actors and fans alike, and for good reason. Maniesh has, after all, been a part of multiple dance, singing and comedy shows, and has carved a niche for himself in the world of anchoring with his quirky sense of humour, and his spontaneity on the stage.

However, the success didn’t come easy, as Maniesh recalls, “Rejections used to happen saying ‘aapki photo achhi nahi aayi’.. I wanted to ask

I was rejected at an audition as the people there wanted a ‘khandaani looking’ ladka. I called up my father to ask ki hum khandaani nahi hain kya? MANIESH PAUL, ACTOR

them ‘kaam photo se karana hai ya bande se!”, adds the actor, who later went on to play leading roles in films such as Mickey Virus (2013) and Tere Bin laden 2 (2016).