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‘SALMAN IS FAMILY, NOT OPPORTUNITY’
Actor and star host Maniesh Paul, who is known for his closeness to actor Salman Khan, says he never misuses his connections
Actor and star host Maniesh Paul enjoys quite a reputation in the entertainment industry today, but not many know that he countered rejection and stiff opposition on the way up. He has earlier told us how he would be rejected in auditions because the makers didn’t like his appearance.
Asked if he encountered people who tried to take advantage of his vulnerable situation as a struggler back then, Maniesh says, “There have been times, I wouldn’t deny that. But that’s fine, I didn’t mind it. Everybody is a struggler. Even the biggest of actors never say that they are not struggling. I learned this from them that all one can do is keep working hard.”
Maniesh’s popularity today can be credited to his energy as a host, his wittiness, and comic timing, which have also come to the forefront in films such as Tere Bin Laden 2 and Mickey Virus. The 35-year-old is also a part of actor Salman Khan’s world tour, and he is quite close to the latter. Would he agree that having connections in the industry helps one bag good work?
“Honestly, I have never explored my connections,” he says, adding, “I have never misused them. The contacts I have are of friends and family, and if we talk about Salman, he’s more of a family to me rather than an opportunity. He liked my work as a host and we got together because of that, but we never discuss work.”
Maniesh adds that being a senior in the industry, Salman is more of a guide to him. “He definitely keeps guiding me wherever he feels I am going wrong, or where he feels I can improve. And I grab that advice,” Maniesh says.
Meanwhile, his last release, Baa Baa Black Sheep, didn’t get a great response at the boxoffice, but that hasn’t disheartened Maniesh. “It didn’t affect me much. I recently came out with my single. Then I have a short film lined up. I believe in working every day. I don’t think one should give that one box-office hit and sit idle for a year,” Maniesh signs off.