Om Puri was a director’s actor: Manav Bhalla
Debutant director Manav Bhalla’s Lashtam Pashtam has garnered a lot of attention, mostly due to its tongue twisting, catchy title. The film, which talks about brotherhood beyond borders, also happens to be one of the late Om Puri’s last films. Speaking about the first time he met the veteran actor, Manav says, “The first time I met Om Puriji, it was just surreal. I immediately touched his feet and told him that it was one thing off my bucket list.”
A prolific actor, Puri was an easy choice for Manav, but the movie’s limited budget remained an obstacle. “After I narrated the script to him, Om Puriji had a tear in his eye and immediately agreed to do the film. My only worry was if I’d be able to afford him, and when I said that out loud, he said, ‘Did I ask about money? We’ll figure it out’. And so we did. He was a director’s actor,” says Manav.
Manav says the film is an entertainer that will move viewers and remind everyone how friendship transcends race, religion and borders. “The film releases between Friendship Day (August 5) and Independence Day, and in my mind, there is no better way to celebrate Independence Day than to dissipate the differences that have existed for so long. When my daughter comes home from school, she tells me about her friends from all over the world, without addressing their race or religion even once. It’s the purity of that thought that resonates with the film,” the director says.
Lashtam Pashtam is produced by Manav and Gheorghe Seran, and releases worldwide today.
The first time I met Om Puriji, it was just surreal. I immediately touched his feet and told him that it was one thing off my bucket list. MANAV BHALLA, DIRECTOR