COMMERCIAL FILMS GIVE ME STRENGTH: MANOJ BAJPAYEE
The actor says that he uses his mainstream films to get a bargaining power for his smaller films, adds that acting is done mostly for passion
Today, every second film or series on OTT platforms is blowing your mind and you want to part be a of this movement. You don’t want to be left behind.
MANOJ BAJPAYEE, ACTOR
While most actors have one or two releases a year, this year, Manoj Bajpayee will have six. The National-Award winning actor has extensively showcased his histrionic skills in films such as Aiyaary, Baaghi 2, Missing, Satyameva Jayate, and Love Sonia. However, Manoj is most excited about his latest film Gali Guleiyan, a psychological drama. In an interview, Manoj talks about the changing times in cinema and his selfish motive of wanting to work with new talents.
When you work in commercial films such as Baaghi 2 and Satyameva Jayate, do you put yourself in a different gear as opposed to when you are working in a film like Aligarh (2015)?
I believe that cinema is a director’s medium, and it is wise for actors to go with the vision of the director. That’s what I do and that’s why changing gears becomes really easy. You can’t become arrogant and not listen to your director. So, when I work with Ahmed Khan (director of Baaghi 2), I am there with him, supporting him and doing just what he wants me to do. When I worked with Milap Zaveri (director of Satyameva Jayate), he used to tell me, ‘Manoj sir, bahut zyaada pause ho gaya. Aligarh ban jayegi film’. You can laugh about it at that time but then you realise that the format [of commercial films] is different, and without any ego, you just flow with it. And in both the cases — Baaghi 2 and Satyameva Jayate — it paid off.
Do you think your smaller films get some mileage out of the commercial films you do?
I use my commercial ventures to get bargaining power for my smaller films. The distribution and exhibition network find it hard to give a wide release to a small film like Gali Guleiyan. But whatever screens they give us, they are the best of theatres. That’s when my presence in Satyameva Jayate matters. When I try and set up an independent film, I find it easier to find a producer for my films. By doing commercial films, I get a lot of strength and power. At this stage, after all the accolades that you have got, is commercial success still important for you? Everything is rolled into one. When you are acting in a film, you aren’t thinking about anything else — the award, success or accolades. Work satisfaction is very important, because when you decide to become an actor, you face resistance from family and society, yet you rebel, not just for the cheque. Money matters but you act for the passion.
Is the actor in you gratified with the various mediums out there? Yes. This is the time for actors to show their talent. I have always said, only 25% of my ability has been used. There is so much restlessness and desperation for good roles in the industry. Today, every second film or series on OTT platforms is blowing your mind and you want to be a part of this movement. You don’t want to be left behind. I want to be counted and for that, you have to be accessible to newer talents. It is a selfish move from my side.
Do you ever give suggestions to your coactors regarding the character or their scenes? Yes. But before suggesting, I say sorry five times because it’s that particular actor’s character and they have been working on it. Recently, I worked with Sushant Singh Rajput in Son Chiriya, and very hesitantly told him you could do the scene this way. They listen to you and your suggestions very politely. They make the necessary changes if they want to and if they have some other idea, then they explain it to you. So, then you understand and back out. You can’t be interfering. You have to be careful because you are getting into someone else’s zone.