Even heroes chase good characters: Manu Rishi
Juhi Chakraborty
He is known for his memorable supporting roles as Bangali in Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! (2009), Anni in Phas Gaye Re Obama (2010) or the recent Handaji in web series Inside Edge. Manu Rishi says that in today’s films there is no demarcation between lead and supporting actors. “Earlier, the story of a hero was written but now writers are writing a whole world. In that world, there’s no hero. The story is the hero. The subjects are more content-oriented. Actors who were earlier heroes in films are also chasing strong characters now,” says Manu, explaining that the film’s story is no longer dependent on a hero. “Industry jo pehle ek tarfa thi, ab woh badal gayi hai. Characters ko strong banaya jaa aha hai.”
With films such as Shubh
Mangal Zyada Saavdhan, Doordarshan and Angrezi Medium, 2020 looks busy for Manu. And, besides films, he has also done work on web. And as long as he gets to work, the medium is inconsequential, says Manu.“I came to the city to be an actor and that’s what I’m doing. Good production houses and good content have chosen me; I feel blessed. I’m satisfied,” he says. The web medium has become quite a favourite among actors with debutants getting meaty roles as opposed to the big screen. Does that take away the 70mm obsession? “That depends on what you want. At times, I feel some actors have come here to get popular. For me, the concern has been that I should do well in all projects I am associated with. Main bas sochta hoon ki main iss mukaam tak pahunchun. That’s my aim,” he ends.