‘Playing ‘Sulu’s Shahjahan’ after negative roles is refreshing’

Writeractordirector Manav Kaul’s new book will hit stand in January

Ever heard of a book which is a mere compilation of Instagram posts? Well, it’s on the card. And if you have been following actor Manav

Kaul (right) on social media, you will surely like to grab a copy as soon as it is out.

“It’s been several years now that I have been scribbling my thoughts on social media and now they are taking a shape into a book, which is likely to hit stores in January,” says the lead actor of ‘Tumhari Sulu.’

Famous for his intense acting otherwise, the book will be Manav’s third book.

“Writing is my favourite pastime and books my companion when I am alone. My first book (Thik Tumare Peeche) came out of writings that I did during the days when I had less work. When I was writing I never knew it will be published and someone will read them. I am very excited,” says the actor who has also done films like Kai Po Che, CityLights, Wazir and Jai Gangaajal.

Enjoying the break after the super success of Vidya Balan starrer Tumhari Sulu, Manav is in Lucknow to take part in the ongoing Repertwahr Festival.

“While two plays are happening in Lucknow, we will also be staging ‘Chuhal’ in Bareilly and Mumbai. It’s a new play and in romantic comedy genre so people are loving it,” he says about his first play as actor after he formed his own theatre group Aranya in 2004.

Established director, at the moment, Manav is taking break from directing new plays.

“Since last 12-13 years there have been too much theatre and honestly I have got tired of it. Also, I am enjoying acting a lot and want to concentrate fully on it. My friends too have started scolding me that I am not taking films seriously so now I want to focus on acting in films. From next year, I will be acting more,” says the actor who debut movie was Jajantram Mamantaram in 2003.

Interestingly, he took a break from acting for a decade after it.

Now, after playing back-toback negative roles he is liking the change that came in the form of Tumhari Sulu.

“It’s very important that you play a hero in film and it works. I was lucky that I got the right director (Suresh Triveni), script and Vidya Balan as costar. One hit song ‘Ban Ja Tu Meri Raani’ changed everything. People understood that this actor is more than a villain though I love playing negative character and wish to do more in future,” he says.

The actor feels that success of Tumhari Sulu has taken away his previous appearances from public memory.

“In fact, a lot of people take it as my debut film while others have started recollected that I did Ki Po Che, Citylights, Wazir and Jai Gangajal too. I have always done roles that I like in script and will wish to see on the screen. Tumhari Sulu was such script that I could have done just a small two shots role in it like I did the guest appearance in Jolly LLB2. Length of role has never been important for me,” he says while announcing how he plans to take a travel break to hills, read scripts and keep writing.

Lucknow holds a special place for Manav. “I have done at-least 10-11 plays in Lucknow so far in the last 7 years. Now, I have started recognizing the lanes too and have started going to food alleys in the Old City of my own. I have many friends here and love to come here again and again,” he says making a special mention for the audience he gets for this plays.