My scenes were cut from several films starring A-listers, says Manuj
Actor Manuj Sharma has played pivotal roles in many films starring A-listers. But, he reveals that it has often happened with him that his scenes in projects were chopped considerably by makers, without informing him.
Last seen in Vikram Vedha alongside actors Saif Ali Khan and Hrithik Roshan, Sharma tells us, “When I went to watch it (a film he had shot and dubbed for), I discovered that my scenes had been cut. I was part of the film but character kuch bacha hi nahin tha... It is disappointing to see that happening to you after you have worked so hard on a project.”
When we ask Sharma if he believes the film’s lead actors were behind this, the 36-year-old says, “Even if the actor is involved, the director will never use their name... I won’t name the actors, but it has happened to me two-three times.”
After all these experiences, the Secret Superstar (2017) actor says it’s a “pleasant surprise” when the roles aren’t chopped. “Kabhi aap yeh soch kar jaate ho film dekhne ki pata nahin kitna role cut hua hoga, aur jab nahin hota, tab it’s a pleasant surprise,” he shares, adding, “Cut karne ke baad jo bachta hai, agar aisa role mujhe pehle offer hota, toh main kabhi nahin karta.”
This is also why Sharma is grateful for the OTT boom. “Stardom was morphing into a God complex. A balance was needed, and OTT assisted in achieving that balance,” he ends.