I am an actor who understands commercials, not awards: Mohnish
Actor Mohnish Bahl, who has shown his acting prowess in classics such as Maine Pyar Kiya (1989) and Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! (1994), has always tried to stay relevant with the changing times in cinema. Having tried his hand at television, too, there is not much that the actor has not experimented with. Now, Mohnish is earnestly hoping that his next film, Panipat, directed by Ashutosh Gowariker does well.
How easy or difficult was it to play a non-fiction character, considering there will be comparisons with references available?
I play Nanasaheb Peshwa, and we went by the reference of paintings and miniatures depicted. They give you an understanding of the demeanour of the man. I tried to bring those characteristics into my role. I don’t see anything wrong in playing a non-fiction character.
When you walk into a grand set like this, you realise how huge it is. We are recreating a part of history that is very close to our hearts. Because of my mom (late Nutan; actor), my influences have been more Maharashtrian while growing up. And, with all this grandeur and effort you really want the film to work.
On a personal note, with your daughter, Pranutan entering the industry, have conversations at dinner table changed? Do you suggest/advise her?
Yes, of course. I get a lot of advice from her (laughs). She keeps telling me about social media presence, traction and what not. And, I turn around and ask her, did the picture do well? She calls me a commercial actor and I agree. I tell her, we make films, so that people watch it and pay for it. I don’t understand awards and all. She is a very good actor, now she needs a commercial success. She has started to understand what I mean by this (smiles).
How would you describe your acting process when it comes to television as compared to films?
Honestly I am not in a position to answer. I believe for economic reasons, television is not exploited to the extent it can be. On TV, you are making business sense but not creative. And the audience today have other forms of entertainment. As an actor, I don’t believe I am working up to my full potential in television. I need to know the history of my character or how he will react to something ten episodes later. I liked it in the 1980s when we had bound and full scripts. The bottom line is, I am not used to what television has become today.
Pranutan (his daughter) is a very good actor, now she needs a commercial success.
MOHNISH BAHL, ACTOR