I was not hesitant playing a homosexual on screen: Manoj Bajpayee
20 Nov 2015 7:12 PM IST
Based on real life incident, the film is slated to release in Feb 2016
Mumbai: Known for his unconventional choices of films, actor Manoj Bajpayee will be seen playing a homosexual in Hansal Mehta’s ‘Aligarh’ for the first time. In a conversation, Manoj reveals that why he is not fit into the commercial cinema and more.
People find ‘Aligarh’ too slow, you think that the film requires more editing?
Not really, every film has its own pace. It is very well intended. Every film can’t be ‘Sholay’.
Audience feel that your performance in ‘Aligarh’ deserves a national award, how do you take this?
They are being generous. I have put in a lot of effort and I am happy to see rave reviews. I am glad that I had justified the vision of my director.
Were you hesitant in playing the role of a homosexual professor in ‘Aligarh’?
I don’t understand, why everyone is asking me this question (Laughs). No, I wasn’t hesitant after spending 22 years in the industry. Fears and insecurities had never been a part of my personality. If the script in enough convincing and if I believe in doing justice to it, it hardly matters.
What kind of research you did to play a homosexual professor in ‘Aligarh’?
There was not sufficient information available. Eventually Hansal had enough material to make a film initially. Professor Siras was suspended from the university, though he won the case, unfortunately he was found dead suspiciously. In the film, I don’t want to show him as a poor old man, I want to show him as a dignified man.
How was the experience with Rajkumar Rao in ‘Aligarh’?
Rajkumar had started his career from my film ‘Chittagong’. He is a good man, we keep meeting at each others places and share ideas. I just want to bless him for keep doing good work in the industry.
How do you feel ‘Aligarh’ being screened in various film festivals?
It feels amazing that ‘Aligarh’ got good response at Busan Film Festival and London Film Festival. The good part is audience kept changing but the appreciation didn’t.
Is it a conscious effort to do offbeat cinema?
Yes, these are the things I am trained in. I had never gone to a dance school, never took action training. I am not fit for commercial cinema.
FDA has issued a notice against you on pan ban, what’s your reaction?
I am out of that endorsement. The ones who are doing would be able to react on it.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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