Yogesh Mishra | yogesh@bollywoodtown.in
Actress Manjari Fadnnis is known for her roles in both Bollywood & South Indian films. Her filmography includes Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, Grand Masti, Warning, Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon, Khamakha (an award-winning short film) & more recently Barot House, Freelancer & many more. In an exclusive conversation with Yogesh Mishra, she discussed her most recent film, Pune Highway, her upcoming ventures, her patriotic song that released on this Independence Day, and more.
Tell us something about your latest released movie, Pune Highway?
Pune Highway is a film based on an acclaimed play by the same name. Pune Highway is a lot of things… It’s a story of these very close-knit group of childhood friends, a dead body floating on a lake 150Kms away from them, & how their lives see the ripple effects of it.
Pune Highway released in theatres & then on Amazon Prime on July 4. It got a lot of good reviews. It was critically acclaimed. On Amazon Prime, it was one of the most watched movies for a couple of weeks. I really enjoyed my role in the film. It was very different & interesting from what audience normally see me doing.
What character are you playing in Pune Highway?
I’m playing Natasha Khandelwal in Pune Highway. She’s one of the boys being the only girl in this childhood group of friends. She’s the most loved persons in the group. They all Dote on her. She’s somebody who loves her friends, can do anything for them, to protect them even if that means sacrificing herself. Or even beating up someone. Haha…. It was a fun role. The most fun I had was a scene in which i have a catfight with Ketaki Narayan onscreen. Had never don’t something like that on or off screen. We had a blast shooting that. & that scene got tremendous love from audience.
How did you get on board with this film? Like, who approached you first?
Bugs directed me in Barot House under the same banner TYY Productions, which had me & Amit Sadh. I have had a wonderful association with this team since Barot House in 2019 & had done another film with them called Pigeon. So, Bugs approached me for this role, saying ‘Manjari I have a great role for you! When do u want to listen to it!’ I told him that I’m doing it already. Even before I heard it. Of course, later when I heard it I was even more excited about the role. I completely trust Bugs Bhargava as a director & I know whenever he’s come to me with a role, it has always been very interesting & challenged me as an actor. He’s a brilliant director & has always believed in me as an actor whose limits he can push. & I’m so grateful for that.
What is your upcoming film or web series?
There is a Hindi film of mine that is directed by the National Award winning Gajendra Ahire, called Zindagi Namkeen. And then there’s a film called Penthouse which is an Abbas-Mustan film. I’ve played a cameo in that. Then there is Pigeon again directed by Bugs. Apart from Acting I’m also working on some Music. I in fact just released a song on August 15, for the Independence Day, which I of course sang but also for the 1st time tried doing Music production for independently.
Please shed some light on that song?
Saare Watan Ka Pyaara is a very beautiful soulful patriotic song that actually my Nani taught me when I was five years old. And so, it’s very close to my heart. I used to sing it in all my schools (Dad being in Army & the transfers every 3 years) for Independence Day & Republic Day & had also won some Interschool Singing Competitions with that song. So, while i was learning Music Production, I thought why not start with this song which has so many childhood memories attached to it.
So, after the success of this song, would you like to go for a full-fledged production house?
I’m taking life as it comes. I will surely produce a lot of music in times to come. But a full-fledged Production House, time will
tell.
You were part of Kapil Sharma’s Kis Kis Ko Pyaar Karun, and part 2 is under production. Are you part of part 2?
No, I’m sadly not in it. As far as i know it’s an entirely new cast. At least the girls.
So, have you had any talk with Kapil?
I remember meeting him last year for Ganpati… & once in a while i check in him as a friend. I’m very fond of him. He’s a great guy.
Any particular project you wish to do in near future?
I really wish to do a beautiful romantic film. I mean, that’s one thing I’ve really missed out on till now. I grew up watching & loving rom-coms & I really want to be leading one that’s truly heart-warming, light-hearted, a beautiful film that’s good for the soul. & Also! I really wish to headline a Great Biopic. To completely get into the soul of a beautiful strong real person that once lived & loved & inspired people will be a dream come true. & there’s 1 film I want to do is one where I get to act alongside some Wildlife, a film that can tell a beautiful story about a true Animal & Human Bond. Hahah I have a big wish list!
Any message for your fans and the readers of Bollywood Town?
First of all, I want to thank them that they have given me so much love over all these years. Being an actor, a lot of our work depends on how much our audience loves us. I have been in the industry for so many years and am still going so strong; it is all thanks to the love of my audience. So Thankuuu all with all my heart!
