Yogesh Mishra | yogesh@bollywoodtown.in
The character of Raj Bansal in Ghayal Once Again has given a new height to the actor Narendra Jha who is basically from Madhubani district of Bihar but now has become the of the most popular face in Bollywood. He was first noticed in Haider but now after sharing screen with Sunny Deol with an impactful character he has now become the favourite of millions. While doing a Face- 2-Face discussion with him, he revealed many hidden facts about his college life, initial challenges faced in Bollywood and many such incidents that have given big learning which actually helped him to grow in life and career…
Tell us something about your early days?
I am basically from Madhubani district of Bihar. My father was a principal of a higher secondary school there. I passed out high school from my village only. I completed my intermediate from Darbhanga and graduation from Patna. Then for post graduation I went to Delhi. After completion of my post graduation, like other typical Biharis, I also started preparation for Civil Services but soon after the first attempt I lost my interest in that and taken admission in Shree Ram Centre and completed my acting course and did couple of plays there. Then I moved to Mumbai.
How did you start your career in Bollywood?
I had no links and connections in Bollywood. I had nobody out here to guide me so I was completely confused how to start my acting career here. Meanwhile, I met one of my friend who was a fashion photographer. He suggested me to do modeling and he did my photo session. Since then… I never looked behind. I did so many ad films…. and there was a time when I said no to ad films. Then I started my career from a TV serial Shanti. During that period I was selected in ABCL. Since ABCL was not in good shape that time so again I had to go back to the TV industry and I did some good shows like- CID Officer, Itihaas, Chhoona Hai Aasmaan etc. Parallel I started working with Shyam Benegal. With him I did Netaji Shubhash Chandra Bose and Samvidhaan. Then I also acted in few South Indian films directed by GB Iyer and Raja Mauli etc, then Haider happened and suddenly I was noticed which was followed by Hamari Adhuri Kahaani. Now I have Force2, Mohenjo Daro, Raees and of course the recent release Ghayal Once Again.
How Haider impacted your career?
Haider impacted my career a lot. This was critically acclaimed movie and my character was noticed. For that matter I would like to thank all the critics. Because of Haider I got a chance in Ashutosh Gowariker’s Mohenjo Daro. I thank to Ashutosh Gowariker who did not take my audition and finalised me directly for that role.
How did you get the entry in Ghayal Once Again?
I was recommended by Manoj Tewari from Sunny Deol’s team. I went there and met Sunnyji. He confirmed me straight away for the role of Raj Bansal. Without any audition and look test I was confirmed for that role. I wore my costumes first time on the day of shooting only. Normally, if not audition then at least look test happens almost everywhere but here I was confirmed directly.
How do you find Sunny Deol as an actor and director?
I haven’t watched him much as an actor but he is a brilliant director. I loved working with him and found great sense of direction in him. His direction part is so much powerful and convincing that any actor would love to work with him.
After release of Ghayal Once Again, do you feel that industry has got Narendra Jha as a replacement of Amrish Puri?
How can I compare myself with such a legendry actor like Amrish Puri Saab? That was a different time when Ghayal part-1 released and now this is different time and different genre. But yes, if someone compares me with actor like Amrish Puri I definitely feel proud.
What next after Ghayal Once Again?
Currently I am working with Jaydeep Chopra’s 2016 The End. This is a beautiful story. Apart from that I have Mohenjo Daro, Raees, Force2 and talks are on for couple of more movies..
What role are you playing in Ashutosh Gowariker’s Mohenjo Daro?
(While laughing).. No No No I can’t tell you at this point of time, but I can say this is an impactful character that I am playing in Mohenjo Daro.
You have worked in a movie called Swami Shraddhanand few years back. Any incident you would like to share while working with that film?
Yes, did it with director Onkar Nath Mishra. Because of this character I turned bald. (Swami Shraddhanand was a…) This is a spiritual movie and I learned a lot from this. While working in this movie I met lot of Aarya Samaji’s who are real Desh Bhakt and I got inspired from them. Yes I enjoyed working in this movie.
Would you like to say anything about Director Onkar Nath Mishra?
Onkarji is such a fantastic man. I am always there for him. Whenever he will call me for any role, I will be there for him. He called me up recently and said a very heart touching line that- ‘I am working on a project that I do not want to do without you’. Without asking anything else I asked him to tell me when and where to come. And I did it for him. I am always there for him. Again if tomorrow he says that Narendra I have a role for you, then I will go and do it. He is very honest and nice person, very much spiritual and he is a good thinker. He thinks a lot. Tell me how many are there like Onkarji in our country who thinks about our culture, Vedas and Upnishads etc. He is the person who still understands the values of all this.
Is there anybody in Bollywood whom you follow or imitate?
No.. no.., I have worked with Hrithik Roshan, John, Sunny and Shah Rukh like stars. They all are very hard working and fantastic actors. But for me, following someone means losing our own identity. As an actor I don’t think I should imitate or follow someone. Sometimes yes, I can be inspired with someone but following someone? No.. no..
Any message for our readers?
I would say- life is beautiful, enjoy every moment and be good for your country. Khush raho, mast raho…
