Sumeet Mishra | mumbai@bollywoodtown.in
Actor Manoj Bajpai is very often praised for his powerful role in his film. This time around the actor is in news for his latest release ‘Aligarh’ where he portrayed the role of a gay professor. Here the actor speaks about his recent released film ‘Aligarh’.
Since the day trailer of ‘Aligarh’ is out, people are talking a lot about it. How do you look at it?
It is a good thing for the film because the people who have not seen the film have a curiosity to watch it, plus they also want to interact with us. A small film has become so big! Today it is more than just a film. A film like ‘Aligarh’ made on a small budget, on a sensitive issue and with an old fragile man has grown so much in the eyes of media and people that it feels unbelievable.
What was that thing which made you go for this film?
There were few things like the script and the role was very interesting. Also it is the story of an old guy whose life is unnoticed. I realised the potential that this character had and that if I do it well, it would be a milestone in my career.
When you were approached for this gay role, what was going through in your mind?
First of all, gay is not a character. He is also a common man like us. He also has emotions, dreams, good things and bad things. Professor Siras was a person who was full of love. He used to hate fights and arguments. When people started ignoring him, he locked himself in a room. But when people reached inside that room also, he filed a case against them. He used to love poetry, painting, Aligarh University and Aligarh city. He was so much in love with Aligarh city that in 30 years he never went back to his native place, Nagpur. The movie is titled Aligarh because of his love and affection towards the city.
You are also on Twitter. So what sort of comments do you get from the people?
Generally, I get really good comments from people, it’s very rare that I receive any bad comments. Plus I am among those blessed actors who are popular because of their work and not for anything else.
To 377, then. This is probably the first time you’re dabbling in such sort of a role. What is your stand on the entire LGBT debate?
It should be scraped off. Supreme Court has referred this case to a five-judge constitution bench, which is a very positive step. So Supreme Court is actually thinking about it in a right direction. I really hope that something nice will come out.
Do you think that the attitude of society towards people with different sexual inclination has changed over the years and that it is becoming more accepting of the sexual minority?
Society is very accepting, only a minority section from that is speaking against it. People who are not informed and can’t see other people happy are opposing it. It’s a democratic nation; everyone should have equal rights. And I am happy that the highest authority of India, Supreme Court, is looking into the matter.
You have known Hansal Mehta since long. How do you find him as a director?
He is a very different director all together. From the time I had first met him till now, he has been an excellent director with a great clarity. He is also a very daring director. Only a brave director like him can think of making Aligarh at this point of time.
What would you like to say about your co-star Rajkumar Rao?
He is a very generous, kind and respectful person. He is very clear in what he wants to be known as and what kind of actor he wants to become. And everybody already knows how good an actor he is.
What are your next projects?
Saat Luchakke is coming after of months, post that Missing Duranto will release. Traffic the hands of Fox, so ask theal they are going to release it (Laughs).
