Yogesh Mishra | yogesh@bollywoodtown.in
Shreyas Talpade shot to fame with his critically acclaimed debut film, Iqbal. After that, although his other films like “Dor” and “Welcome to Sajjanpur” created a space for him in Bollywood, in a true sense, Apna Sapna Money Money, Om Shanti Om, Houseful, and Golmaal-like movies gave a boost to his career. Currently, he is working on Kangana Ranaut’s most-awaited movie, “Emergency,” and a few others. In an exclusive interview with Yogesh Mishra, he spoke about his favorite Bollywood actors and films, his view on whether OTT is a threat to the big screen, upcoming projects, and more.
You gave a mind-blowing voiceover in Pushpa. Did you ever imagine before its release that this film was going to be a blockbuster? And what about Pushpa 2?
Well, no one knows what the fate of a particular film is going to be until it releases. I think the same was the case with Pushpa. I’m very fortunate to be a part of that blockbuster, just through my voice. All of them worked for more than 100 days. I worked for eight or nine days. But the love and adulation that I’ve gotten is on par with all the other actors and technicians involved with the film. That makes me very happy and fortunate, and I’m humbled by the response that I have received for Pushpa 1, because my only brief for Pushpa 1 was to make sure that I justified the fantastic performance that Mr. Allu Arjun has portrayed on screen. I’m glad that it reached out in that manner to people across the country and the world, and they appreciated it. Pushpa 2, as far as that is concerned, I hope I’m a part of that, because who wouldn’t want to be a part of a fantastic, successful franchise, right? So, I think they are still in the process of shooting. We haven’t formally spoken yet, but yes, having said that, I would love to be a part of Pushpa 2.
Who is your favourite Bollywood actor and why?
My favourite actor has always been Mr. Bachchan (Amitabh Bachchan). I think it shouldn’t be the question of why, because everybody knows the answer. Whatever he has done is so inspiring. Obviously, we, as actors, will never be able to achieve this in this lifetime. So, yes, he is a huge inspiration and my favourite.
Out of your films only, which is closest in your heart?
Yes, Iqbal will always be very special for me; it was my first film, and because of Iqbal, I have been able to reach here. There are other films that are also my favorites, like Dor, Welcome to Sajjanpur, the Golmal series, and Kaun Pravin Tambe, but Iqbal will remain my all-time favourite.
OTT has not just changed the industry but has also given viewers a wide range of content. Do you personally feel it can be a threat to the big screen in the long run?
OTT can never be a threat to the big screen. There was a time when we had a VHS and then DVDs and VCDs, but the theaters remained the same and flourished and grew in number. Similarly, OTT is one more option; we are viewing some great content, but it cannot be a threat to any of the other mediums, for that matter, and least of all, the big screen. Watching a film on a big screen is an experience people of all age groups want to have. So, I don’t think OTT is a threat to the big screen.
What are your upcoming projects?
My upcoming projects are: there is a film with Huma Qureshi and Saqib Saleem called Single Salma; then there is one more film with Sangeeth Sivan sir; and, of course, there is Emergency. There is also a surprise, which I will reveal a little later. Right now, I’m working on a couple of productions, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed and hoping for the best.
