‘Aligarh Improved Me As A Human Being’ Says Manoj Bajpayee – Exclusive

‘aligarh improved me as a human being’ says manoj bajpayee – exclusive

Aligarh released on February 26, 2015. Directed by Hansal Mehta and written by Apurva Asrani, the film starred Manoj Bajpayee and Rajkummar Rao in the lead roles. The film would go on to earn Bajpayee critical acclaim, and a Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Ramchandra Siras. As Aligarh crosses nine years, Manoj Bajpayee opens up on his landmark film. Excerpts from the interview:

Hansal Mehta’s Aligarh has completed nine years…

Yes, it is a big thing. I remember how it was dismissed as a non-viable subject when it was announced. Even before it could reach the audience the trailer was given an ‘A’ certificate. That meant it couldn’t be shown on television or satellite.

That must have been a huge damper?

It made us feel completely handicapped when we were promoting the film. We went through all kinds of obstacles making and promoting the film. Today it is known as a cult classic, and counted among my finest performances. And I would always look back at those memories of Aligarh as highly important to my career.

In what way?

Aligarh gave my career a new direction. Films like Aligarh, Gali Guleiyan and Bhonsle took my performing abilities to another level. They showed me where to go ahead from that juncture in my career.

Aligarh featured you as a homosexual professor who was disgraced for his sexual preference…

Aligarh will always remain a very special film. It was lauded all over the world. It was even mentioned in the Supreme Court. Most off all, Aligarh got me a lot of respect. The character in Aligarh, Ramchandra Siras corrected me.

What do you mean?

It improved me as a human being. I was not Manoj Bajpai when I was doing Aligarh. I was Ramnchandra Siras. I felt his spirit guiding me.

Coming to Kaun, it completes 25 years?

Kaun was a game-changer for me, I’d say. As soon was Ram Gopal Varma was released we were already shooting for Kaun in Panvel and when we were making it, we realised it was completely off the cuff for those days.

More than even Satya?

Yes, if Satya was unconventional for its times, Kaun was even more of that. When it released, audiences were taken aback. Kaun did well. Look at the format, the storytelling, the way it was shot by Ramu. For a film as unconventional as Kaun to do well in the movie theatres is, I think, a miracle.

I remember watching Kaun in a single theatre in a packed morning show to a rapt audience?

Exactly! It was a miracle. Today it would go straight to the OTT. But at that time it recovered its money. And I give all the credit to Mr Ram Gopal Varma for believing in this subject. He really stood by the project. He made sure it would happen.

You and Ramu shared a very special bond?

I’ve seen him make Satya, Kaun and Shool happen. He really poured all his conviction into Kaun and made sure it was completed and promoted /marketed well. When I look back I feel truly grateful to that one man called Ram Gopal Varma who singlehandedly changed the course of the Hindi film industry.