Actor Manjot Singh, who won a Filmfare award for his debut film ‘Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!’ (2008) found even more popularity for his role in ‘Fukrey’ (2013). In a recent interview, the 29-year-old actor shared how he became an actor by luck, and was told that it would be difficult for him to find roles because of his religion.
As per a report in The Indian Express, he said,
“Coming from a non-filmy background, I never thought I will be making money through films. I was 16 when I started in this industry and it happened by luck. In a short span of time, I worked with some big names. Though sometimes there is that urge of doing something bigger, but I am content with what I am getting because I know I will grow.”
He further talked about how he wants to grow as an actor first, despite having an urge of doing something bigger, “So, the offers that were coming I didn’t wish to do and things I wanted to do, weren’t coming my way. I was not satisfied with the offers I was getting. So that was a phase where I felt easy nahi hai (it’s not easy). Sitting at home, I was studying and at the same time I was getting films. I was earning good money too, (I thought) life is amazing. But reality check tab pata chalta (you get a reality check) when you have to wait for the right thing.”
On getting lead roles that were not meaty enough, he stated, “After Fukrey, I think ek time aaya tha ke mere paas do saal tak kaam nahi tha (there was time when I did not get work for two years). It’s not like I didn’t get offers. I was offered lead roles but I thought I was not ready. If you come in a lead role without a godfather in the industry, and you do not deliver, then you are left with no other chance. So, first, I want to be fully prepared and then I will take up different roles.”
On his difficulty to find roles, he recalled an incident that happened with his casting manager, HT reports. He narrated,
“So, they took my portfolio. After a few days, they reverted saying that ‘since you are a sardar, it is quite difficult for us to search a role for you’. I was shocked. If you check my 10-year-long career, 90% of them are hit films…”
He also talked about bagging only comic roles despite his strong start. He stated,
“I want to make people cry. Also, I am a die-hard romantic and I want to show that on-screen. I hope someday someone will perceive the idea of a Sardar romancing on-screen with a turban. However, I am happy people are accepting Sikh characters now. I won’t say they are still accepted completely, but yes the progress is there.”
Finally, on being asked how important social media is for him, he replied saying that he’s not into social media and “feels a person has a personal life and it is very important for one to enjoy that. I don’t like to tell people what I am eating today. I don’t want to reveal everything about my life.”. He added, “Even Ranbir Kapoor is not on social media, see the kind of fan following he has.”
What do you think of his revelations? Tell us.
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