"Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!" famed actor Manjot Singh, thrilled
about his forthcoming movie "Fukrey Returns", tells the Hindi film
industry is changing its attitude towards actors with a turban and that the
acceptance of Diljit Dosanjh is a major example.
He was 16 when he featured in "Oye Lucky! Lucky
Oye!" in 2008 and received a Filmfare Critics Award for the Best Actor
category for it.
In a conversation with an agnecy, Manjot spoke about how his
dream is coming true slowly but surely.
Questioned if he feels the pressure of having limited roles
in the Hindi film industry because he wears a turban, Manjot said, "No,
not really, because I can see how things are changing. For instance, Diljit
paaji is opening the door for us with films like ‘Udta Punjab' and ‘Phillauri'.
People loved him everywhere. So I know, even I will get my share of
opportunity, and no, I did not think of cutting my hair or removing my turban
for a role."
Having made his debut in 2008 with a Dibakar Banerjee movie,
Manjot has worked with filmmakers like Vikramaditya Motwane, Anurag Kashyap,
Karan Johar and Tony D'Souza for movies like "Udaan", "Student
Of The Year" and "Azhar", apart from "Fukrey" that won
him appreciation from the viewers.
Reflecting upon it, he told, "When I started acting in
films, I made a wish list of being associated with a film that will become such
a big hit that producers will make a sequel of that. With ‘Fukrey', Babaji ne
meri sun liya (God heard me). I am so fortunate."
He has a new wish.
"I know I am young and have a long way to go, but I am
a huge Diljit Dosanjh fan and I so wish to work with Diljit paaji."
Questioned if his success and a long list of fan followers
made any change in his personality, Manjot told, "No, I am to an extent
like Lali (his character's name from 'Fukrey'). I am still the simple and to an
extent an innocent guy. Perhaps that is why I can relate with Lali so much and
play him on screen easily. But yes, now I have grown up and changes have come
not only on my face but also in personality. I was a shy child and very
introvert as you know, but now I am better... At least I talk if not start the
conversation. Earlier, I used to observe and listen. I am in a learning
process."
As an actor, Manjot wants to experiment with more shades of diverse
characters and he will soon be doing one of such movies.
"I personally believe that I can play a serious role,
but people mostly offer me comedy. Last year, I did a film with Abhay (Deol)
sir. I hope that releases soon. I have played a very different character from
all my previous work. The working title of the film is 'Situation Normal All
Fucked Up (SNAFU)' where I am playing a different character and the director
told me why others have not explored the actor side in me. I just hope the film
releases and people get to watch me like that," told Manjot.
"Fukrey Returns" will release on December 8.
