Manjot Singh, best know for his performance in Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!, is excited about his upcoming film Fukrey Returns. The actor believes that the Hindi film industry is changing its attitude towards actors with a turban and that the acceptance of Diljit Dosanjh is a prime example.
In a chat with IANS, Manjot, who won a filmfare at the age of 16 for his performance in Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!, spoke about how his dream is coming true slowly but surely. Asked 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 (brother) 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 Dibakar Banerjee’s film, Manjot has worked with filmmakers like Vikramaditya Motwane, Anurag Kashyap, Karan Johar and Tony D’Souza for films like Udaan, Student Of The Year and Azhar, apart from Fukrey that won him appreciation from the audience.
Reflecting upon it, he said: “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 also wishes to work with Diljit Dosanjh some day.
Asked if his success and a long list of fan followers made any change in his personality, Manjot said: “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.”
Recommended
As an actor, Manjot wants to experiment with more shades of different characters and he will soon be doing one of such films.
“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 F*cked 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,” he said.
Fukrey Returns will release on December 8.
Feature Image: YouTube