A cleaner Sea?

Gorai, a beach in Mumbai, is in a location so much aloof from Mumbai. Presently, I am shooting for a film here and staying in a nearby club. The location is almost forty minutes away and living out of Mumbai’s speed and noise is very soothing. Though it’s sad to notice that the beach is very dirty. When’ll people learn to keep them clean? When will the Govt. and administration pay heed?

There are these foreign beaches, situated on city side; their beauty is worth seeing. On the other hand there are Indian beaches, brimming up with garbage. And one can’t find space to even step in there.

At least that is how the scene is where I’m shooting. My brother just called to tell me about the plans of my family for vacationing. I too feel like leaving everything and going back to my village for some time but the circumstances won’t allow me to go. And like everyone, I too feel nostalgic about my place, but I may get a chance to go there sometime in March/ April. This feeling however gave me a question that why did we ever grow up? How did our work become so big that we had to leave everything? But the very next moment prophesied that it was never about meeting the ends but my true love for acting that brought me into this profession. It was always about my passion. But nevertheless, I miss my village.

I have just been able to shrink my shooting time a bit and write this post. We’ll surely talk more next time.

With this
Love
Yours
Manoj Bajpayee

Media Sould not highlight statements which divide country

It has been a long time. Shooting for 'Rajneeti', promotion for movie 'Jail', meetings thereafter and some personal works kept me on my toes all this while. The good thing is that people in general have liked Jail and they have appreciated my performance as well. I request all of you who haven't watched the film as yet, should go to the nearest theatre to watch it. I don't know how much sucessful this film would or the amount of cash it would rake in, I only know that I have been able to do justice with my role. I liked working with Madhur, learnt a lot of things and made a lot of new friends.

These days, people have been asking a lot of questions about language. Some of the politicians have made linguistic and regional issues as their political agenda. Even media is making efforts to highlight their actions, their unworthy statements, making them heroes. Starting from 6 in the morning, such statements keep running as headlines all through the day and then you are asked to give comments on such frivolous statements. I have clarified my position a long time ago, about two years back in a meeting with mediapersons. At that time, I had appealed to politicians to not to give such statements as well as media not to highlight them. If they do so, don't expect us to react to such statements every other day.

But I can just request. Rest depends on those politicians and the media themselves. Who am I to give them directions? But, let me make one thing clear. I am not going to give comments on such statements. I have already registered my protest, against such narrow-minded, language and region-based political agenda. I won't comment on those headlines every second day because I believe there are a lot of other things happening around us, which could otherwise become headline.

Anyway, I will keep coming back to you. I have been trying to talk about your comments since a long time. I will try to do so in my next post.

I will once again request you to watch movie Jail. We have put in a lot of effort in its making. Whether you like it or not, do let me know about your reaction.

My fidgety taste buds….

I am in Bhopal presently, shooting the last schedule of ‘Rajneeti’. During the whole shoot of this film too much indulgence in food prevailed. Though I sometimes exercised too but wondered about the restlessness of my tongue. In Bhopal, every other day we are treated with chicken biryani or a mutton dish. The end of a day’s lunching is immediately followed by planning the other day’s menu. It seems that I am failingly trying to keep my weight in control; reason being the uncertainty behind coming back to Bhopal for shooting again. After almost two and a half years of leaving smoking have I been able to enjoy the real taste of food. And it feels great. It wasn’t so when I was a smoker.

I’d be back to promoting ‘Jail’ afer ‘Rajneeti’ is over. In ‘Jail’, I am playing the character of a jail inmate who’s awarded a life sentence and has left all his hopes to God.

When Madhur offered me this film, I was ready to work in it already without even knowing the story because we have known each other since the days of our struggle. He used to assist Ram Gopal Verma and had also started searching independent work for himself. And I was shooting for Daud with Ram Gopal Verma. We have been great together and ‘Jail’ is certainly a great film.

Madhur makes mainstream films only but his choice of subjects and direction apparently reflects into a film differently and effectively. I find his films confronting the society and I quite like that approach and treatment. I know his film shall be liked by the audiences and now it would be interesting to see the number of people who’ll go watch the movie. I wish Madhur and the team good luck and success. Viewers will have a huge say in the success of ‘Jail’. Watch ‘Jail’ and feel free to appreciate and criticize.

With this…
Yours
Manoj Bajpayee

Shooting at night…

It has been a long time since we talked last, so I thought of having a chat with you all. The latest news around these days is about internal conflicts in parties and Salman Khan buying an IPL team; and I am sufficiently bored of watching news on T.V now. So, I sleep. You may think that I’m out of work or something of that sort.

Actually, these days I am shooting in Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad, which is an hour and a half away from the city and there’s nothing in the vicinity except the studio. The studio has two good hotels where one stays when not shooting. So, there’s nothing else to do. I am waiting for my shooting call and in the meanwhile watching T.V also. I also am waiting for the Acid Factory’s promos to air on TV.

I just spoke to the director of Acid Factory and he told me about a song being aired on a channel. In the next three-four days it’s probable that other promos are telecast. I am excited. My excitement is also because we shot the film in the same Ramoji Rao Studios for around a month and enjoyed it a lot.

Squandering here reminded me of those days. I have seen the film myself and think that it gives a full dose of entertainment. It’s a fast entertainer and I liked the film. Now it’s for you to decide how the film is. I won’t say anything further else I’ll be accused of promoting my film on this blog.

I’ll have to go to Bhopal in a few days time for Rajneeti’s shooting and I am so eagerly waiting for this. Also, I am waiting to meet Vijay, my friend of old times. Bhopal is a small but a very beautiful city. I have done some shooting there before and it’ll be exciting to go back again.

These days I am shooting at night and I extremely dislike shooting at night, whatsoever. No matter how much I try to get my director to wind up my work by 12-1 AM, I get no success. The directors somehow fail to understand that I can’t continue to be efficient and energetic at night. This has been a problem with me since I can remember but a commitment is a commitment after all. So be it.

Today I’ll have to stay awake at night again and this is already giving me shivers. I am now waiting for my director’s call.
With this….
Yours
Manoj Bajpayee.

Swine flu…..Oh!...swine flu.

Swine Flu is a panic word that these days can be heard almost everywhere. All around a wave of tension has filled in the air and there are no more masks even after the whole panic attack. People are sending ayurvedic and homeopathic treatments to their loved ones and everyone is fairly concerned about everyone else.

Newspapers, news channels and other sources of information are adding to the apprehensions of people and all of a sudden everyone is so paranoid about getting infection themselves. A mere headache or pains in the leg have become ‘symptoms’ for the flu. People are too anxious and it’s very visible. I think, if the Govt. permits private hospitals to conduct swine flu tests, under supervision, many apprehensions would be solved. Long queues of people waiting for the check-up, aired on TV channels not only scared me but many others too.

Well, this is what I think. I was shooting for a Telugu film and its schedule has been cancelled. As a result I may have to stay at home for almost ten days now; dates of other actors are a problem. This is so common in our profession. Preparations for shooting ‘Rajneeti’ have been started and I have met Prakash Jha for the same. I’ll go there tomorrow too. Also, I just completed dubbing for my animated ‘Ramayan’ but the moment I reached home I saw swine flu laden channels.

My friend Vishal Bharadwaj’s film ‘Kaminey’ is releasing and I’ll definitely go to watch it in the theatre. Though I am worried about contacting various people; the fear is the flu and not the people. And like a conscious citizen I know I should take precautions. But I’ll definitely go watch Kaminey because I love Vishal’s films.

With this…
Your
Manoj Bajpayee

Happy to prove myself…

These days I often visit Hyderabad. Hyderabad has the Telugu film industry and people there start working from 7 in the morning. My friend and actor Ashish Vidyarthi is actively busy with Telugu films and according to him children in Andhra Pradesh are made to work hard since childhood and the Telugu industry is no exception. People in Mumbai are professional too but working in Telugu film was a new experience for me altogether. It seemed like I had never worked so hard before. My directors were happy with my work and I felt like I proved myself on their standards of hard work.

I’m busy with my continuous shooting schedule these days. I leave for work at 6.30 and reach my hotel at around 8 PM. This is followed by a one and a half hour exercise regime in the gym, so by 9 I’m in my hotel again. After this I meet up with my fellow stars from Mumbai staying in the same hotel, dine with them and go to bed at around 11. This is my current daily schedule.

I also went to Mumbai for two days. ‘Acid Factory’ is releasing on 3rd October and its promotion/publicity work has been laid before media. After several weeks of hard work, all the actors of the film were together in this event and it was great meeting them after such a long time. The venue was Sanjay Gupta’s home and everyone stayed back late till 3 AM even after the program was over; no one wanted to go back! After watching the film, everyone was satisfied with the outcome and I think this adds to the experience of making a film.

The promos of the film will be on air in a week or two. I assure you that if you want to enjoy a clean thriller: ‘Acid Factory’ is the film. The decision however lies in your discretion. I’ll be with you to share my experiences all through.

Till then
Yours
Manoj Bajpayee

I don’t just write, I read too

I haven’t seen anyone as big as Michael Jackson ever. MJ, a star that was known everywhere, be it America or just another lane of my village. A controversial life without the loved ones, a lonesome singer in search of love and a successful career is what defines Michael Jackson. Now that he’s no more, there’s a void of losing such a talent. We may not be able to witness a star of his potential in the times to come. May his soul rest in peace and may God bless his children with good health and security.

In my last post I promised to reply to people’s comments and I’m very happy that people read my blog and give their opinions about the same.

In my post “Congested Mumbai” some readers agreed to what I said and I thank them for that. Actually I’m a bit innocent when it comes to civil engineering and may not have a sure solution for this but I’m sure that if experts in the field contemplate, they may come up with an effective solution.

In some post of mine, Mr. Irshad Ali and Mr. Vijay Wadnere asked me if I read others’ blogs or just mine. To them I’d like to say that I usually don’t get a chance to read all the blogs but whenever I do, I make sure I read them.
Also, Sandhya Arya in a post commented about regionalism. I think regionalism is a serious issue and it should be lamented. Politicians just care about their vote bank. I have so many friends who are Marathis and I mix up with common people. Everyone detests what happened and we have openly criticized about it on TV and newspapers. If anyone takes law in hand, he should be punished. We can’t sort it out by fighting with each other on this whole topic.

I wrote some posts while I was shooting in Karjat for my film Jail. During this, Rani Patrik commented on the post asking for something more than just Karjat. So let me mention here, that I’m no more in Karjat now, in fact, I’ve just moved to Hyderabad for shooting a friend’s Telugu film. The experience has been great. People here are very hard working and the food is awesome. It has been almost two and a half years since I left smoking and hence it’s even more exciting to explore new cuisine everywhere. I believe, food is an integral part of any region’s tradition and it encompasses the whole history. Rani ji, if you ever happen to come to Hyderabad, make sure you eat at a restaurant called ‘Anjpar’ in Panchguta. I’m sure you’ll enjoy the delicacies served on a banana leaf.

Also, looking at the reactions of some readers, it seems that some continue to take discussions forward to find solutions to a problem. Hemant Kumar, Girjesh Rao, Rajeev Ranjan, Anil Kant, Satish Pancham, Ajay Kumar Jha, Sagar Nahar, Pukhraj, Yayavar and others keep encouraging my efforts by commenting on my blog. It’s not however possible to take all names but thanks to all of you.

Some readers wanted to know about my upcoming films. My films are- Acid Factory, Jail and Rajneeti. We are working on all these projects and my films start releasing in September. Please do see them. I enjoyed working for them and I’m sure you too will enjoy watching them.

With this…
Yours
Manoj Bajpayee

Congested Mumbai!

There were fresh faces at the park this time and the evening walk was true bliss. The park right opposite to my building has been built in lesser space than usual and it’s mostly occupied with people from nearby localities which makes it congested. I’m afraid the space is getting lesser and lesser.

While strolling in the park that evening I realized that Mumbai has no open space anymore. Children parks are facing extinction and greenery is thinning. There are sky high buildings everywhere and SEZ’s around, about which I’m not much aware. Parks are being replaced by gymnasiums and trees are being cut owing to the so-called development. It’s a disastrous scene and the Govt. should think about it.

Amidst all this there is violence too. People are getting frustrated anywhere and everywhere; Shopian or Lalgarh. The Govt. should have a solution to get over all this. And why should this happen all the time that only when people act violently to get their voices heard, the Govt. responds.

The vote bank politics doesn’t seem to end; firstly, Lok Sabha elections and now the upcoming Vidhan Sabha elections. They are not even aware of the real problems of the masses and the masses themselves are following the herd mentality. We are being sidelined by ministers all the time and it’s high time we should question them. I’m just taking out my frustrations on this blog.

I cherish my readers’ comments on my blog. For my fellow readers who have complains regarding my not reading their comments, well, I read them all. It’s not always possible to respond to all of them but in my next post I’ll definitely try to.

With this…

Yours
Manoj Bajpayee

Protest, but legally

The news of the unfortunate Air France air crash was a shattering incident and thinking about the families of deceased, I feel extremely sorry. What would have been the state of those in the flight? Air journey is considered as one of the safest modes of transport but when an accident of this intensity happens anyone would think twice before opting for an air journey. My condolences are with everyone who has suffered the pain of losing their loved ones.

I saw on TV the Shramjeevi express carnage in which the protestors burned the train just because it didn’t stop on a few stations. No matter how important or legitimate the complain was, the way to demand it was definitely sickening and illegitimate. The trains and buses are meant to help the public and when these types of destruction happen forget about the stops, there’ll no more trains to travel on the first place.

There are many ways of registering a complaint and those should be used rather than killing people, hurting them, burning buildings and damaging buses. Are we not destroying our own property by indulging in all of this?

I just completed Madhur’s ‘Jail’ and am working to get back to the old and original Manoj Bajpayee now so that I can prepare for my next film. I’m planning to go to Hyderabad after which I’ll go to Delhi also. After meeting my in laws there I’ll stay with my parents and siblings.

I read somewhere about this particular actor whose blog is being read popularly and some channel has even made it into a program. These TV channel people just can make a half an hour program on even the weirdest of ant-elephant jokes. It’s not important how much the thing is read but important is its contemporariness, its genuineness and justification. I’m happy for being able to take out my frustrations on this blog. I’m happy that I don’t blame anyone and I’m happy that all the people who have joined me are my friends.

I wish that this journey of blogging goes on forever like this. Is it not the aim of a journey to reach the destination safely? Does the time matter? If not, the journey of my life, my acting and my blog continues.

For the ones who are with me, thanks and best.

Yours
Manoj Bajpayee

A birthday to remember..!

I’m in Karjat since a last few days. Karjat is not well connected hence it’s a problem being in touch with people. However, this is a relief in a way but considering the fact that life becomes difficult without a cell phone, it’s problematic at the same time. I’m staying in a resort in Karjat and opposite to my room stay Neil Nitin Mukesh. The best thing about Karjat is that it’s far from the hassles of Mumbai and hence peaceful.

It takes almost two hours from Mumbai to reach Karjat largely because of the traffic reasons. My resort is some 15 minutes away from the studio where we shoot and I’m usually needed in the late afternoon so I get up all relaxed, get my make up done and reach the studio on time.I celebrated my birthday on the 23rd April. I visited home early that morning so that my wife doesn’t feel my birthday being left out. Both of us believe that working on the birthday is auspicious. I was totally surprised by my film unit back in in Karjat when I was shooting for a scene and everyone suddenly appeared with a cake carrying my name and initially embarrassed me as I have never ever celebrated my birthday like this before. Everyone sang the birthday song, wished me and the cake was cut. It was an emotional moment for me and I truly thank everyone for this wonderful and heart warming gesture.

‘Jail’ has been a fairly good experience as of now and I pray to God for the same ahead too. I personally believe that an experience during the making of a film is more important than the film itself, only then can a film be good. Though I won’t be able to talk much about the film but my character is an introvert sort and it gives a totally different sensitivity being able to express such difficult emotions of this character.

I know Madhur Bhandarkar since 14 years now. We struggled together and I now feel very happy for his success on a personal level. When Madhur offered me this role, I said yes without much thinking as I wanted to be part of his success. I have left everything else on Madhur and know that he’ll honestly justify my role. I’m enjoying a one day break and am planning to go to Mumbai too. I’ll continue writing on my blog and hope that the life continues with its full pace too.

With this…
Love
Yours
Manoj Bajpayee

Enough is enough

Enough is enough. I have grown indifferent to reading papers and watching news. Hail politicians for this. The politicians this time have crossed all the boundaries insulting their fellow counterparts. Pulling each others legs, abusing and an evil intent to kill the rivals has become a routine occurrence this elections. However, despite this fact one has to understand the importance of voting in a democracy. We’ll have to choose someone from this lot only, so no other option. A voter of this democracy has completely lost his confidence in the language, speech and the leaders themselves. Presently, no political party can claim that they haven’t disappointed the citizens. Every party has. Every leader has.

16 is far and God knows what all is yet to come. The elections are more or less a joke with no firm values, no manifesto, no ideology and obviously no politics. Interestingly, these aspiring Prime Ministers firmly assert their election. Sadly, what if these incompetent people take the highest seat? I say, we shouldn’t lose hope. Lawlessness would one day maybe lead to a better path and yield responsible inhabitants.

I’m busy with ‘Jail’ presently and will be off to Karjat for an outdoor shoot. It would be like living in Mumbai and still being away; away from the crowd and hassles and lawlessness. Also, I’ll try to use my right to vote with sincerity as this is the only right which WE can fully utilize. I ask everyone not to go by the party name and candidature whatsoever and only vote for the person’s work and character.

With this
Love
Yours
Manoj Bajpayee

A change…

Since last few days I have been trying to get along with people personally who think I’m a difficult person to understand or have some preconceived untruths about me. I have been meeting them irrespective of their will to reconcile or otherwise.

Experimenting is a way to truth as it would not be always right to think of yourselves as a righteous person. Recently many such incidents happened when people believed certain things about me and held grudges I didn’t even acknowledge. Even after this, when I forwarded my hand of friendship towards them either the relations worsened or reconciled. This is the change I have been witnessing in my nature these days and it feels good. Here, one feels and tries to get over the sense of ‘I’.

Since a last few months, it has become my habit to praise someone’s work if I like it, no matter I know the person or not. For instance, I really adored the work of Nishikant Kamath, director of Mumbai Meri Jaan; Neeraj Pandey, director- A Wednesday; Diwakar Bannerjee, director of Oye Lucky; Anurag Kashyap, Dev D’s director; Delhi 6 director Rakeysh Mehra and actors of the film Gulal. And believe me, the satisfaction and happiness that appreciating them gave me was immense and unexplainable. Not that I didn’t like their work before. But earlier I didn’t specifically contact them solely for appreciating their work. This change has untied the knots inside me and the process is likely to go on.

Off late, I talked to my old friend Piyush Mishra regarding his music skills in the film Gulal. People now acknowledge his work and he’s being praised too. I have a learned a lot from him. We have experienced ups and downs together in life. I wish him all the success and happiness ahead. I have seen various sides of him and now it’s your turn to cherish the same. However, this is just a beginning.

Love
Yours
Manoj Bajpayee

I’m not the gangster in ‘Jail’

I’m just back from Bhopal after shooting ‘Rajneeti’. This was the last stage of the schedule and the next schedule is due in the first week of September when all the other actors would be available. Bhopal was an overall good experience and going out of Mumbai felt like taking a free breathe for the first time ever.

The shooting of my second film ‘Jail’ to be directed by Madhur Bhandarkar will start from the second week of April. Contrary to the rumors I would like to state that I’m not playing the gangster in the film. As of now I’ll be unable to reveal the details of my character, also, I’m off late working on my character for ‘Jail’.

Meanwhile, my parents and niece visited my place. I and my wife Shabana are very happy to be with them and are ensuring their comfortable stay in Mumbai.

Amid all this there are elections coming up and I’ve been following them up. It feels good to know that my friend Prakash Jha is contesting from Betia, Bihar. My father is very happy for him too and thinks that he’ll definitely win. According to my father, Prakash ji has worked a lot for the people of Betia and has spent a lot of time with them too. I think he deserves a win if he has worked selflessly for the betterment of people and I hope that Prakash ji not only wins the Lok Sabha but also prove himself as far as the wishes and aspirations of people are considered.

Someone asked me once if it fine for the people from the film industry to come into politics? I said, “It’s thousand times better than to elect a criminal. A film person is in someway or the other attached with the common masses and is sensitive to the feelings and needs of the people.

I hereby request all the voters to not go for party name and their symbols as such, rather choose the deserving candidate who in reality possesses the abilities to be their representative. I personally feel that elections are not a testing time for the candidates but for the voters actually. I wish that we use this opportunity and right intelligently and choose a civilized, smart, honest and just representative for ourselves and our Nation.

With this hope...

Love
Yours
Manoj Bajpayee

The quest is on…

The first schedule of Rajneeti ended in Bhopal today. I’m planning to return to Mumbai now after having a great time there. For the first time in life, I worked with Nana Patekar, Ajay Devgan, Arjun Rampal, Dayashankar Pande and Chetan and the wholesome experience was amazing. We struggled through shots but as always, I tried to put in my best efforts and energy to the scenes.

It usually happens that by the time you reach the hotel, you are mentally exhausted. Also, you need to be fit and hence exercising becomes important. It’s physically stressing. The busy schedule doesn’t allow any relaxations, but we need to work. Doing something that I am is something I had always dreamed about. And how many people in this world are doing things they desire? I really feel blessed in this context.

I’m meeting a good friend of mine, Vijay Jajauria. Vijay stays in Bhopal and we studied together at Delhi University. I have not been able to meet him since a long time owing to the distance between Mumbai and Bhopal. Last time when we met was when I was shooting for Shool in Bhopal. Whenever I come to shoot Rajneeti, I meet him and his family and I really feel so happy for him. He’s content with his family life and business life. He has seen enough of Delhi and Mumbai, but was always connected to Bhopal. He wanted peace and serenity more than anything, which is why he chose to live in Bhopal. Vijay is where he wanted to be and I’m so proud of him.

I’m going through such a phase in my life where I feel like living outside Mumbai. I love shooting in small towns and meeting people there. Seemingly big cities don’t appeal to me anymore but living in a city like Mumbai is a prerequisite for someone in a profession like me. So no choices.

I’m in a constant quest for searching peace and I’m sure that I’ll find a way out soon.

With this…

Love
Yours
Manoj Bajpayee

Can this debate stop now?!

Slumdog Millionaire was made, released and won accolades all over the world. We had a great contribution in the project and Indian talent was showcased on the biggest stage of the world. I wish A.R Rehman, Gulzar sahab and everyone who contributed in the success of the film.

Even after this journey of success, the debate on whether the West cashes on Indian poverty or not, is still on. We are in no way ready to accept that the ones who have been recognized have represented the whole nation and most importantly the film industry. But sadly, we are wasting our energies in pulling their legs. How do we prove that their recognition is not theirs? The same rotten debate is continuing on the relation between poverty and the so called cashiers of poverty.

I feel ashamed on witnessing such an intense hatred among people. If today someone has been acknowledged, there is a possibility of you being credited for something some day. And even if this doesn’t happen, remember that Satyajit Ray, Bhanu Athaiyya and the whole crew of Slumdog Millionaire has brought laurels to the Indian film industry and its music. But there are many who are envious of this glory.

This was a complain that I wanted to make here and take out my worries
hence. I have loads of love and wishes for Rehman, Rasul, Gulzar sahab and all the artists of the film, which I am offering through my blog. Kindly accept them.

I want that whosoever read this, kindly praise the glory of the actors of the film. Only then would their achievements be recognized as success.

With this…
Love
Yours
Manoj Bajpayee

Politics or “Rajneeti”

I went to shoot for Rajneeti to Bhopal for five days and was home yesterday. I was promoting Jugaad in the meantime. I also met some journalist friends of mine in Bhopal regarding the same. A day before the film release, a theater owner invited me where all media and fans gathered. It was a hearty gathering.

It has been a week since Jugaad released and there has been mixed reactions about the film. Some people praised the film while some considered it just another film. Frankly, I’m out of the Jugaad mode now and I have moved on towards my new film, with good memories of Jugaad in my heart. As always, I have tried my best to give a healthy entertainment to all.

A fan sent Jugaad’s review by Ajay Brahmatj to my blog. I’m very thankful to him and Ajay Brahmatj. Life of an actor is very interesting and we work really hard on films. After a film gets released, some people praise it while some criticize. Relaxing after getting praised and getting upset after hearing criticism is something we can’t do, so moving on is the only option.

Some people wanted to know my stance about getting into politics. During elections, mostly all the political parties send me invites for contesting elections as their candidate. I’m immensely thankful to them for visualizing me as their candidate. But, so far, I have not been able to see myself as an able politician. Also, I don’t have the courage to disown the actor inside me and take up politics. Acting and family claim most of my time and thus how will I be able to give time to politics?

I have all the time for my upcoming film Rajneeti and I’m enjoying every bit of the shooting experience. There are a lot of artists in the film and that’s a reason I have shooting on certain days and no work on the rest. When I don’t shoot, I wait for my day eagerly so that I can resume with the work as soon as possible.

Ramjas College, Delhi, invited me to their place and I’m really happy for their kind gesture. But as I have earlier mentioned too, I’m very busy these days and it will be very difficult for me to get through. Also, we have so many artists working in the film, hence it will be immensely difficult to get their dates again. Hence my inability. I’m thankful to the students of Ramjas College for inviting me through my blog.

I just got back home. I’m planning to complete some work and till then it would be time again to go to Bhopal. As of now I’m looking forward to completing some professional and family works. Will be back soon.

Love
Yours
Manoj Bajpayee

Jugaad: Would it be selfish

Jugaad is releasing on 12th February. And on this occasion it’s obvious for me to become a bit selfish and excite you by narrating the story so that you can catch up with the film as soon as possible.

Jugaad is inspired by the MCD sealing incident in Delhi. The film is not exactly about the sealing but is a story of struggle of a successful man whose office gets sealed overnight and he’s left with nothing. Film is a satire on the ‘Jugaad’ mentality which is prominent in our society and is used profusely. The film is a blend of humor and thought which will definitely force you to think.

Jugaad is a small budget film and many talented theatre artists are a part of it. Hours and days of hard work have been invested behind the whole outcome. The budget of the film is so less that a scene required crowd and hence the producer spread a rumor about Kareena Kapoor shooting in a nearby factory. As expected all the workers rushed to see her and we shot the whole sequence. A lot many similar instances happened during the whole film.

We faced many problems happily while shooting the film. The whole film has been shot in Delhi. My family stays in Delhi. My friends stay in Delhi too. I have memories of college and theatre in Delhi. Each street has its own share of nostalgia for me. Anda-paratha, Chole-kulche, Chikan tikka are a part of all this. I can recall all the time spent on the nooks and corners of streets while shooting for the film. I hardly remember a day when I stayed back in my room after shooting.

My hard work will be paid off if you like the film. I do films with full faith and trust. But sometimes I prove myself right and sometimes wrong. That’s how the medium I’m in is. The film is a family film which will not only entertain you but also will impart a meaningful social message.

If you appreciate the film, don’t forget to recommend it to your friends. Give your feedback about the film through my blog. Even if you don’t like the film, kindly let me know so that I could give my best and entertain you well next time.

With this hope

Love
Yours
Manoj Bajpayee

Maiden Republic Day celebration in the new building

Wishing everyone a very Happy Republic Day. May our country stand again and walk on path of peace forever. I wish that may our Prime Minister recover quickly and retain the service of our nation.

I attended my society’s meeting today. It feels great as I’m able to meet everyone and can also learn about the maintenance and other issues of the building. We hoisted the flag today and sang the National Anthem. The Republic Day got registered as the first Republic Day I celebrated in this building.

It has been an year now in the new building and everything seems so fine. Every year my home shifts that now no wall seems like a home anymore. Where there is family, there is home. This is a conflict of a city and its residents equally. They change houses one after the other but what remains is the family and objects of old memory. This is a city life and this is how life moves on. Today someone asked me if I’ll be living in this house or would leave it as well. ‘I don’t know’ was my inadvertent answer.

I think so because may be I never accepted any place other than my own village as my abode. But I’m happy. I’m happy because God has always showered his blessings on me and you people have always been around and loved me. My family has been there throughout. This means everything to me, so much that a four walled structure doesn’t matter.

On the occasion of Republic Day, I heartily wish you all and want your wishes too.

With this

Love
Yours
Manoj Bajpayee

Is everything actually changing?

Everything is changing. Our society, traditional ideologies and the education system is all changing, as they say. If they say so, may be the situation is actually changing. However, whatever has changed is very prominent. Barack Obama is the first black President in America’s history, for that matter. People are anticipating a thriving fineness now. Aspirations have increased and people are hoping. I say, may God make this happen.

Change is the need of this hour. Barack Obama is the President of
The US solely and not of any other country’s and ideally that’s how it should be. But it would be definitely better if we, as Indians concentrate on our own Nation, its needs and think about changing it. If someone asserts that our Nation is undergoing change, I would not completely agree to that looking at the present scenario.

The recent Satyam Scam has made us rethink about our own system. Amid this the only appreciable event that happened was the election of Omar Abdullah as the Chief Minister. It’s high time the next generation youth enter politics as only they can be looked upon as symbols of hope and aspirations.

I’m watching television at home and am somewhat jealous of the present transformation America is undergoing. I don’t clearly understand the consequences of American recession in the Indian market. The circumstances seemed fine earlier. I’m not competent enough to comment on this though but obviously some related thoughts cross my mind every now and then. I was just trying to share some feelings of anxiousness with you and will definitely continue it the next time too.

I saw a lot of comments on my blog; some of them questions and some suggestions. I will reply on the same as soon as I get time.

Love
Yours
Manoj Bajpayee

Jugaad

I am very worked up presently and busy working for my character in the upcoming film Raajneeti. Costume finalization, meeting with Prakash Jha twice/thrice a week, my family, reading scripts and promoting my upcoming film Jugaad are other things keeping me busy. There’s a lot to do and that’s the reason I’m unable to update my blog regularly.

I’m in Delhi right now for Jugaad’s promotion. Jugaa, my upcoming film, is a satirical humor with hints of seriousness. Jugaad, as everyone knows, is a frequently used word here. The film deals with this whole system of Jugaad, which will make you laugh and bring tears, hence I suggest it’s a must watch.

I will return to Mumbai in a day or two. Its election time now and my friends in Delhi want to know more about my interest in politics. I fear politics however and have never really dreamed of becoming a politician. I’m very happy as an actor and enjoying every bit of it. Now that elections are nearing again, we can see well developed roads and flyovers around. The parties are busy choosing the best candidates for contesting elections. However, our responsibility here is to choose and elect an intelligent and responsible candidate as our representative.

I watched Ghajini recently. After a long time I got an opportunity to watch an ultimately revengeful movie. An amazing watch it was. Also, it freshened up my childhood memories of watching these sorts of movies. We all have grown up watching this genre. Aamir has truly justified his role with immense honesty, which I appreciate. The movie was a fully commercial one. This is a quality which I also appreciate in Amitabh Bachchan. Even in all types of commercial masala films he does, he maintains that honestly in the character. Recently I attended the function of Amitabh Bachchan’s book release where I met both Aamir and Amit ji. Meeting Amit ji after a long time was wonderful and this made my memories afresh. And sometimes it’s unbelievable to imagine that he is the same person whose dialogues in Deewar filled me with adventure. I don’t even believe that I was standing next to him. May God bless him a long life.

It’s time to leave now. I am meeting some journalist friends for promoting Jugaad. These days I’m only talking about Jugaad and it’s really tiring. However, reaching out to viewers through media is an actor’s commitment which needs to be fulfilled.

Till then…

Love
Yours
Manoj Bajpayee

Just the calendar has changed….

The New Year has almost begun. Like every year, journalists will call me and ask about my New Year resolutions. And like every other year, I’ll create some imaginary resolutions as I don’t have any true resolutions. I usually create them, as telling the truth may hurt. A byte for them is inevitable no matter how false it is and I’ve become vary of people who feel bad every now and then. It’s better to avoid such people so that I and people around me remain happy.

This year, like every other year has entered with new hopes, aspirations and dreams. Its human nature that everyone wants to let go off the past and take up new things. Aspiring and dreaming is good but it’s healthier to keep a view of the past so that dreams may become a reality and even if the dreams don’t come true no harm is done. However, this is my personal opinion.

2008 made dreams a reality. It harmed certain things as well but we should remember that even we committed certain mistakes on our part. Circumstances also played an important role in this and even if we may not confront the world and accept those mistakes we should try not repeating them in 2009 and be aware & conscious.

I haven’t taken any resolution; neither do I believe in resolutions. I haven’t stopped dreaming but I don’t tend to depend on my dreams only. The way a day unfolds, I live it and live happily. I warmly wish that this year 2009 bestows peace and happiness at not just me but the whole of India and the world. May the world become free from terrorism, chaos, accidents and natural disasters and may we live on a right path of development; development which provide peace, education, knowledge and may eradicate poverty.

With all this in mind I’ll step outside my abode and gaze the sky of 2009 for sometime. I’ll get back to my work then, the same way as I did on the 31st.

It’s just the last date that has changed; it’s me who has to change actually.

Wishing you all a very HAPPY NEW YEAR…

Love
Yours
Manoj Bajpayee