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