tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43785015278418159832024-03-14T13:15:24.001+05:30Manoj BajpayeeManoj Bajpayeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02369346061375348181noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4378501527841815983.post-15363246493591967422010-04-26T19:11:00.003+05:302010-04-26T19:13:43.779+05:30Political thought ignited by RajneetiPolitics, especially in India, is one such topic on which making a film is an extremely difficult task. Actually, politics isn’t just about governing but it also encompasses various aspects of human behavior like greed, power, hate, oppression etc. Encapsulating all these emotions in a two and a half hour film wasn’t an easy task, but Prakash Jha’s Rajneeti has not just tried to explore these complex emotions but has also tried to dwell deeper into politics.<br /><br />Through this film I once again got to understand our country’s politics. I’ll talk about the film first. When Prakash Jha called me to do Rajneeti, I had numerous apprehensions regarding the film. Making a serious and commercial film on politics wasn’t an easy task after all. But the way he portrayed his life’s experience as a director, as a social servant, as a person and as a knowledge holder of politics on screen, the effort is truly commendable. In the movie, the viewers will have a glimpse of some characters from the epic Mahabharat. These characters will be seen tangled in conflicts and duality in the film. Working in this film was a beautiful experience; an experience that lives the dream of an actor both, on and off screen. <br />My purpose here is not to praise my movie, but I would like to mention here that everything went as planned and on schedule. I would like to give an example in support. To make a crowd sequence look real, a crowd of about ten thousand people was gathered in Bhopal. Training them and taking care of them went so smoothly that thinking of it now I hardy believe that everything was accomplished easily. Later, I got to know that this huge group of ten thousand people was actually trained for about 8 months before the actual shooting. Today when I am done with my film’s dubbing I feel that I have done something big and consequential. <br /><br />During the making of Rajneeti, I found myself surrounded with political characters, and that’s when some political thinking in me began which questioned why India’s polity has steeped so low? Is India’s politics progressing towards its goal? Why do the politicians find it difficult to connect with the masses? And why are they not uncomfortable being accused of scams and scandals? Do we common people not want some extreme changes to happen in the present day political system? <br /><br />But in the end, it’s not about the politicians or the politics; it’s about the common people. Democracy has rendered common people with a very strong weapon which has the power to bend even the hardest of politicians. And that weapon is VOTE. The problem is that the common people for their self motives let themselves get cheated in the hands of these politicians and they don’t even realize something like this happening. Or they sometimes do but they choose to sit silently and do nothing about it. The present system has made the citizens passive, which should be changed. People don’t want to change the system, they want to be a part of it and that’s where the problem lies. <br /><br />While shooting for the film, I also thought whether or not the film would be effective in reflecting an image to the politicians. Would the masses be able to learn about the political tactics often used by politicians? If Rajneeti is able to do so, I’ll be a proud person. But if people refuse to see the meaning behind the film, why should the film only be blamed for not being able to bring a change in the society? I think, Rajneeti will do its work; it’ll entertain people, make them cry, make them laugh and importantly, make them understand. Rajneeti will make the viewers question those things that they either missed out of ignorance or couldn’t understand themselves. But the willingness to understand would totally depend on them. There’s a lot to learn and a lot to know. From my experience as an actor I can only say that this film would be the first film ever to deeply question politics in India.<br /><br />Well, It's enough for now...I think<br /><br />It's your's and only your's<br />Manoj BajpayeeManoj Bajpayeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02369346061375348181noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4378501527841815983.post-11691738597203787182009-11-13T16:11:00.001+05:302009-11-13T16:13:09.945+05:30Media Sould not highlight statements which divide countryIt 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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.Manoj Bajpayeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02369346061375348181noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4378501527841815983.post-42688979428153455402009-08-28T17:14:00.002+05:302009-08-28T17:15:23.362+05:30Shooting 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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br />With this….<br />Yours<br />Manoj Bajpayee.Manoj Bajpayeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02369346061375348181noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4378501527841815983.post-42647875541243378542009-08-12T11:48:00.000+05:302009-08-12T21:50:02.886+05:30Swine 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.<br /> <br />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. <br /> <br />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. <br /> <br />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. <br /> <br />With this…<br />Your<br />Manoj BajpayeeManoj Bajpayeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02369346061375348181noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4378501527841815983.post-81160400498922872932009-03-18T16:50:00.003+05:302009-03-18T17:01:02.582+05:30I’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. <br /><br />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’. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /> <br />With this hope...<br /><br />Love<br />Yours<br />Manoj BajpayeeManoj Bajpayeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02369346061375348181noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4378501527841815983.post-52632459476507899322009-03-07T07:38:00.000+05:302009-03-07T07:40:12.316+05:30The quest is on…<span style="font-family:verdana;">The first schedule of <em>Rajneeti</em> 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.<br /><br />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.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />I’m in a constant quest for searching peace and I’m sure that I’ll find a way out soon.<br /><br />With this…<br /><br />Love<br />Yours<br />Manoj Bajpayee</span>Manoj Bajpayeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02369346061375348181noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4378501527841815983.post-20111244365374787552009-01-11T13:34:00.002+05:302009-01-11T13:39:45.917+05:30Jugaad<span style="font-family:verdana;">I am very worked up presently and busy working for my character in the upcoming film <em>Raajneeti</em>. 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.<br /><br />I’m in Delhi right now for <em>Jugaad</em>’s promotion. Jugaa, my upcoming film, is a satirical humor with hints of seriousness. <em>Jugaad</em>, as everyone knows, is a frequently used word here. The film deals with this whole system of <em>Jugaad</em>, which will make you laugh and bring tears, hence I suggest it’s a must watch.<br /><br />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. <br /><br />I watched <em>Ghajini </em>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 <em>masala</em> 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 <em>Deewar</em> filled me with adventure. I don’t even believe that I was standing next to him. May God bless him a long life.<br /><br />It’s time to leave now. I am meeting some journalist friends for promoting <em>Jugaad</em>. These days I’m only talking about <em>Jugaad</em> and it’s really tiring. However, reaching out to viewers through media is an actor’s commitment which needs to be fulfilled.<br /><br />Till then…<br /><br />Love<br />Yours<br />Manoj Bajpayee</span>Manoj Bajpayeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02369346061375348181noreply@blogger.com1