I enjoy the struggle of filmmaking: Manoj Bajpayee
Manoj Bajpayee, who was last seen in 'Satyameva Jayate' is back with his latest titled 'Bhonsle'. It took four years to get suitable producers but the actor says he was not disheartened as he enjoys the long struggle associated with filmmaking. 'Bhonsle' sees Bajpayee in the titular role of a terminally ill lone wolf Maharashtrian cop, retired against his will, in politically tumultuous Mumbai.
Bajpayee-Makhija's earlier collaboration was acclaimed short film 'Taandav'
"It's not about the fight, it's about what you want to do with yourself. I don't call it a fight. I like the entire struggle to get a film made, to be a part of something that I love," said Bajpayee. 'Bhonsle' is directed by 'Ajji' helmer Devashish Makhija. Before making the intense political-drama, Bajpayee and Makhija collaborated for the acclaimed short film 'Taandav'.
'When nothing was happening, we thought of making short film'
"With Devashish's film, I never thought it was a struggle to get it made. When we realized nothing was happening, we thought of making a short film. So, we had started shooting for a short film," said Bajpayee, the twice National Film Awardee.
Looking for suitable producer is not miserable for me: Bajpayee
The 'Satya' actor said the process to look out for suitable producers is not "miserable" for him. "It's fun when you are talking to people and think they could be your producers but further in conversation, you realize that it's going nowhere and they would run away. But that's his money. If he doesn't want to put in my conviction, it's fine," he said.
Bajpai was speaking at the JIO MAMI Mumbai Film Festival
Speaking yesterday at the screening of the film at the 20th edition of JIO MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, Bajpayee noted, "In a country like India, when you're making a film like 'Bhonsle', you know it's a long road ahead." He also quipped that the festival run is a "honeymoon period" and the real struggle would begin when the film is released theatrically.
