Insight into the film industry often reveals the complexities of actor-director relationships, and sometimes, the reminiscences uncover some unexpected struggles. Such truths came to the fore during filmmaker Hansal Mehta’s candid recollection of working with respected actor Manoj Bajpayee. The duo joined forces for the film ‘Dil Pe Mat Le Yaar!!’, a project dating back to the turn of the millennium, which Mehta discussed in a recent interview.
The process of making ‘Dil Pe Mat Le Yaar!!’ in 2000 was notably bumpy because of Bajpayee’s disposition at the time, Mehta disclosed. The actor, who is generally known for his powerful performances, was described as challenging to collaborate with during the shoot. Mehta revealed that when he brings up the past with Bajpayee today, the actor nonchalantly attributes his earlier behavior to the naivety of youth.
These details were shared by the director while speaking at a year-end roundtable organized by Cinema Express. Mehta emphasized that his preference is to work with individuals that he feels a connection with and that flashy behavior is unnecessary for actors to make an impression on him. “Manoj has major mood swings. We made Dil Pe Mat Le Yaar!! in 2000, and he was a pain in that film,” Mehta recounted, harking back to the atmosphere of the set two decades ago.
Despite the arduous past, Mehta now has a friendship with Bajpayee. He remarked, “But at heart, he’s a nice guy. He’s not a bad person. You get that vibe.” He continued to share that working together was a source of irritation at the time, as he found himself frequently questioning Bajpayee’s difficult behavior which seemed to be an intentional extension of his character into real life.
Colleague Saurabh Shukla had similar sentiments, as Mehta remembered Shukla’s bewilderment on why Bajpayee’s interactions were so abrasive. It was as if Bajpayee’s off-screen persona was being influenced by the character he was playing—a trait that set everyone on edge.
The narrative took another turn with the mention of actor Rajkummar Rao, someone with whom Mehta has since established a successful working rapport, spanning across six different projects. It was revealed that Rao’s introduction into Mehta’s professional circle was not of his own volition, but rather a recommendation by director Anurag Kashyap and casting director Mukesh Chhabra, positioning Rao as a creative force meant to be reckoned with.
Shifting focus to the director’s present endeavors, Mehta is eagerly anticipating the release of his new film ‘The Buckingham Murders,’ which stars the prominent Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor Khan. This project represents the first collaboration between the director and the actress. Mehta expressed great enthusiasm about the working experience, commending Kapoor for her professionalism and talent. He shared with Mid-day that the noir thriller is a fusion of two very different styles. Considering Kapoor’s resume is heavily adorned with mainstream successes, and Mehta is lauded for his gritty realism, audience expectations are high for what this dynamic will bring to the screen. “One thing I can say is you will see a new Kareena in the film,” said Mehta, hinting at an innovative approach to the actress’s portrayal of a law enforcement official.
Mehta’s comments underscore the notion that within the creative industries, relationships can evolve and past disagreements can transform into lasting bonds. Moreover, as with the advent of ‘The Buckingham Murders’, they show that the collaboration of diverse artistic minds can result in fresh and exciting cinema.
