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Actor Manjot Singh has worked in several big banner Bollywood films but his character of Laali in the Fukrey franchise stands out for his audience. The actor, who was last seen in Fukrey 3, says that the first Fukrey’s sleeper success changed his standing in Bollywood. Although even after Fukrey, he did get offered stereotypical roles, he had become stronger as an actor and no longer needed to take up any role he didn’t want to.
The 31-year-old actor started his acting career with 2008 film Oye Lucky!Lucky Oye!, which was led by Abhay Deol. In an interview with indianexpress.com, Manjot talks about how the film helped his career and how roles for Sikh actors have changed in Bollywood over the years.
Reflecting on his journey, Manjot said, “Furkey took us to a level where it made us feel seen. When Fukrey became a sleeper hit, to phir life seedha audition se narration pe shift ho gayi. Log narration ke liye bulate the ki ‘aap ye film karna chahte ho ke nahi‘ (Life straight up went from audition to narration. People would call me for narration and check if I wanted to do that film).”
Sikh actors in the past have often been subjected to stereotyping and Bollywood has been inclined towards giving them mostly comedy roles. Manjot feels that over the years, things have changed and the Sikh actors are being considered for more diverse characters.
Asked if he feels stereotyped now, Manjot said, “After Fukrey, there was a phase… but I always knew what I wanted to do. Every person knows what goes inside them. Obviously only when you showcase something, mindsets start changing. I feel people have become more open in the industry. Roles are being written for Sikh actors. I have got many offers. There is a Hindi film I am doing. Wild Wild Punjab, by Luv Films. This film has the most different look and role that I have ever done in my life.”
The actor adds, “I am really waiting for people to see me from that point of view. This perception (towards Sikh actors) is changing and that is why I got that film. It’s not that I have a line of such scripts but people’s mindsets are changing and I am happy with that.”
Manjot landed a role in Oye Lucky!Lucky Oye! by chance but he didn’t take himself seriously until he won the Filmfare Critics Award for his performance as a young Lucky Singh.
“Maine kuch to acha kiya hi hoga, warna aise kyu dega koi award (I must have done something good, otherwise why would anyone give me award), was the thought that encouraged Manjot to explore cinema further. The actor then became part of films such as Student Of The Year, Azhar, Dream Girl and Dream Girl 2.
Asked about his take on doing Punjabi films, especially when actors such as Diljit Dosanjh and Gippy Grewal have opened new avenues for the Punjabi film industry, in India and abroad, Manjot says, “Honestly I would love to be part of Punjabi films. I have been offered films but I am a little choosy. I can’t do something if there is something that I don’t feel in my heart. Obviously I am waiting if I get something good in Punjabi films. A good story, where I feel I can justify my role, then I would definitely do it,” said the actor.
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