Filmmaker Subhash Ghai recently collaborated with ace actor Manoj Bajpayee for his short film ‘Gandhi’, his first in the genre. The film was recently premiered at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) and received appreciation from all quarters. While speaking about the movie and it’s lead actor Manoj, Ghai made an interesting revelation. He shared that Manoj did not charge a single penny for the project as he really believed in the idea and wanted more and more people to watch it.
“I am grateful to my friend and one of the great actors we have right now Manoj Bajpayee, for being a part of this film. Manoj hasn’t charged a single rupee for this film and was keen for the younger generations to understand ‘Gandhi’,” he shared.
Sharing his thoughts on the project and how the idea to make this film was born, Subhash Ghai remarked, “Filmmaking is all about perspective. Wars and conflicts in the world have often stemmed from a difference in perspectives. My short film Gandhi is not just a story but an exploration of viewpoints. The idea was sparked by a conversation when an 18-year-old student from Whistling Woods International expressed this about celebrating Gandhi Jayanti. He said, ‘Sir, I won’t play guitar to celebrate this occasion as I don’t believe in Gandhi Jayanti,’ and that honest expression inspired me to delve deeper into Gandhi’s relevance today.”
Manoj Bajpayee Reacts
Manoj Bajpayee also shared his experience of being part of the short film and working with Subhash Ghai states, “Gandhi dada is an icon for all of us, but there’s a generation that’s growing up that has misconceptions about him. I have wanted to work with Subhash ji ever since I landed in Mumbai, it was certainly a dream come true to finally work with Subhash ji in this short film ‘Gandhi’.”
He added, “I got to spend a lot of time with him as a director and me as an actor, I have always learnt from his films. Such a subject coming from Subhash Ji, getting his views and take where the 2 generations are trying to understand Gandhi was enlightening. t was lovely and very educational to be a part of this project.”
