He started his career with a Hindi film but took a break from Bollywood immediately after his first film ‘Bhool Bhulaiya’. In the meantime, Jimit Trivedi went on to act in several Gujarati films, films, plays, Hindi TV shows and made a comeback to Hindi films last year with the hit film ‘102 Not Out’. The actor was recently seen in Vasan Bala’s action-comedy ‘Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota’ and will be soon seen playing an important part in ‘Modi’, the web show on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s life. In this interview, the actor talks about why the theatrical release of his new film makes him happy, not having apprehensions about playing an older character, his love for theatre, being a part of the web series ‘Modi’ and more.
‘Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota’ was making rounds of several film festivals for more than a year. How does it feel to see it finally releasing in theatres?
I was very happy to see the film getting appreciated at film festivals but seeing it released in theatres makes me happier. People in India had never seen a film like this and while it got a good response at the festivals, I was looking forward to see how people react to the film here. I do realise that we could have reached out to a wider audience but the ones who have seen it have liked it and appreciated it. Vasan (Bala) sir has created almost a new genre in India. We have seen action comedies but this is in a different space altogether. This is the first time I got to work with him. He is not only one of the most talented filmmakers around but also a very good human being.
In the film, you play Surya’s (Abhimanyu Dassani) father, a man who is much older to your real self. Was there any apprehension?
No, there was no apprehension. I had a fifteen minute long meeting with Vasan sir and by the end of the meeting, I decided that I will work with him as there was this instant connection that happened with him. He had some great ideas and wanted to do something different. I did not have much idea about the storyline or my character but I was hugely inspired by his energy and passion for films. When I discovered that I had to play an older character, I was perfectly fine with it as I feel as an actor, you must be open to all kinds of roles. It was challenging to play the father of a child who is suffering from this rare disease. In ‘102 Not Out’, I played a man in his 20s and here, I was playing the father of a man who is in his 20s (laughs). Doing such varied roles help me in showing my versatility as an actor. In one of my plays, I played seven roles. I played a ten year old boy and a seventy year old man in the same play.
You are also a part of ‘Modi’, the web series being made on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Can you share something about that?
I am not at the liberty to share any details about the show. Right now, I can only tell that I am playing one of the important characters in the show. It will be out soon on Eros Now. I share a great working relationship with director Umesh Shukla and it was great working with him again.
A film on the life of the Prime Minister is also scheduled to release this month. A lot of believe these projects are designed to help the PM and his party in this general election.
It could be a coincidence also that these projects are coming out now. Three films on Bhagat Singh were made almost at the same time. At the end of the day, I am an actor who is playing a character. I have never got into these details. I personally do not think a film or a show can influence voters. A politician will get votes based on the work he has done.
You have worked in different mediums but you have often said theatre will always be the closest to your heart.
Yes, theatre has played an important role in shaping me as an actor. I have been doing a play with Paresh Rawal called ‘Kishan Vs Kanhaiya’ for several years now. The film ‘OMG – Oh My God!’ was based on the same play. Theatre is an actor’s medium. It is the best place for an actor to hone his skills.
After a long absence from Hindi films, you were seen in ‘102 Not Out’ last year. Do you plan to act in Hindi films more frequently now?
I have always wanted to be more active in Hindi films. After ‘Bhool Bhulaiya’, I took a break from Hindi films as I was not getting any interesting offers. In the meantime, I did Gujarati films, TV shows and plays. I was constantly working and now, I am happy to be back in Hindi cinema.
What are you doing next?
I am looking forward to the release of ‘Modi’. I have received a few offers but have not signed anything yet.