Never dreamt that I'd work with Aamir Khan, says 'Peepli Live's' Natha

Omkar Das Manikpuri, a small-time theatre actor, now stands on the threshold of possible stardom as he waits for Aamir Khan Productions' much talked about film Peepli Live to, well, go live in the cinema halls on Friday.

Manikpuri, who plays the protagonist Natha in the film, speaks to DNA about his theatre background and how privileged he feels to be part of an Aamir Khan production.

Tell us about your theatre life.
I have always liked entertaining people. Initially I would travel with my troupe of folk singers from village to village in Chhattisgarh. We merged art forms like folk music and plays with social messages. Later I became part of Naya Theatre and became a theatre artiste in the beginning of this decade. I travelled to Delhi many times with my theatre group and did many different roles.

How did you become part of a big project like Peepli Live, produced by one of the biggest Hindi film stars Aamir Khan?
It all happened by chance. Director Anusha Rizviji and Mehmood Farroqui [co-director] saw some of my shows in Delhi. Then, in Bhopal they asked me to audition for the role of Natha.

Sudheer Chobesey [casting team] auditioned me. Later, Rizviji saw my audition and they all liked my acting. Even before I realised it, I had become part of the project.

As Peepli Live deals with a real-life issue, it became easier for me as I have acted in a lot of socially relevant plays. I got into the character of Natha while reading the script.

How different was it working in theatre and now in a film?
They are two different worlds. In a live medium like theatre, your audience is your camera. Every time you forget a line they catch it. But while shooting for a film you can have takes and retakes. You can improvise your performance with every take. Films give you second and third chances.

Tell us about your on-set experiences.
On my first day, I was very nervous. The big lights, equipment, everything around made me feel I couldn’t do it. It was a big transition for me. But then a pep talk with Rizviji solved all the issues. She told me not to bother about the surroundings and to act just like I would on stage. Then it didn’t take much time to get into the flow.

Tell us about Anusha Rizvi, who is also a debutante.
She is very professional yet humble. Every time I had problems with understanding the script, I’d run to Rizviji and she would patiently explain. She was very helpful. I think after Habib Tanvir saab [the late theatre personality] she is the best to work with.

Aamir Khan was initially to play the part of Natha, but after watching you, he felt you were best suited for it. How do you feel?
It feels great that someone as big as Aamirji says something like that. He had liked Rizviji’s script and my acting. He liked the way the film shaped up. Even though he did not come often at the shoots, he did keep close track of what was happening. I did not, in my wildest dreams, ever think I would work with him.

What about your co-stars?
We had a very talented crew. Raghubirji [Yadav, who plays the role of Budhia] and Shaliniji [Vatsa, who plays the role of Dhaniya] were very helpful. They made me feel comfortable.

How far do you think Peepli Live will go in sensitising the masses towards the issue of farmer suicides?
It depends on the audience how they take it. The audience should understand the motive behind a film like Peepli Live. Apart from entertaining, the film also draws attention to the current serious issue of farmer suicides.

Peepli Live will help people know about the problems farmers face. It happens all the time in rural areas. People in and around cities need to learn about these things.

Peepli Live will launch you as a Hindi film hero. What are your future plans for the industry? Will theatre take a back seat?
For now, there is nothing particular happening apart from the promotions of my film. But I’d love to do more in the Hindi film industry if I get work. But my roots lie in theatre and they will never be neglected. I never want to leave theatre.

Has working on Peepli Live changed you in any way?
In contrast to theatre, working on a film is much more disciplined. People respect time and this has made me punctual. Now, if I have to go anywhere, I get ready way before time so I’m not late. Peepli instilled punctuality in me. Theatre is not so strict.

Any message for the audiences of Peepli Live?
It’s a sincere request not to watch the film only for entertainment. We have tried to put across a message through this satire. The audience will appreciate the effort.