Daya Nayak is my alter ego, says his screen image

MUMBAI: “Daya Nayak is my friend and he’ll remain one no matter whatever has been written about him. I’ll not desert him just because he’s in trouble. In fact, he’s like my younger brother".

In the film industry, there are few who recognise the value of friendship and I openly say that Nayak is my friend,” said Amitabh Dayal who has essayed Nayak’s character in ‘Kagaar’. The film is mired in controversy with rumours that Nayak has funded the movie. Nandita Das has played Dayal’s wife.

“Kagaar was produced by my mother-in-law Dr Suryakanta Patil, now an Union Minister and a well-known member of Nationalist Congress Party(NCP) from Maharashtra. She’s a four-time Member of parliament. When she is capable of producing a movie, how does Daya Nayak come into picture? Earlier, they said Chhota Shakeel, then Abu Salem financed the movie. Infact, the movie was financed by the bank,” said an agitated Dayal.

Kagaar has been directed by N Chandra, whose Tezaab made Madhuri Dixit an over-night star.So, how does Dayal know Nayak?

“I had known him sometime before Kagaar happened. The story was conceptualised by my wife Dr Mrunalini Patil. Daya’s a good human and a down-to earth person. His only fault is he trusted the wrong people,” said Dayal.