MUSBA HASHMI speaks with SAUD MANSURI, who plays Bala Ram in &TV’s Ek Mahanayak Dr B.R. Ambedkar, about his role, how acting happened to him at a young age and experience of being a part of movies like Azhar, Alif and Golmaal Again
What is your role in Ek Mahanayak Dr B.R. Ambedkar?
I play Bala Ram, the elder brother of Dr BR Ambedkar. He is a loving character, but has his ways of expressing it. He is overreactive at times. He believes in himself and his thoughts. He loves his brother and his family. He is a playful character.
What made you come on board the show?
The name of the show. The script, the director and, of course, my role. I knew, I will get to learn a lot from this show.
What all did you get to learn through the show?
The initial episodes were shot in Gorakhpur, there we learnt how homework is done, which basically means how you prepare for a role. It is not always about reading the script and dialogues. One has to learn the character and nature of what he is playing. That is what I did. I read a lot about my character. Not that my director didn’t help, but there are somethings that you learn on your own. I have been into the industry for many years now, but it was not until this show that I learnt the importance of homework. Also, it is not only the actors who have to do their homework, it is the need of several other departments too that are involved in the project.
The other thing was the language. I am able to learn shudh Hindi. Earlier, I wasn’t that confident about speaking pure Hindi, but now I am. The language that we speak here in the show is a mixture of shudh Hindi, Sanskrit, Parsi and a bit of Urdu too.
What homework were you required to do?
Our director used to give us a script and ask us in how many different ways can we enact the scene and what all variations can be made.
You started acting at 5. How did that happen?
Initially, I was into dancing. Someone suggested my mother that I should try modeling as well. Luckily, it worked and I did a few garment shoots. Then, another well wisher of mine suggested that I should get enrolled in an acting class as it will help me boost my confidence. I did that and developed a passion for it. Then, through a co-ordinatior in Ahmedabad, where I lived during my childhood, I was able to pull out a few contacts from the industry. I sent my audition clips to them. This is how I was able to make it into the industry. It seems acting was in my destiny.
Did your parents ever feel that acting was not the way forward?
Never. The reason I am here today is because of their unconditional support and love. They wanted me to pursue whatever I like. They knew it way before than I did, that acting was my calling, after all who knows a child better than his parents.
You have been a part of movies like Alif, Golmaal Again and Azhar. How was the experience?
I was new to movies. I started with Azhar and was amazed to work with Kulbhushan Kharbanda sir. There, I learnt the basics of shooting and the equipments used. It was so fascinating, and it is even today. It was my first time in Ramoji Film Studion. In Alif, it was more about acting and learning how calmly we can shoot. Zaigham Imam sir (director) is too cool to shoot with. During the shoot, in between my breaks I used to fly kites or do whatever I wanted to, then somebody used to call me to inform that my shot was ready. It was such a pleasant environment. He taught me how to stay natural while acting. It was that movie from which I got to know the impact of good storytelling.
The next was Golmal Again. It was a different world. There, I learnt about the technicalities and got to delve deep into the craft.
What next?
There are a couple of things in the pipeline, but I can’t talk about it right now.