Hemant Pandey is back to his roots in Pithoragarh with his new film Rajula
With a strong theatre background and numerous Bollywood movies, Hemant Pandey has proved his mettle. The veteran actor, known for his famous role of Pandeyji in TV series Office Office, has also worked in big banner films like Krrish, Ready, Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai, Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein etc. His last was 2 Nights in Soul Valley. Hemant is known for playing comedy characters but in his next Rajula, he will be seen in a negative character.
Tell us about your character ‘Puran Mama’ in Rajula.
As you know I belong to Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand and when Manoj Chandola came to me with the concept, I instantly said, yes. From childhood we grew up hearing the 700 years old folk tale Rajula-Malushahi and I was getting the chance to be part of such an epic so I nodded in positive. The writer and director Nitin Tewari, has given a modern treatment to the story keeping the core of the story intact and my character has an important contribution to the film. This will be revealed when you watch the film (smiles).
Why did you choose to do a regional filmIJ
I like to differ here…Rajula is story of Uttarakhand but this film has compared that era with the modern scenario and showed the struggle of a woman in our society brilliantly. And such a film in my opinion shouldn’t be only considered a regional film. Plus we have dialogues in regional language, Hindi and English with subtitles.
How’s the experience likeIJ
The USP of the film is its narration. The film has shaped brilliantly and gives the true picture of the ‘land of Gods.’ The shooting of the film was an adventure in itself. The cast and crew where extremely good to work. Karan and Ashima has pulled their characters well and they were able to do just to such an epic love story. Uttarakhand is known for its natural beauty and the breathtaking sights around the Himalayas, the Bhabhar and the Terai were a lifetime experience.
What are the forthcoming moviesIJ
Currently my film Prakash Electronics is in post-production phase and there are few other projects but it’s too earlier to say anything.