I want to direct a Gujarati film: Manoj Joshi

Multi-faceted Manoj Joshi is no stranger to those who love Gujarati theatre. Manoj who’s one of the few actors who has successfully straddled theatre, films and television and carved out a neat niche for himself is a regular in Ahmedabad.
Manoj who’s just recovering from a bout of viral fever sounds low as he ruefully tells us how “a lot of travelling and change of season” has made “me unwell.” The man who’s got a reputation of being an constant in Bollywood’s comedy flicks confesses that as an actor he never consciously picks “comic roles.I have done a lot of serious roles too but, as an actor you have to survive. The money’s important to give you the basic comforts of life. And unless you are visible no one remembers you. But comedy is not everybody’s cup of tea. Jo dard nahi samjhte, woh humour nahi samajh sakte.”
Talking about comedy, reminds us of his association with versatile filmmaker Priyadarshan. Manoj in fact, is a regular in all Priyadarshan films “Priyan (Priy adarshan) and I worked together for the first time in Hungama and we struck a great working relationship. Today we share a fantastic professional bond. Priyan has utilized my talent in myriad roles —— in Hungama or Bhool Bhulaiyya where my character was a serious one. He is very fond of me and loves me as an actor.”
Ironically Manoj admits that he had never thought he’d have a long lasting career as an actor. “I never thought I would come this far as an actor. I will always be in love with theatre. It is my first love and I can never stay away from it. No matter how busy I am, I always have time for theatre. Theatre satisfies the creative hunger in me and keeps me going.”
A little known fact about him? Manoj is a painter, “When I have time, I make sketches and am reasonably good,” he says. His sons have acted in his plays too, but, Manoj says “If they are passionate about acting, they will take it up as a career option. I won’t push them.”
And now Manoj, who’s very proud of his Gujarati heritage says that he wants to “make a good Gujarati film in future. There are hardly a couple of Gujarati films which are critically acclaimed nationally. As a Gujarati I would love to make a remarkable film in Gujarati.”
Here’s hoping he can achieve his goal too!