TV actor and singer, Manasi Parekh is in seventh heaven, for her Bollywood debut Uri: The Surgical Strike is such a huge hit. She plays the married sister of lead actor, Vicky Kaushal, in this war drama.
Says Manasi, “I auditioned for the same, and the director, Aditya Dhar, was blown over by my performance in one scene, which was later used in the film. He asked me upfront if I have any qualms about playing a pregnant lady, to which I said, of course not,” says Manasi, who was last seen on the tube in Sumit Sambhal Lega.
“When Uri went on the floors, Aditya said that he expects me to reprise the same, audition level emotions. I replied that I hope to do the same, which was indeed a challenge. Luckily, everything fell into place. Having great co-stars like Vicky, Swaroop Sampat and Mohit Raina, who plays my husband, definitely made things easier.”
Manasi, who has also done a Tamil film, says “It is a great time to move to Hindi cinema. You are no longer judged by billing or screen time; only sheer talent counts. Also, TV faces are more welcome than before,” added Manasi.
Here Manasi adds, “The success of Uri reinforces the old thumb rule that nothing succeeds like success. I have been flooded with media requests for interviews and people from all over the world are calling in to congratulate me.”
Looking ahead, Manasi is toying with a few digital scripts. “I am taking my time, for now on whatever I do will have to be a notch higher.”
When asked if she would be game for bold, she says, “This term itself is very loaded; for me, edgy is something like Jhansi Ki Rani and not just nudity.” She has also turned producer for a Gujarati web series. “There are a few Gujarati films on offer as well. This regional market has really opened up of late.”
She is also open for good TV projects. “I am looking for good work, period. The medium is not that important. Films, though huge in canvas, are a more difficult draw, for today’s choosy audience will not troop into the theatres for anything run of the mill. Digital content is giving cinema a tough run for its money.”
Best of luck, Manasi!!