Sharad Malhotra the talented actor is enthralling audiences in his next historical character post playing the role of Maharana Pratap. As Bauxi Jagabandhu, Sharad is winning hearts in the Star Plus show Vidrohi.
In a candid chat with IWMBuzz.com, Sharad talks about his role, his preparation for the role etc.
Excerpts:
Are you happy with the range of roles you have picked up in your career?
I started my career nearly 15-16 years back. I have got a lot of love coming from fans. At times, I have got more than I have deserved. I have got the opportunity to work with the best of people in all these years. Frankly speaking, I have worked less in these years. My priority has always been to pick up good quality work. I am glad that I have picked the best of shows for myself.
How has the last year and recent times been for you?
I am extremely grateful to the Almighty for giving me good work in the last year during the lockdown phase. I can say that I have done good work. Naagin was a hit. I have worked on some very good music videos. Now Vidrohi is a very good show which has been made with a lot of hard work.
Tell us about Bauxi Jagabandhu
This is a tale and one-of-its-kind revolt that started in Odisha. Bauxi Jagabandhu was one of the first ‘vidrohi’ from Odisha to rebel with the Britishers for the rights of his Nation and people. His fight was against the foreigners, against East Indan Company. After him, many people from in and around his place revolted against the Britishers. The Star Plus channel and Gatha Productions has mustered the courage to talk about the revolt that was kickstarted in a small part of Odisha in the year 1816.
Bauxi is a famous historical character. I had to put in a lot of effort to understand him and play him. If I have been given the responsibility of carrying off this big character, I am grateful to one and all.
How different is playing Maharana Pratap and Bauxi?
Such shows that are connected to our history attract me more. Such tales need a lot of research, you need to sit with the historians to understand your character better. One needs to patiently understand the script through various channels. I have indulged in horseriding, sword-fighting, martial arts, voice modulation etc. We had an extensive workshop before shoot where smaller to big nuances were taken care of.
Was getting into the skin of Bauxi easier for you as you had played another freedom fighter Maharana Pratap earlier in your career?
Well, Bauxi and Maharana Pratap were two different individuals, even though it is agreed that their goals of seeing Independent India was the same.
To an extent, you can say that it was easy learning the art of playing a freedom fighter. I had already learned horseriding, sword fighting and martial arts when I was shooting for my earlier show. I believe that nothing that you have learnt in life goes waste. It is useful at some time in your life. Above all, I love horses a lot. I have a horse of my own. The white horse that I used in Maharana Pratap is with me now. I take care of it now.
How tough was it to handle the change in dialect and mannerisms for the role?
The workshop helped us get into the groove of the character. Above all, the local style of Odisha connected to fighting, martial arts etc have been picked up in the show. The art culture of Odisha has been used to some extent on our show. The Jagannath Mandir that has been made for the show has been created aesthetically.
Would you call Bauxi Jagabandhu as an ‘unsung hero’ as we have not heard of him till now?
Honestly speaking, true!! That is the reason why I took this show. When I was narrated the life and journey of Bauxi, I was surprised and even saddened to not know about this great freedom fighter who gave his life for his own land and his own people.
History knows only the legends like Mangal Pandey, Shahid Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekar Azad and more. This is the first time people and viewers will get to know this freedom fighter and revolter by name Bauxi Jagabandhu. There are a few names of freedom fighters that have never been mentioned in history. If you see, people like Bauxi and Rajguru are worshipped in Orissa. So why not the whole of India knows them and respects them? Certainly, Bauxi is one such unsung hero. I wish that people watch the show and know more about his valiant efforts to fight for the country’s freedom. I believe that Bauxi Jagabandhu should get the same respect as the other freedom fighters.
How has life been after marriage with Ripci?
Well, it has been a happy life for both of us. She takes utmost care of me. From my food to all my necessities, Ripci is there to handle them. Life has been great post marriage.
