Most TV actors move to films, after rocking the small screen. But Maninder Singh, of hit Star Bharat show, Kya Haal, Mister Paanchal (Optimystix), has had a different journey.
Says the actor, “I started with films way back in 2007, with Swamy, along with Manoj Bajpayee. Then I did Ek Safar Aisa, Kabhi Socha Na Tha with Sony, as lead.”
He was also a part of Ashutosh Gowariker’s period drama, Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey. “My last film, Hey Bro, where I played the lead, released in 2015.”
This Agra-hailing theater artist cum assistant film director had also played the lead role in the suspense thriller television show 2612. “I was also a part of the Zee TV show, Sanyukt.”
He has also done the National Geographic Channel film, Seal Team Six: The Raid on Osama Bin Laden, where he played a Pakistani agent.
“It is a different matter that the above projects did not do well. However, the industry recognizes a good job. It is a small world, eventually,”states Maninder.
“Kya Haal, Mister Paanchal is the culmination of all my hard work. I am obviously very happy that Paanchal is doing so well. I guess, the message of not succumbing to greed, said in a comic way, has found resonance with the audiences. My sari-shop- owner character has to pay the price of his mother’s desire of wanting a daughter-in- law with all the good traits. At first, she does not let him wed till the age of 37, and then, in the end, he has to live with five women. Learn to make do with what you have, is the lesson to be imbibed,” he avers.
Ask him about the one-man- multiple-wives situation, and Maninder says, “In real life, such a situation is impossible. And ironically, I am single. Here I am not getting one girl and my character has to live with five. So unfair na?” he smiles.
Way to go, Maninder!!