Manit Joura, popularly known as Rishabh Luthra of super hit Zee TV show Kundali Bhagya, is a self-confessed feminist. “I love and respect the fairer sex. And I genuinely mean it and am not saying so just to garner brownie points.”
“Women only ask for love and respect. They are stronger than we ever give them credit for. I am surrounded by a lovely lot of females, both at home (mom, sister and sister-in-law) and work (Shraddha Arya and Ruhi Chaturvedi),” says Manit, who has done other TV shows like Ram Milaayi Jodi and Mujhse Kuchh Kehti…Yeh Khamoshiyaan.
“I have the best conversations with my mother. My smart 7-year-old niece does not like to be treated like a kid. Hence she enjoys talking to me as I speak to her like an equal.”
Here he adds, “It is this very respect that makes me think twice before doing very bold web series, which seems to view ladies in one light alone.”
“Agreed, this goes against the grain of our actor creed who must do what it takes on screen. So I will listen to the script and do it only if it is needed to take the story ahead and not added just to gain attention.”
He has done web products like The Test Case and Baarish.
Ask him as to why does society not recognize women as sexual beings, to which he says, “Well, Rome was not built in a day. Our industry is one example of sexual equality.”
“This change is slowly percolating down. Recently, my driver came up to me asking for paternity leave. I was very happy that he wanted to be with his better half in this important part of her life. After a month he called back saying he wanted to join duty. Till then, I drove my own car,” says this guy who has also tried his hand at films. Sadly, most of them tanked at the Box Office.
In closing, Manit says that he is very happy that Kundali Bhagya continues to be a chart buster. “It is the team effort of our producer, writers, creative, us actors, and last but not the least, lady luck, who always shines on us.”
“See, even here, female gender works”, he smiles!!