After a lot of troubles with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), Ajey – The Untold Story Of A Yogi is all set to release this Friday, September 19. While Anant V Joshi plays the titular role, Paresh Rawal is seen in the film in a crucial role and he looks unrecognizable. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, the veteran actor spoke about his role, his prep and a lot more.
EXCLUSIVE: Paresh Rawal praises Ajey – The Untold Story Of A Yogi producer: “He has not made the film for Rajya Sabha seat; he won’t indulge in such chhichhorapanti”; explains why he put Narendra Modi film on the backburner: “3-4 of his biopics got made in quick succession”
It took me more than a second to recognize you while seeing the trailer of Ajey – The Untold Story Of A Yogi. What kind of feedback have you got for the role and look?
It’s the first time I’ve been sporting such a heavy-duty beard and wig. Normally, I can’t wear it, especially the beard. Thankfully, we shot in such cold weather that it was a boon! Otherwise, I prefer not to go for it, as I get rashes on my skin. So, yes, the look has turned out well. More importantly, the film that I have been associated with is an exciting venture. It’s an important film for our society and political climate.
Are you playing the role of Mahant Avaidyanath?
Yes. He was Yogi ji’s guru. He groomed and supported him. He imparted his knowledge to Yogi ji, knowing fully well that iss ladke mein baat hai. He had the foresight that this lad would contribute to the progress of the state and society at large. Ultimately, Yogi ji proved him right.
Mahant Avaidyanath passed away in 2014. Did you ever get a chance to meet him?
Never. Honestly, I had not even heard about him. It’s only when I read Shantanu Gupta’s book, ‘The Monk Who Became Chief Minister’ that I learned about him. In fact, I have barely met Yogi ji once or twice. When I was a Member of Parliament, I came across him. Also, our meeting was very brief; humne bas ‘hello’ aur ‘hi’ kiya. That’s it.
You were playing a real-life person, who continues to be widely respected and revered. Was the prep a bit more for this film?
When our director, Ravindra Gautam saw me in Mahant ji’s getup, he told me, ‘You look ditto like him’! But such characters require a ‘thehrav’; you can’t be frivolous while playing such roles. Also, they have immense power. Agreed, he was running the ashram, but he also had an influence in the surrounding settlements; I had to bring those aspects to the fore.
How much time did it take for you to get into the look of Mahant Avaidyanath?
I used to take a maximum of one hour.
Do you plan to show the film to Yogi Adityanath or invite him to the screening?
It’s not our plan. It’s our hope and wish that he should see the film. We can’t plan. He’s the Chief Minister of one of the biggest states. Whenever he gets time, he’ll see it and we’ll be very happy. I hope we get the opportunity to meet him and show him the movie.
The film was in the news after the CBFC didn’t pass the film on time, prompting the makers to knock on the doors of the court. I am sure you must have followed it. What are your views on this episode?
I didn’t follow it. Also, it’s not my area of expertise. Hence, I don’t jump into it. I used to ask Ajay bhai (producer Ajay Mengi), ‘Kya hua? Kab release kar rahe hai film?’. At that time, he informed me about the (CBFC woes). But he assured me that the problem would be resolved. And as expected, the matter got resolved and I was very happy.
Ajay bhai has not made this film for any purpose other than the fact that he has deep respect for Yogi ji. Through this film, he wants the person and his beliefs to reach a large number of people. Many might assume, ‘Inhone yeh film banayi; kal uth ke Rajya Sabha ke liye seat maangenge ya chunav ke liye ticket maangenge’. But that is not the case at all. He’s a very wealthy man based in America. He has no reason to indulge in that kind of chhichhorapanti. I hope he continues to make more films; it would benefit the industry. Industry ko ek bhala producer milega.
11 years ago, you had expressed the desire to act in Narendra Modi’s biopic and was even working towards it. Could you tell us what happened about that project?
I would have loved to do that film. However, 3-4 biopics got made in quick succession. I realized that I don’t want to jump onto this bandwagon. I have made up my mind that yeh film main aaram se karunga. After all, Modi ji ki biopic toh zabardast tareeke se banani hai.
Any plans to revive the project? It’s been a while since the last film on Narendra Modi released…
There are no plans at present, but after 2-3 years, I’ll definitely think about it.
Also Read: Paresh Rawal starrer The Taj Story announced, film speaks about ‘intellectual terrorism’
More Pages: Ajey: The Untold Story Of A Yogi Box Office Collection
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