Manoj Bajpayee: I demand Hindi script

Mumbai: National Award-winning actor Manoj Bajpayee, who has portrayed the life of gay professor Shrinivas Ramchandra Siras in the upcoming film Aligarh, says he doesn’t read a script if is it is not written in Hindi.

“I am very passionate about Hindi language. Satya made me a commercially successful actor. After that I slowly started getting work in this industry. The day I realised I am in a position to make demands, I decided not to read any director’s script if it is not typed in Hindi. I am stubborn on this issue,” Bajpayee said at the Lit-O-Fest, a literature festival, here.

Bajpayee also said that the Hindi language is his “strength”.

“People are often sluggish to find a Hindi typist. Although I stick to the point that if they want me to read the script, it must be in Hindi. Once a producer or director gave the excuse of other actors, I told him that it is not my lookout if they do not know Hindi well. Hindi language is my strength. I want my script in Hindi only,” he added.

The Shool actor said that he believes in encouraging literary works in Hindi and feels literary festivals should be organised frequently.

Giving an example of megastar Amitabh Bachchan, he said: “Amit ji is a big admirer and supporter of his father Harivansh Rai Bachchan’s work. He always attempts to bring Harivanshji’s work in public in different ways. So it is our responsibility to inspire Hindi writers and poets because they are contributing hugely to making our Hindi culture rich.”

On the work front, Bajpayee is gearing up for the release of Hansal Mehta’s film Aligarh, which is based on the real-life incident of Dr Srinivas Ramchandra Siras, who was suspended from his job because of his sexual orientation.

Aligarh releases on Friday.