Mohnish Bahl

(Taken from www.bollywoodonweb.com/mohnish/ )

Zoom up 30 flights to a terrace flat with a view. There's a yo-so-fascinating view of the Mumbai harbour through the French windows in the living room.

As his wife Ektaa ushers me into the house, Mohnish Bahl is perusing daughter Pranutan's report card. With a grin, the proud papa wonders, "I don't know whether it's bribery or a reward, but she insists on a present for getting an overall A."

When I meet up with the actor on the eve of the release of Hum Saath-Saath Hain, an air of anticipation prevailed. The actor who had been relegated to character roles, is confident that with HSSH, his career will turn the corner. "The emotional touches in the film, get you right here," he says, pointing to his heart.

What about the rumours that the Rajshris wanted to cast him as a solo hero in their next project. Somewhat stunned, Mohnish replies, "Do they? This is news to me. If you've read that somewhere, then I can only speculate that the writer of the piece wanted to add some spice to his copy. Of course, I'd only be too happy to work in their next project."

Explaining his looming presence in all the recent Rajshri films, the 38-year-old actor says he's too scared to ask Sooraj Barjatya what he sees in him that other film-makers don't. "Suppose he seriously starts wondering about what he sees in me. Then I'll be done for," he grins, trailing off.

Perhaps that's why Hum Saath-Saath Hain came as a pleasant surprise. He couldn't believe that Sooraj Barjatya wanted him to play the role of the eldest brother in the film. "I was so insecure when I was called for the narration. I was taken aback by Sooraj's faith in me. That's something I'll never forget."

Mohnish is also excited about playing a parallel role with Shilpa Shetty as his heroine in Suneel Darshan's Jaanwar. "Suneel has beautifully dealt with the subject of who has greater rights over a child, his biological parents or those who have adopted him. He brings about a logical conclusion," states Mohnish.

The recent release, Vaastav featured Mohnish opposite Ektaa, his wife in real life, too. This was their third film together. Will she only work with Mohnish? "Not at all. I can't understand why a heroine is not accepted in Hindi films after marriage. The general feeling is that she doesn't need to work any more. Come on, she can't just sit around at home all day. She has to do something," states Mohnish.

Though the character Mohnish plays in Vaastav is small, length- wise, he took it on because he wanted to work with director Mahesh Manjrekar. "He'd come to meet Nana Patekar when we were working together in Nidaan and I was impressed by his confidence," he confides. "Besides, the character I had to portray wasn't all black or white, but something realistic."

The once-lean actor has developed quite a physique. Had he too joined the burgeoning iron-pumping brigade? Surprised, Mohnish counters, "I was lean by choice. With due respect to those who sport bulging muscles, I've never wanted them. I've been working out ever since I was a teenager and maintained a swimmer's body till I got married. I put on weight after marriage eating all the rich Punjabi food Ektaa plied me with. I've managed to shed some of it now with great difficulty. But I consider myself fit today," he admits.

Mohnish wishes his late mother, Nutan, had been around to see her son finally come into his own after years of struggle. "I used to constantly harass her by asking her what I was going to do with my life. I used to keep her up at night badgering her. And each time she'd calmly tell me that things would work out fine. She'd give me Mr Amitabh Bachchan's example time and again."

So does he aspire to AB's level? "Hey, hold it," he warns. "I know I'm not in that league. I can't aim that high. But I'd be happy to achieve even 50 per cent of what Mr Bachchan has. I've been working at it for two decades now. So let me first taste success."

Mohnish would like to carry on his mother's legacy. "I want to live up to the industry as well as the media's expectations. I dread the thought of them saying that the mother was a big star but her son didn't amount to much," he explains.

Patiently, the actor points out, "Rather than awards, I'm more keen on rewards in the form of a letter or even a phone call praising the work I've done in a particular film. Or even offers of substantial roles in good films."

He continues, "At one point in my career, I had come to terms with the fact that I was stuck in a slot. Rather than get worked up about it, I came to terms with it. Since brilliant roles weren't coming my way, I knew I had to ensure I had staying power."

Recalling accompanying his mother to the Filmfare Awards nights held at the Shanmukhananda Hall. "I'd have given anything to have had her by my side when I was nominated in the Best Supporting Actor category forHum Aapke Hain Koun...!

But his mother did see him get onto the right track. His Baaghi and Maine Pyar Kiya were released before she passed away. Getting emotional, Mohnish says, "I refuse to believe that death is the final end. I think you exist in another form after you die, maybe as a spirit. So I can feel my mother's presence by my side at all times.

To a certain extent, Mohnish has kept in touch with his mother's family. He visits his nani, Shobhana Samarth, when she's in town. She also comes over to dote on Pranutan, whom she's especially fond of.

And what about his aunt Tanuja's family? "The families haven't kept in touch," Mohnish answers firmly. Didn't he at any point think of approaching his cousin Kajol to help him out professionally? After all, she had really made it big on the showbiz marquee.

He reasons, "Kajol was big only for the past three years. By then, Hum Aapke Hain Koun...! had happened. Things were looking up. But I've never taken help from anyone. And I hope I never have to."

Courtesy: Filmfare

'BUSY AS CAN BE, AT LONG LAST'

From a caveman in Teri Baahon Mein to a refined man of virtues in Hum Saath Saath Hain, Mohnish Bahl has shifted gears and changed lanes with the same ease with which he drives his fleet of six cars. From a defunct hero to suave villain, from character artiste to mature hero - his screen image has been overhauled several times over by the Barjatyas. The crown prince to Nutan’s illustrious cinematic legacy admits that more than anything else it’s her goodwill that has seen him through. At the threshold of a new phase of his career, Bahl confesses his sole aim now is to live upto his mother’s name, and do her proud...

Overlooking the Arabian Sea, 30 flights up - the Bahl penthouse makes a serene retreat from the urban humdrum. Tastefully embellished with antiques and crystalware - the spacious living room reflects the style and refinement of its inhabitants.

“That’s my dad’s doing, he’s an avid collector,” calls out Mohnish emerging from within in blue denims topped by a crisp white kurta, a sidelong glance, a dimpling smile - looks as if he’s just stepped out of the frame of Hum Saath Saath Hain. Pranutan, his six-year-old moppet peeps in to update him on dadaji’s health. Bahl Sr is indisposed and is to be operated on soon. Mohnish asks Aarti, his lovely wife, to administer the dose of drugs and joins us back for chai and melting Shrewsbury biscuits.

Pranutan brings in her Penguin set and asks dad to put it together. He declines with a courteous “Not now.” But the young lady isn’t taking hints. She wants to be included in the conversation. So she begins by telling us she studies in Standard 1 A, and that she loves her teacher. And how about papa and his movies, we ask her. She smiles shyly and there you catch a glimpse of Nutan. “She does resemble mom a lot, even my nani, Shobhana Samarth, says she’s her little Nutan,” reveals Mohnish. And we carry on chatting:

Has Pranutan seen HSSH?

Oh yes. She chided me, “Papa you made me cry when you left the house and went away!” Her all time fave is the ABCD number and she loves the Yashoda maiyya... dance, too.

With a film and role of that magnitude, what are your expectations from HSSH?

I am very open, really. I have no individual expectations. I couldn’t have asked for better parameters to work with - in a home unit with people responsible for bringing me back into the industry with Maine Pyar Kiya after my first stint as hero didn’t work out, and further sustained me with HAHK, giving me the opportunity to do a positive role thereby opening doors to versatility. I expect the most from the film. I have waited for something like this for 17 years .

I really don’t know which way my career will go, hereafter, since there’s many a slip between the cup and the lip. But what I know for sure is, I have done my best and I don’t think it gets any better as far as opportunity goes. People used to sympathise with me saying I never got the right break. This one will silence them all. Yup, it’s the mother of all breaks.

Post HSSH what kind of roles are you looking for?

I am open to interesting roles, roles that play an intrinsic part in the script. No more bit roles for me. If this film is accepted by the audience, I owe it to myself as an actor and the Rajshris to do quality work.

How would you describe your job profile in your curriculum vitae?

If you’d asked me this question a year ago, my answer would have been an emphatic - character actor. Five years earlier, it was definitely villainy for me. Now I really don’t know. I don’t know what’s in store for me even four weeks down the line. Having played a leading role in HSSH and the second lead in the yet-to-be-released Jaanwar, my career and image are in a flux right now. So, it’s going to be wait and watch. Hopefully my colleagues, producers, audience and the media will accept me in this more important category.

Do you feel like a rookie all over again?

Yes and no. I feel like a newcomer in as much as I have this new image being projected. It’s a launchpad for a possible new image for me. And no, because I’ve been through all this before, at a different level at another phase in my life. I can’t think of another actor who’s had the good fortune to get a break like this at such a late stage in his career. I am much more comfortable in terms of acceptance and rejection because I’ve had to tackle both.

Tell us about Sooraj Barjatya’s special affinity for you?

He is the gentlest human being I have come across. Let alone losing his temper, he doesn’t even raise his voice. He leads a life of utmost honesty and sincerity. Not only do I believe in Soorajji’s style of functioning but also agree with his principles and values. We are on the same wavelength.

Besides the wonderful working relationship I share with the Rajshris, I know for a fact that it all goes back to the relationship Tarachandji and Rajji shared with my mom from the Saudagar days. It’s a kind of legacy.

Can you recount your first meeting with Sooraj?

For that I have to go back in time when I was out of work and Salman was a struggler during Biwi Ho To Aisi days. He told me once he was doing a film for the Rajshris and there was the role of a villain for which I should go and meet them. I was flying with the Bombay Flying Club at the time, with the intention of becoming a commercial pilot. At that desperate juncture it didn’t matter to me if the role on offer was that of a villain. So I spoke to mom about it. I pestered my mom into giving them a call, for with all the failure behind me, I was very unsure of myself. She did call and I was screen-tested for the role. It was that scene where I try to molest Bhagyashree, Salman rescues her and I ask him, “Kyon Prem tum bhi wohi chahate ho jo main chahata hoon, ek ladka ladki kabhi dost nahin ho sakte. Yeh to ek parda hai parda....” Soorajji liked my work but Rajji was hesitant. He said he wasn’t comfortable casting Nutan’s son in a negative role. I assured them that mom wouldn’t mind and that I would have her call them up to put their minds at ease. Mom did call them and I landed the role. Ten years later, during the shoot of HSSH, Raj babu told me that mom had called to tell him, “Don’t punish him for being my son.” Coming eight years after her death this bit of info hit me real hard.

Are you partial to the Rajshris? You seem to reserve your best shots for them?

Not true at all, I devote my very best to every film. No actor can really hold himself back in front of the camera - it’s not possible.

How much of the real Mohnish is there in HSSH ?

100 per cent. I give my parents and my family first priority like Vivek in the film. I believe in the joint family system. For economic reasons, if some have adopted the nuclear system, they should be emotionally together. Like Tabu points out to Salman in the film, “Yeh bhi kya kam hai ki alag ho ke bhi hum saath saath hain?” Strength comes from togetherness.

Did your role evolve during the making?

Soorajji works with a bound script. The first day he narrated the script to us with 40 odd characters, dialogue, shot division and even the background score all worked out. But that doesn’t mean he’s rigid or autocratic, he’s flexible enough to incorporate minor changes during the shoot.

Everyone was reminded of Nutan while watching you in HSSH.

In every shot I’d try and feel her being as I knew her, it was a conscious effort. The character I had to portray had all the goodness and purity that my mom embodied as a human being. (Sighs) I really wish she were here today.

Can you pick a fave scene from HSSH?

Very difficult, can you do that? Even as you were asking me that question so many scenes rushed across my mind screen - that introductory song which Karisma and Saif sing for Tabu or as Tabu supports my wavering hand during the marriage ceremony and many more such. Soorajji is a fabulous storyteller.

How would you like to be known as the Rajshris favourite mascot?

Believe me, they don’t need me. I’m lucky to have these opportunities to work with them. One common factor in these three films is Rajshri and then the artistes - Alok Nath, Reema Lagoo, Ajit Vachhani, Himani Shivpuri, Salman and me.

Why has Sooraj kept Salman on a leash this time, isn’t he supposed to be upset with Khan?

That’s what you feel, because you are comparing Salman’s role with the two previous ventures. But remember while MPK was an out and out love story where the hero was the central character, HAHK was a romance against a family backdrop - so the hero was important. HSSH on the other hand, is a family social with romance being just one of its elements. HSSH comprises 40 odd characters and like waves, some characters rise and fall.

Madhuri is said to have declined to play your heroine, her loss turned out to be Tabu’s gain. Does that make you smile?

Not really. We never heard of the film’s story until recently. That’s just not like the Barjatya’s. As far as I know it was Tabu from day one. I am sure if there was something of the sort, I would have heard of it earlier. That the whole thing came out just before the release of the film sounds fishy to me.

After 17 years in the industry don’t you feel like directing or producing a film now?

Working with certain directors I have realised that you need a whole lot of experience and awareness to be able to direct a film. Every film I do with Soorajji, I learn a lot more and I realise I am nowhere close to becoming a director.

In retrospect, what would you say was the most trying period of your career?

Between 1985 to 87 - I had no work and would sit at home and hope to get a job in the aviation industry. I used to keep my mother up till 2 in the morning talking, harassing her. Dad would say, “It’s ok, why do you need to work?,” but I needed an occupation.

Mother would pacify me, telling me it had taken her 13 films before she got into the mainstream cinema. People used to say, “If you wish to draw Nutan just draw a straight line,” she had been victim of such ridicule. Then she would cite Amitabh Bachchan’s example - he had his share of rejections for his voice and height, the same drawbacks turned out to be his plus points later.

Which of your films did she like the most?

I don’t remember her mentioning any that she liked. But she just loved Maine Pyar Kiya, she was relieved to see that I had found my calling.

Does acting need to be hereditary?

It doesn’t. But one does tend to chose one’s parents’ occupation, generally. Acting is something inherent - you either have it or you don’t. It helps if you’re from the same background. In my case my mother’s goodwill has been my greatest benefactor.

What kind of childhood did you have with a film actress and naval officer for parents?

My childhood was neither bohemian nor regimented. I was brought up with a sense of respect for time, things and people. I am trying to pass it on to my daughter.

What’s your ultimate ambition?

I am not looking for financial rewards, only respectability. I want to live up to the name my mom created for herself. I don’t mean in any way to challenge, surpass or come anywhere near it - but I’d like people to recognise I’m from the same bloodline.

Which are your forthcoming releases?

I play a villain in Rakesh Roshan’s Kaho Naa...Pyar Hai, the second lead in Jaanwar and I am romantically paired opposite Tabu in Astitva. And there’s Shyam Bajaj’s Salman-starrer on the anvil, too.

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