Post National Award, am getting the kind of subjects I want to do: Manasi Parekh

Time of India

6 days ago

Manasi Parekh
Manasi Parekh
, whose performance in Maharani has been appreciated, says, 'When Viral Shah (the film's director) narrated the script, I was thrilled. It was a fun story with a good message, just the kind of film I love to watch.
Also, it was exciting to work with
Shraddha Dangar
, Sanjay Goradia and
Ojas Rawal
.'
She adds, 'The concept (a story on house helps) was very relatable. It was a story that conveyed a lot.'
'I feel calmer when I am just an actor in a project'
Manasi, who was also seen in Shubhchintak (she produced it too) this year, says, 'I am calmer when I am just an actor in a project. As a producer, you are associated with the film from the scripting level to filmmaking, promotions, releasing it in the theatres and on OTT.
But in projects where I am just an actor, I am relaxed and calmer as I don't have to worry about anything else.'
She adds, 'But I get attached to every project I do. So, even as an actor, I take part in planning strategies on how to make films reach a larger audience. As a producer, I am creating a new landscape and doing stories which I want to tell by collaborating with makers who have similar vision.'
'Movies kitna bhi promote karo, kam hi hai'
Manasi believes 'film promotions are extremely important now.'
S
he elaborates, 'Movies kitna bhi promote karo, kam hi hai. Today, audiences have so many options that if you don't go all out while promoting, it won't work. There have been so many good films that didn't do well at the box office because they weren't promoted well. In a growing regional industry like ours, promoting a film well is extremely important. Otherwise, there are other projects that will find more screens.
'
'The
National Award
win had a good domino effect on my career'
After winning the National Award (Best Actress for Kutch Express), Manasi has been doing a lot more films. She says, 'The National Award win has had a great domino effect on my career, with so many good films and challenging characters coming my way. People recognise me nationally, so some producers are suggesting my name for projects, and I have received several offers. Also, I am getting the kind of subjects and roles I wanted for a long time.
'
Talking about working with another lead actress, "Working with another lead actress has never been challenging for me. We are artistes who work together to make a good film. Shraddha (Dangar) and I bonded on the set (of Maharani) from the first day and shared a great offscreen chemistry too."
Is she open to explore other mediums? She says, "I am open to working in all the mediums, including OTT. But being a mother, I would like to do projects that I can watch with my daughter. She shouldn't feel embarrassed even if she watches them after years. There are such shows (without adult content) that are doing well. I would like to remake
Nithya Menen
's south films in Gujarati. Also, maybe Julie and Julia can have a Gujarati remake someday (laughs)."