7 days ago
Neil Nitin Mukesh Confirms Mukesh Biopic, Reveals He May Not Play His Granddad
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Neil Nitin Mukesh has been working on the script of Mukesh's biopic for two years now. He reiterates that his father, Nitin Mukesh, feels he's the best fit to play Mukesh.
Neil Nitin Mukesh was all of five when his grandfather, legendary vocalist Mukesh, passed away. Not having many vivid memories of and with him, Neil relied on stories from his grandmother and father, musician Nitin Mukesh. And for the last two years, he has been working on a script that chronicles the life and times of Mukesh. Speaking exclusively to News18 Showsha, Neil reveals, 'My team and I've been writing for quite some time. Not many know that I'm a professional writer and have a production house too."
Spilling the beans on his process of research, he tells us, 'There's a full exercise in place – every time I sit down with my father, I listen to anecdotes about my grandfather from him, go through the archives of whatever we've of him like his memorabilia and photographs."
According to Neil, Mukesh's life makes for a great cinematic tale. 'We've got a great bank of content and material ready. His life has been so beautiful. There's a lovely arc in his story. His journey is so inspiring that people need to see it," he points out.
One of the directors in the running to helm the biopic is Tere Bin Laden and Parmanu: The Story Of Pokhran fame Abhishek Sharma, who recently directed Neil in the web series, Hai Junoon. 'We're just trying to figure out the right medium, the producers to collaborate with, the actors and the filmmakers to come onboard. I've had a word with Abhishek. In fact, he was the one who brought up the conversation. He's truly excited about the idea. I'm waiting for him to get free. I would love to listen to how he's envisioning it," he states.
So, who will be playing Mukesh onscreen? 'I don't think there can be a better Mukesh than me. Neil Nitin Mukesh is Mukesh. I know him better than anyone else. Dad also wants me to play my grandfather for emotional reasons," says Neil. But he's quick to add that he's 'realistic' enough and wouldn't have any qualms about any other actor playing his grandfather. 'The business of cinema is very different. As actors, we look for opportunities but we're given them basis what others perceive of us. Your draw to the box office is important," he remarks.
Neil further adds, 'These days, your draw to your followers on Instagram is also a benchmark of popularity. As far as talent goes, I'm not going to flinch for even a moment when I say that I'm going to be the best fit to play Mukesh. But I do respect the business and know where I stand. So, if at all, any producer who'll eventually put their money on this, feel that another actor can depict his life better than me, I'm okay with it. If they want to get another actor from the point of view of finances, I'm okay with it too."
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