‘I’m waiting for right mainstream project

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‘I’m waiting for right mainstream project

Sunday, 30 May 2021 | Shalini Saksena

‘I’m waiting for right mainstream project

MRINAL DUTT, who grabbed eyeballs with TV series Private Investigator, speaks with SHALINI SAKSENA about his latest project, His Story, how he came on board and upcoming projects

What is His Story about?

It is a beautiful show about relationships. It is love, it’s about longing, it’s about despair, it’s about acceptance and unacceptance. If I had to sum it up — it is a beautiful tale about love.

How did you come on board for the project?

The makers of this show approached me for this show. The story was already in place. They were gung-ho and enthuiastic about it the project. On a brief call over the phone they told me about the show. When I heard the story I was interested and asked them for a narration. Besides a few questions, I really like the way the story was written and the set up of how it would unfold. I said yes and took it on; the whole concept interested me.

What is the USP of the show?

There are a few on them. First, it is beautifully written. Second, it has a wonderful team. This is what makes the show and is the heart of it. The team pushes the show ahead. The content is wonderful; it talks about same sex love and representing the same in the most wonderful and delicate manner. I don’t think that there has been any show that has approached this subject with such delicacy.

You play a homosexual here. How tough was it play the character?

It was not really very difficult. I just wanted to know how the show has been written, made and treated. I wanted to know if there were any graphic scenes just for the heck of it. It has none of that. I wanted it to be responsible and sensitive portrayal about two men in love. When you say yes to a project, you start living it from that day on. You start preparing yourself for the role and the character. I played it like I would approach any other role that I have done in the past. To have Satyadeep (Mishra) play it with me was great. It went off rather smoothly.

You did 55km/sec. What was the film about?

The film is about an apocalyptic world. In the midst of all, is the story of a reclusive an who is watching things falling apart. I play Suraj who finds love in all the mayhem around.

How did you get into acting?

I have been performing since my school days. In college, I started doing street plays. I worked in theatre in Delhi. I came to Mumbai, auditioned for a part and got it. It has been a gradual progression into acting since then.

Does it bother you that you haven’t had the typical mainstream film till now?

May be it did at one point but not now. I am happy that I am getting to play different and good roles. I now have the liberty to pick and choose my projects and wait for the right one.

How tough is it to choose right projects for a newcomer?

It is tough in the beginning but slowly it gets better. At the start, getting a call for the audition is a task. From knowing a casting director to getting an audition to getting rejected to getting the roles, this takes time.

What next?

This show is out and so is Hello Mini. The next project is on Voot. I am  very excited about it. It has been shot abroad. I can’t say more about it. Two short films have also released. Post opening of lockdown, I will get to working on a new web series.

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