Mumbai, National Award winning actor Manoj Bajpai, known for playing unconventional roles, is upbeat about his next release "Swami", which he says will throw light on the psyche of youngsters and why they ignore their elders.
"Our grandparents, parents and other elder family members become a source of shame for us when we are young. We feel embarrassed while walking with them. We ignore the love, affection and concern they have for us. But when these elders are gone, then we realise their importance and crave for their presence and preaching. And this is what 'Swami' is all about," Manoj told IANS in an interview.
"This film will definitely bring people closer to their family and friends," he added.
After proving his mettle in films like "Satya", "Zubeida" and "Pinjar", Manoj is playing the title role in the film by choreographer-turned-director Ganesh Acharya.
"I am playing a middle class Maharashtrian Brahmin, who doesn't see life beyond his family. He doesn't have any wishes and dreams of his own. He just wants to fulfil the dreams of his family.
In short, it's a completely family film, says the actor.
" 'Swami' is a love story of a husband and a wife. It is very much a mainstream story, but different from the formula films. The best thing about it is that you won't be able to see any emotion that you haven't seen before. You will get to see the same relations but shown with a different angle. That's why it's a unique mainstream film."
Juhi Chawla plays his wife and Manoj says she is undoubtedly one of the best in the field.
"She is one of the best actresses. There is perfection in the timing of her performance and that is why the filming was completed in 34 days.
"The best thing about her is that she never sits quiet. She always thinks there is something incomplete in her performance and wants it finished to perfection," Manoj added.
The story covers Swami's life from his 30s till he's 60.
Prior to reading the script, Manoj was under the impression that Ganesh's film would be all about song and dance.
"It was a lovely experience working with Ganesh. Before I heard the script, I thought it would be a film with lot of songs, dances and item numbers. But when I heard the story, I was completely floored.
I realised that Ganesh is actually an emotional person. He has made 'Swami' after waiting for four years and exactly the way he wanted to make it. I hope all of you like this film.
"We have lived every scene we shot. It's a film that I am proud to be a part of."
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