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Fourth time lucky

Right choice Manjari Phadnis doesn’t mind doing multi-starrers as long as she gets a meaty role

While Imran Khan, Genelia D’Souza, producer Aamir Khan and director Abbas Tyrewalla hogged the limelight in the run upto to the release of ‘Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na’ (JTYJN) Manjari Phadnis was deliberately kept away. Manjari was nowher e to be seen in the film posters or promos. The director wanted to keep her under wraps as she was the surprise element. And now that the film is released, we all know that Manjari played Meghana.

“It was small but powerful role. The way her character was etched was unique. I have never come across a character like that in our films. I didn’t get to enjoy the post-release excitement because I had gone to Bangkok for a shoot. When I returned, people at the airport recognised me.Then I realised that the film is a success and my work was noticed,” says an elated Manjari.

Manjari was first seen in the role of a teenager in ‘Rok Sako To Rok Lo’ featuring Sunny Deol, Namrata Shirodkar in 2004. “I didn’t do any work in the following two years except Arindam Chaudhuri’s ‘Faaltu’ which went on to fetch a National Award. I prepared myself for times ahead. I read, watched films and learnt dance from Shiamak Davar School of Dance.” Then came ‘Mumbai Salsa’ which had her playing the role of HR manager but this film too didn’t succeed at the box office.

Talking about the experience of working with Aamir Khan Productions, Manjari says: “We were sent off to Panchagani for a workshop. Our cell phones were confiscated. We were to call each other by our characters’ names but we had real fun. Imran is another Aamir Khan in the making. He notices minute details and also plays pranks with a straight face.”

Post ‘JTYJN’ she will next be seen in Saurabh Shukla’s “I am 24” a romantic comedy and she will be sharing screen space with Ranvir Sheorey and Neha Dhupia.

“It’s sweet, light-hearted story. I don’t have any problems with multi-starrers as long as I have a meaty role. Romantic comedy is my forte so I want to do more films in that genre.”

It was the lure of good roles that brought the actor down south as well. She recently wrapped up a Telugu film ‘Sidhu from Sikakulam’ opposite Allari Naresh.In the film, she dons an a complete Indian look. Then there is a Tamil film produced by Vikram Bhatt ‘Muthirai’ in which she stars with Nithin Sathya and Lakshmi Rai.

“I have been getting offers from regional films for a long time but when I got these two roles I just jumped. These are very powerful roles. Speaking a language you don’t know, requires extra effort,” says Manjari

Manjari is blessed with other talents too. Having classically-trained musician for a grandmother and maternal aunt who is professional singer, ensured that she grew up amidst music.

Manjari was one of the four finalists in Channel V Pop Stars. “I love to sing but I want to concentrate on acting but I would love to give playback for myself in some films,” says Manjari. Is our film fraternity listening?

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