Digital Desk, Bhopal. Actor Manav Kaul has played an important role in Sony Liv’s series ‘Real Kashmir Football Club’ which has been nominated for International Emmy Awards. This story is also special for Manav coming from Baramulla because in it he saw the Kashmir where he grew up. In the series, Kashmiri Muslims and Kashmiri Pandits try to form a football team together. Along with acting, Manav Kaul is also known for theatre, writing and direction. From Emmy nomination to Kashmir, work with Zeeshan Ayyub, awards, writing and his next direction, he shared many things in a special conversation with ‘Dainik Bhaskar’.
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Question: What was your first feeling on the news of Emmy nomination?
Manav: To be honest, I couldn’t believe it at first. We thought that maybe someone was playing a prank or it was a joke. It is difficult to trust many things on social media. We were calling each other again and again asking if this was true? When it was completely confirmed, I was very surprised. I come from a small town. Coming from there, many times you have this feeling that perhaps you are not worthy of even the most basic things. So it was special for me, especially because this series is very close to my heart. I often think about my decisions. Many times, without thinking much, I instinctively say yes to some work and later wonder whether my decision was right or not. After this nomination I felt that no, my instinct was right.
Question – ‘What was the biggest reason for joining the web series?
Manav – The biggest reason was that for the first time I was getting a chance to tell about the Kashmir in which I grew up. In this, a Kashmiri Muslim and a Kashmiri Pandit together form a football team. I have seen such friendships and relationships in my childhood. This part of Kashmir’s story has been left behind somewhere. People lived together and celebrated each other’s festivals. This beautiful picture of that period got buried somewhere amidst the so-called politics. I felt that this is also the story of Kashmir, which should be told. Even on the set, we used to discuss a lot about the scene. Many times it happened that the shooting was stopped for an hour to discuss how the scene should be presented. Usually everyone on the set is in a hurry to somehow complete the shooting and start the next work. But it was not so here. We would talk first, everyone would agree and then shoot the scenes comfortably.
Question: How important is it for you that Indian stories get international recognition?
Man-This kind of international recognition gives makers the confidence to create different kinds of things. When our stories are liked even outside, you feel that Indian stories can be told very well at the international level as well. This also gives enthusiasm to those people who want to do something different. Many times people step back thinking that this is what sells, this is what works. But when your different story gets recognition from somewhere else, it gives you some support and courage. This is very important, because only then does someone take a risk thinking that I want to create something different. How much does the award mean to you as an artiste?
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Question- You keep getting lost in the world of books, don’t you feel the risk of getting lost?
Manav- Despite being in the industry, I remain busy in my work. I say yes to a project and then go and shoot. I don’t even know which glamor industry I am a part of. When I am sitting in my room, I do not feel any glamour. I think glamor is a mind game. There are so many beautiful stories and so many wonderful people in the world. I really enjoy meeting people. I have just come back from rehearsals for a new play. The greatest happiness for me is writing books, rehearsing, making a new play, working in a web series or film, traveling and seeing something new. Happiness matters more than risk.
Question – Even today people in the world read Hindi books?
Manav – Oh there are many. I recently went to Amsterdam. There I signed so many Hindi books that at one time it felt as if I was in Delhi. I was surprised to see that people in Amsterdam have so many Hindi books. I also discover and read different authors. People also search and read good things. I have great faith in the youth. Today’s youth are very brilliant and study very well. No matter how digital you become, the fun of reading books is different. It will never end. Believe it.
Question: You have also become a director, how was your experience?
Manav – I have directed my film and have just completed it. It is based on my novel ‘Sakshatakar’. Hopefully the film will come soon. The experience of directing was very good. I love working with great people and this has been one of my best experiences. I want to direct more in future also. Right now I feel very good about writing, acting and directing. Let’s see what new comes in life.