I feel I'm in a dream world: Natha of 'Peepli Live'

Aug 11, 2010 IANS

Mumbai, Aug 11 (IANS) He got a role in Aamir Khan's movie, met his favourite actress Deepika Padukone and is basking in the spotlight of fame - it's a 'dream world', says Omkar Das Manikpuri, who plays Natha in 'Peepli Live'.

'I never thought that I would ever work in a film, neither did I plan to work in movies. Till now I feel that I am into some dream world,' the Chhattisgarh-based theatre actor said.

'I would like to work more in this industry and especially with Aamir Khan. Aamirji is a person with a very big heart. He is so down to earth and speaks so well. He never lets me feel that I am with such a big actor, director and producer,' Omkar told IANS in an exclusive interview.

Directed by debutant Anusha Rizvi and prouduced by Aamir Khan Productions Pvt Ltd, 'Peepli Live' is a satire on farmers' suicides and the subsequent response from the media and political parties.

'Though the story is complete fiction, such incidents are evident in rural central India,' said Omkar.

He remembers his first day on the sets. 'I was quite nervous on the first day. There was a big camera, people were setting lights, director was shouting silence.

'I got scared after seeing the setup. I was not sure whether I would be able to deliver or not. Then Anushaji said that there is of course some difference between performing on stage and in front of the camera, but it's not that big. She asked me to work as if I was on stage. But next day I was comfortable in front of the camera.'

The cast and the crew had to follow a routine.

'Everything was time bound and there were some routine and discipline maintained on the sets and I liked that most about working in the film.'

Omkara's favourite actress is Deepika and he has already met her thanks to Aamir.

'Now I want to work with Deepikaji. I had seen her film 'Om Shanti Om' partly when it came on television. I couldn't watch the whole movie as I had to rush for rehearsals. Recently I saw her again in one of the song of 'Lafangey Parindey' and I loved it. Aamirji introduced me to Deepikaji. I am very happy.'

'I am associated with Habib Tanvir's Naya Theatre. I have spent almost 10 years in theatre. When Anushaji was casting for 'Peepli Live', she came to Naya Theatre and took audition of few actors. I auditioned for a small role. When Aamirji, Anushaji and all saw my audition, they liked it and cast me to play Natha,' he said.

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