Speaking to ETimes, he recalled the positive feedback that he’s received with Jugjugg Jeeyo. He said, “The reactions have been amazing. People were happy to see me on the big screen again. I had no idea that Jugjugg Jeeyo would bring me so much love and adulation. It has come as a surprise to me.”
Despite being a seasoned performer, Maniesh was concerned about sharing screen space with seniors like Anil Kapoor and Neetu Kapoor. He said, “My aim is to always bring my best game to the table, whether it’s a film or my TV shows. But, I was a little nervous about sharing screen space with a legend like Anil sir. I have hosted a show with him before, but working in a film is a different game altogether.” He is glad that people are really liking what he’s done alongside Anil Kapoor in Jugjugg Jeeyo. He added, “The audiences have appreciated our comic timing as well. My approach was, jo bhi hai achhe se karo and I think that is what people are liking.”
His rapport and camaraderie with Varun Dhawan has always been talked about when they’ve come together on TV shows and awards show stages. Maniesh said, “Varun and I have always had a great time. That’s because Varun is such a down-to-earth and chilled-out person. He’s never had the airs of ‘I have done big films, I will not do this or attempt to do that’. He’s a guy who always has fun and he enjoys what he does and he makes sure his product is always good.” Maniesh also revealed that a lot people appreciated his chemistry with Varun in Jugjugg Jeeyo. He revealed, “People are saying bromance is back, and that’s a superb complement for Varun and I. Usually, you have a hero and then you either have a sidekick or a comedian next to him, but here it just looked like two guys were just having fun.”
He’s tried his hand at solo hero movies, but he’s also never been shy of being part of an ensemble. Maniesh added, “It’s not like I won’t work as a solo hero. But we are in such times that an actor can afford to do so much more. Look at Ranveer Singh, he works in an ensemble cast with Dil Dhadakne Do and he continues to do solo hero films, he’s done two hero films, too. Eventually, we all are open to any and all opportunities that come our way. We as actors are here to create entertainment where we can give our best.”
Maniesh credits director Raj Mehta for showing faith in his ability. He said, “Raj gave me a good role. He understood what I can do and he played to my strengths. I will hope going ahead, more directors and writers come to me with scripts where I can do something. The moment an actor gets excited about an opportunity, he/she is bound to give it their best.”
A lot of times, TV actors aren’t able to break the mould and transition to films and OTT. But Maniesh doesn’t face any such challenge. He said, “I’ll consider myself lucky that my producers, like Karan sir have always pampered me so I don’t really feel that I don’t have enough.” Maniesh also pointed out that he’s not as occupied with TV as most audiences feel. He revealed, “People feel I am on air 12 months in a year, but that’s not true. I have always taken up alternate seasons for any TV show that I host. If I host a season of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, I won’t immediately jump into the next season, or even take the upcoming season of Indian Idol or any other show. I always give myself a 2-3 month break between TV show gigs. That always gives me enough time to shoot for my films and OTT shows. But then, my shows have such repeat value that the audience keeps watching reruns and they feel, I am perennially on air.”
As a final question, we ask Maniesh if he’s ever thought about making good use of his comedic talent and featuring in an all-out comedy film. Exercising his clever repartee he said, “The idea for an out and out comedy with Maniesh Paul is not a new idea. It’s an idea that Rohit Shetty sir should consider and make a film.”
