‘हनुमान अंश’ की शूटिंग के दौरान पहुंचा रहस्यमयी बंदर: मूर्ति स्थापना देखता रहा; भगवान दास बोले- लगा जैसे हनुमान जी खुद निगरानी कर रहे हों

‘Hanuman Ansh’ became the highest grossing Bollywood film on the 33rd day of its release.

Actor Bhagwan Das Patel is attracting the attention of the audience these days by playing the character of Gopal in the film ‘Hanuman Ansh’. His journey from Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh to Mumbai was not easy. After spending six years in theatre, he played small and big roles in TV and films. Bhagwan Das, who has been a part of films and series like Mujhse Friendship Karoge, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, Thar, Rangbaaz and Photograph, in a conversation with Dainik Bhaskar, talked about the interesting stories of the shooting of the film, the struggles of his career and the blessings of the people after the success.

Bhagwan Das Patel played the role of Gopal in Hanuman Ansh.

Question: How did you get the role of Gopal in ‘Hanuman Ansh’?

answer: An acquaintance told me about the film. He said that the film is being made on Neem Karauli Baba and the character is Gopal. The money was not much, but the character was good. I went to meet director Vishal sir. There was a picture of Hanuman ji, in which Neem Karauli Baba was sitting in meditation. That picture caught my attention. After this he narrated the story and I gave the audition after a day or two. I had only one audition and I was selected.

Question: What happened during the shooting of the film, which you still remember?

answer: During the shooting, we used to read Hanuman Chalisa and worship Lord Ganesha every day. There were many difficulties, but somehow everything worked out fine. The story of one time is very special. While we were shooting the scene of installing the statue of Bajrangbali, a black faced monkey came and sat on the banyan tree.

He kept watching for a long time how the statue was being installed. We gave him bananas, he kept eating them and also kept watching the shooting. Later, when the hut was being built, he was still there. We felt as if he was monitoring the entire shoot. The villagers also said that they had seen such a monkey there after about 13-14 years.

Question: Which scene in the film makes you the most emotional?

answer: The train scene is very close to my heart. In the film, Maharaj ji stops the train. The British officer comes and says that he does not have a ticket. Then somehow the ticket appears. Maharaj ji says that never stop any saint from sitting in the train. In this entire scene, Gopal’s attachment towards Maharaj ji is very deep. Looking at him it seems that he is the form of God. I became very emotional from inside while doing that scene.

Question: Was the actor playing the role of Maharaj ji decided in advance?

answer : No. Earlier, a day’s shoot had taken place with another actor, but suddenly his health deteriorated. After this the search for a new actor started. During that time, I had a reading with Shobhinav, who was in the direction team. I saw him properly for the first time then. His face seemed perfect for the character of Baba.

We rehearsed many scenes and he caught the character very quickly. Later it came to light that he had done theater in Lucknow. He has also studied from FTII, Pune. I thought maybe this character was for him.

Question: During the shooting, did you ever feel that the film would not be completed?

answer: There were many difficulties. There were problems in the movement of artists, problems with generators and other arrangements, shooting stopped due to rain. We stayed in Chitrakoot for about 24-25 days. But Vishal sir (Vishal Chaturvedi-director) was very clear and confident. He knew that the film had to be completed. So somehow the shoot continued.

Question: How has your life changed after the success of the film?

answer: too much. I had never seen such a life before. For the last few days, calls and messages have been coming continuously. People are giving so many good prayers and good wishes that sometimes I get emotional. The best thing is that many people don’t even know me, yet they are praying for me. I try to thank as many people as I can to respond.

Question: How did your career start?

answer: Was interested in acting since childhood. There was no mobile at that time, I used to listen to the radio. There used to be interviews of artists, I used to write their talks in my diary. He also collected addresses of many schools in Mumbai and used to write letters to artists asking them to give him a chance. No one responded, but the dream persisted.

After 12th, I inquired about National School of Drama (NSD). That required theater experience. My guru Arun Pandey ji connected me with theatre. After this, did theater for about six years. Tried NSD twice, but did not get selected. Later he got admission in Bharatendu Natya Academy, Lucknow.

Question: How did you get your first job after coming to Mumbai?

answer: About one and a half months after coming to Mumbai, I got work on the dialogues and dialect of Bundeli language in the TV serial ‘Devi’. My senior Ram Mehar Jhangra introduced me. I used to tell the artists Bundeli’s words and way of speaking. Later he also did a small role in the same serial.

Question: Which films did you work in after this?

answer: Played the role of an auto driver in Mujhse Friendship Karoge. Then she played the role of Kaikeyi in the Ramleela scene in Prem Ratan Dhan Payo. After this he worked in films like Shadistan and Thar. Played the role of Gajju in Rangbaaz. The kulfi seller had a small role in the photograph. To prepare for that character, I used to roam around with Kulfi sellers in Juhu for about 10-15 days and see how they sell Kulfi.

Question: Ever felt that you should leave acting and return home?

answer: I lost courage many times, but never thought of quitting acting. I don’t know anything other than this. I tried teaching drama, did other work, even did street plays, but remained connected to acting. I believe that a person should do only that work which gives him happiness. Whether you succeed or fail, there is a different satisfaction in doing what you want to do.

Question: What next after ‘Hanuman Ansh’?

answer: Talks are currently going on on some projects. A film shot in Jabalpur is about to come. There is a short film which is going to film festivals. There is also a docu-drama called Metro City. Right now I am just waiting for good work. After Hanuman Ansh, I have received love from people, so hopefully I will get good work in future also.

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