ऐश्वर्या की फिल्म से कटा सीन: ‘हीरामंडी’ में उस्ताद बनकर छाए इंद्रेश मलिक; मल्टी-लेवल मार्केटिंग के नाम पर हुए ठगी के शिकार

In Aishwarya Rai’s film ‘Fanney Khan’, Indresh Malik had shot a scene with Anil Kapoor, which was later removed.

Indresh Malik, who came into limelight for his acting in ‘Hiramandi’ Ustad Ji and ‘The Pyramid Scheme’, shared stories related to career, struggle and personal life in a conversation with Dainik Bhaskar. He told that about 20 years ago he was a victim of multi-level marketing fraud. He shared things related to work, theatre, industry experiences, auditions and family with Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Also talked about upcoming projects and hobby of writing.

Question: Your character in ‘The Pyramid Scheme’ is impressive. Have you faced such schemes or multi-level marketing in real life?

answer: Absolutely. In the meeting with the creative team and directors after the audition, I told that I too had become a victim of such a scheme about 15-20 years ago. At that time the concept of multi-level marketing was new and awareness was low. People were recruited by giving incomplete information. I have also suffered from this.

Indresh Malik has played the role of Divya Jyoti in ‘The Pyramid Scheme’.

Question: What was your first reaction when you got the offer for this series?

answer: I wanted to break away from the image of my previous characters and do something different. I found this character interesting. The entire unit was amazing and a great opportunity to work with Amazon Prime for the first time. There was good tuning with the directors and creative team. The atmosphere of the shooting was positive.

Question: By the previous image do you mean the character of Ustad ji of ‘Hiramandi’?

answer: Yes. Playing the character of Ustad ji in ‘Hiramandi’ was a wonderful experience. After ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’, I got a chance to work with Sanjay Leela Bhansali again.

Question: How did you connect with the character of Ustad ji?

answer: When I was told about this character for the first time, I felt that I can do this role. My family has its roots in the cities of pre-partition Punjab and present-day Pakistan. I learned the language, accent and culture of that period from the elders. The same experience came in handy in the character.

Indresh Malik played the character of Ustad in ‘Hiramandi’, who lives with Mallikajaan’s courtesans.

Question: You told that for ‘Hiramandi’ you had worked on the culture of pre-partition Punjab. Where is your family from?

answer: My maternal side is related to Jhang. The paternal grandparents’ family was from Sargodha, Rawalpindi and Lahore area. After partition the family came to India and settled in Delhi. I was born in Ludhiana, because at that time there was a tradition of having the first child in the maternal home. After this my education and upbringing took place in Delhi.

Question: It is said that the shooting of ‘Hiramandi’ went on for a long time and the actors were not able to do other projects. Did this happen to you too?

answer: No, such a big problem did not happen to me. In any profession a job can last longer than expected. But when the end result is beautiful, other problems seem small.

Question: How was the experience of working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali again?

answer: I am a big fan of his. He is more than a perfectionist. It has always been a dream to work with him. Got love and respect from him and the team on the set.

Indresh Malik has worked with Sanjay Leela Bhansali in the film ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ and the series ‘Hiramandi’.

Question: Is there any update regarding ‘Hiramandi 2’?

answer: At present I have no information. Whenever something happens, everyone will know.

Question: Any special memory related to ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’?

answer: At that time there was a period of Covid and most of the shooting took place at night in Film City. My role was not long, but people noticed me even in small roles. It was a wonderful experience.

Question: How was the experience of working with Alia Bhatt?

answer: Alia is a humble and down to earth person. The ego of a star was not visible in him. He is an ally. I worked with him for a short time, but the experience was good. She worked hard for the character of ‘Gangubai’ and is an excellent actress.

SWAL: Why was your character in ‘Fanney Khan’ not seen in the film?

answer: I had shot the film, but I did not have a part at the time of release. I don’t know what decision was taken during editing. But don’t regret it. The filmmaker has his own vision. My job is to play the character honestly.

Question: When did you realize that you wanted to become an actor?

answer: I wanted to become an actor since childhood. I wanted to be famous and acting was my passion. I was born for my hobbies and passion and want to live for that.

Question: Are your children also in this field?

answer: My elder son is working in direction, casting and editing. He has a good understanding of these areas. The younger son is still deciding which direction to go. I am sure he will find his own way.

Indresh Malik has worked in shows like ‘Madhubala: Ek Ishq Ek Junoon’, ‘Yam Hain Hum’, ‘Nagin’, ‘Gumrah’ and ‘Ratri Ke Yatri’.

Question: What was the biggest struggle of your career?

answer: The biggest challenge was to understand this industry. Many times he used to believe what people say. Promises were made, but were not fulfilled. Gradually I understood that in this profession it is necessary to work wisely and take decisions. When work is not done, difficulties are felt more. But if you have passion, you can overcome every problem.

Question: What is the biggest success in your view?

answer:People’s trust and love is the biggest success. If the audience likes it, then work is also available. Appreciation of a character gives the greatest happiness.

Question: How much change happened in you after achieving success?

answer: There was no change in me at all. I am still the same Delhi boy. Even old friends say that I have not changed. It’s good to hear this. Maintaining relationships matters most to me.

Question: Apart from acting, what do you like to do in your free time?

answer: I also look after other businesses. I write poetry and short stories, cook food, design clothes, bags and shoes. I like to do something new. If I don’t feel like it, I take rest.

Question: Are you fond of cooking?

answer: Yes, very. I love experimenting with new recipes. Many traditional recipes of grandmothers’ time are gradually disappearing. I try to learn and handle them. I bring spices from different places and prepare them myself. Cooking is therapy for me.

Question: Ever thought of opening a restaurant?

answer: No. I cook just for fun. I make it for family and special friends. At present there is no intention to make it a business.

Question: Do you intend to bring the stories and poetry written on screen?

answer: Absolutely. I write so that one day I can bring them on screen. This is my destination and I am confident that it will definitely happen at the right time.

Indresh Malik is fond of writing stories and poetry.

Question: What kind of poetry do you write?

answer: I like to play with Urdu and Hindi words. I write poetry. I am not very knowledgeable about the rules of poetry, but I write from my heart.

Question: How did you like the recently released ‘Dhurandhar’?

answer: I liked it. Especially the character of Bedi Saheb was fantastic. The team including Ranveer Singh has done a great job. Every small and big character of the film has been written and played well.

Question: If you got a chance to work in ‘Dhurandhar’, which character would you like to play?

answer: I would have liked to see myself in a new character. I would work as per what the director asked me to do. If the second part is made and I get a chance, I will be happy.

Question: What are your upcoming projects?

answer: Can’t tell more openly right now. Trying to work in South Indian films. I look for such characters in which I get a chance to do something new.

Question: Do you still give auditions today?

answer: Absolutely. There is no harm in giving auditions. This gives an opportunity to understand the character. The only complaint is that many times the auditionees themselves are not able to explain the character properly.

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