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Madhavan's a Bihari bawarchi
By: Subhash K Jha
April 19, 2004
Stirring new delights: Madhavan
Madhavan, the popular South actor is currently shooting in Nashik for his new Hindi film tentatively titled Bawarchi. He’s also looking forward to the release of Mani Ratnam’s Ayuzu Ezhathu (Yuva in Hindi).
Bawarchi marks his return to Hindi films after the debacle of the Vashu Bhagnani produced Rehna Hai Terre Dil Mein and the mediocre response to Dil Vil Pyar Vyar.
Tell us a little about Bawarchi…
It is partly set in Bihar and Nasik has the same rusted dusty look as rural Bihar. I play a cook from Bihar who migrates to London and makes a name for himself. In the original film I was a Tamilian cook. I’d have loved to shoot in Bihar because I’m from Jamshedpur. In fact that’s one reason why I transposed the character to Bihar. This is my tribute to my roots. And since I’ve spent 20 years of my life in Bihar I can speak with the local twang.
What made you decide to come back to Hindi cinema with such an unusual comic subject?
Well, I guess a comeback does seem like the only way to describe my return. I guess I’m yet to get a smash hit in Hindi. Bawarchi (we might change the title soon) would be my third Hindi film after Rehna Hai Terre Dil Mein and Dil Vil Pyar Vyar.
In between there were many offers from distinguished directors like Shyam Benegal and Ashutosh Gowariker, though nothing materialised. I was offered Ashutosh’s Swades when Aamir Khan was producing it.
After Aamir opted out, Ashutosh couldn’t afford to make a huge budget Hindi film with me in the lead. I was also offered Farhan Akhtar’s Lakshya. The other scripts didn’t excite me. I realise there’s a market for me in Hindi cinema and I better do a film as soon as I can.
What made you choose Sanjay Daima as the director?
I know him from the time he assisted Ashutosh Gowariker on Lagaan. He had approached me with a script two years ago. I felt the same positive vibes from Sanjay as my Rehna Hai Terre Dil Mein director, Gautam Menon. I realised my Tamil film Nala Damayanthi had a rocking script for a Bihari transposition.
The whole idea of making it in Hindi and making the protagonist a Bihari was mine. And my bonding with my director is amazing. We wrap up the film by the end of May or early June.
You have Mani Rathnam’s Ayuzu Ezhathu coming up…
I’m very excited about Ayuzu Ezhathu. It’s the first time I’ve done an ensemble film with him. I’d like to think I’ve the best role in the film. I was jealous to be sharing Mani’s kingdom with two other actors, Surya and Siddhartha.
But our roles don’t overlap. I realised Surya had more reason to be jealous since he was the first actor Mani gave a break to. My Alai Payuthe came later. But the camaraderie on the sets was overwhelming.