From theater to small screen serial office office, Hemant Pandey proved his mettle in the role of Pandey Ji. Actor Hemant Pandey, who has played memorable characters in many films like 'Krrish' and 'Ready', believes that the corporate mafia has bought the cinema.
Hemant Pandey says that the corporate mafia does not have a good understanding of cinema. In order to keep the industry alive, it is very important for independent producers to stay active. Recently the actor had a special conversation with Frontpage Insights. What the actor had to say during this conversation, let's find out in his own words…
Shekhar Kapur's 'Bandit Queen' got its first film Shekhar Kapoor had a role like Dashansh in the film 'Bandit Queen'. Only I can recognize where I am in the film. The payment in that film was Rs 5000 per day. The advantage of working there was that my respect in Mandi House increased a little. After working in that film, all my senior actors Manoj Bajpayee, Nirmal Pandey and Saurabh Shukla came to Mumbai from Delhi.
Got a job in Mumbai for 500 rupees per day After working in 'Bandit Queen', my respect in Mandi House increased. I did not let that honor overpower me and I also came to Mumbai. After coming here, he got a job in Shekhar Kapur's production serial 'Hum Bombay Nahi Jayenge'. This serial was directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia. This serial had a good start, but was paid 500 rupees per day to work in it.
'Office Office' gained popularity During this time I also got a good opportunity in Sony TV's show 'Tak Zaank'. After that he did many serials and movies like 'To Kya Baat Hai', 'Hera Pheri'. The good times started from the office office. Pandey Ji's role in this got a lot of popularity. This serial ran for 8-9 years. I also did 50-60 advertisement films. I was very happy when my ad films were played on my own show.
When I came to Mumbai I had to live in a chala. When I came to Mumbai, I initially stayed in Chembur Chal. But it was too far. A problem was seen in people coming to meet in Andheri. My batchmates from NSD came to Mumbai. I shifted with him to PMGP Colony, Andheri East. 8-10 boys lived in a small room. When money started coming in, he started sharing a room with two people.
Today we live in a flat worth Rs 4 crore I bought a 25 year old house in Malad for Rs 8.25 lakh. Today it has become a large tower under redevelopment. Its price has increased to Rs 4 crores today. People think I live in a Rs 4 crore flat, but where did I have so much energy? If it had not gone for redevelopment, where would the flat be worth so much? I believe that whatever has been achieved is sufficient.
If you have talent, you will get opportunities. I don't believe outsiders are discriminated against in the industry. Growing your family is a natural process. View any field. If a producer is making a film with his son, it is his courage and passion. I have never been part of a group. I believe that if you have the ability, you will get opportunities.
The producer gave his Maruti van in exchange for the money It is true that an actor's money gets trapped in the industry. Some producers even disappear after creating a project. I had to take 35 thousand rupees from a producer. He gave his Maruti van in exchange for money. I also traveled by bus in early days in Mumbai. He had a different joy of his own. First I bought a second hand scooter for Rs 5,000. So far I have changed 11 vehicles. Currently I have an XL 6 car. I'm not saying I love cars, but I need them.
Had to live by eating biscuits Happiness and sadness keep coming in life. This is life. Even in sad times I enjoyed life a lot. As we had no money, we starved the whole day, but by evening we would meet some friend and food would be arranged. Becoming an actor requires a lot of sacrifice and penance. An actor always feels refreshed if the desire to learn is maintained.
No financial help from home My father was a postman. At that time the salary was very low. There was only tea and water in the name of bribe. Father never even drank tea in the name of bribe. Even without any financial help, we have reached this far because of the rites received from father. Seeing them inspires a lot.
The mother brought 100 rupees from the neighbor. As a child, I used to go to NCC camps. The mother borrowed 100 rupees from a neighbor. Even today the thought of asking for a loan hurts my heart. I do not tip anywhere in hotels. 100 rupees is very valuable to me. I can't spend money like this.
Theater draws me to acting One often hears that something went wrong with so-and-so. Not so in industry. Be it a boy or a girl, no one can force anyone in the film industry. A person cannot see it wrong unless the other person wants to. I have been with girls since dramas. Theater destroys attraction between boy and girl. Film boys have affairs, but those who work hard in theater. The attraction between them ends as the theater draws them to acting.
The corporate mafia bought the cinema I am doing 'Welcome to the Jungle' with Akshay Kumar and Vikram Bhatt's 'Haunted 2'. The shooting of some films is starting in Uttarakhand, in which I play the lead role. Earlier also he has played lead role in many films like 'Prakash Electronic'. Those films did not do well because not enough theaters were available. Today the corporate mafia has bought the cinema. He knows nothing about cinema.
The industry needs an independent producer There are very few independent producers who are making films. Independent producers are very much needed to keep the industry alive. Some people are boldly making films. Our endeavor is to help such manufacturers.
Rakesh Roshanji himself called for Krish from the front. He narrated the story himself. Working with Salman Khan in 'Ready' has been a good experience. Although Panditji had a small role in that film, that character was loved by the audience. There is no such atmosphere in the industry now.
Image Credit: (Divya-Bhaskar): Images/graphics belong to (Divya-Bhaskar).
