Bijay Mohanty, An Acting School In Himself

Bijay Mohanty, An Acting School In Himself

He is the the spian of Ollywood who is famous for melting into every character he plays. Yet, Bijay Mohanty cannot tolerate himself on the screen!

The first from Odisha to become the alumnus of National School of Drama (NSD), Bijay Mohanty is not just one of the most versatile actors the industry has ever seen, he is also a living legend.

From playing the action hero in ‘PuaMora Kala Thakura’ to the comic LIC agent in ‘Lakhey Siba Puji Paichi Mu Pua’, the angry daddy in ‘Lakhmana Rekha’ or the villain in ‘Samaya Bada Balaban’, Bijay Mohanty has received enormous praise and critical acclaim in every role of his. Some of his other notable films include ‘Arti’, ‘Mamata Mage Mula’, ‘Aei Ama Sansara’, ‘Ama Ghara Ama Sansara’, ‘Ki Heba Sua Posile’, ‘Bhisma Patigya’, ‘Bhai Hela Bhagari’, ‘Suna Panjuri’, and ‘Rakhi Bhijigala Akhi Luha Re’.

The 65-year-old began his journey in 1977 with the film ‘Chilika Teerey’ and has since then worked in more than 300 Odia films, 40 Bengali films, twoSouth Indian movies and one Hindi film. Recipient of six State Awards, Jaydev Award and National Award for his contribution to art and culture, Bijay Mohanty is nothing short of an acting school in himself.

As part of the series, ‘Legends of Ollywood’, My City Links caught up with the veteran actor for an exclusive chat. Here are the excerpts

You Dreamt Of Becoming A Pilot In The Indian Air Force. How Did Acting Happen?

Yes, it’s true. I never dreamt of being an actor, I would say it was my destiny. I was in Standard 10^th and one of my teachers approached me to act in a drama for our annual function. I declined at first, but after watching Padmini’s performance in Raj Kapoor’s film, ‘Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai’, I felt if a girl can perform so well why am I shying away from acting? So, the next day, I went to my teacher and agreed to perform in a skit. But it turned out to be one of my worst experiences when my ‘gamucha’ (towel) slipped on stage. I wasn’t wearing any underwear then. The crowd was huge with many students from Girl’s High School present there as well. I was so embarrassed that I ran away through the window. Believe me, I did not go to school for one and a half months fearing my teacher. Post that incident, I never mustered the courage to act again.

The turning point came in 1969 when I was studying at MPC College. One of my lecturers had seen my performance in that school skit and convinced me to act in a drama. This time around, things went well and I received the best actor award for it. I decided to become an actor that day.

How Did NSD Come Your Way, That Too, At A Time When None Had Even Heard About It?

Poor financial conditions led me to study in a night college. With the help of a few friends, I began performing in plays at ‘Seba Sangha Hall’, which was the only auditorium at Baripada then. We became popular within a few days, thanks to the art loving people of Baripada. An alumnus of NSD called Prasanna Mohanty came up to me and asked to me join NSD. He sent me the form from Delhi and after a few days, I received an interview call. I hadn’t even seen Cuttack properly then, but I mustered some courage and went to Delhi. After seeing more than 270 aspirants who were extremely well dressed and appeared all confident, I knew it was impossible for me to pass the interview. I wasn’t even good in any other language except Odia. When I entered the audition room, the 24 judges sitting in front of me made me even more nervous. They asked me all sort of things in Hindi and English and I stood like a statue. One of them told me, “Arey! Kuch Karke Dikhao” (Do something). I calmly replied, “In Odia?”, they said yes and I enacted a scene.

I returned to Baripada convinced that I hadn’t made it. But, days later, I received a letter saying I was one among the top six aspirants to receive the National scholarship. After graduating from NSD in 1973, all my friends including Om Puri and Naseeruddin Shah went to Mumbai but I returned to my village. Although they approached me to go with them, I refused since I had no money to live there. Six months later, I received a letter from NSD to join its repertory company for one year. I did many plays across the country that way.

What Made You Join ‘Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya’ As Its Drama Department Head?

I was shooting for my first film in Cuttack during those days. Unfortunately, the film got shelved. Since I was free, I thought of catching up with writer Manoranjan Das, on whose stories I had performed earlier. He hugged me and said he had just written a letter to me requesting me to join ‘Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya’. The letter was, in fact, lying on his table. So, on January 14, 1976, I became the first person to join the institution and recruited all other staff.

Tell Us Something About Your Debut Movie?

Famous writer and poet Sibabrata Das aka Munna Bhai was very close to me. On January 13, 1977, he approached me to do a movie for Biplab Ray Choudhury. I remember we reached Balugaon on scooter and the shooting of ‘Chilika Teerey’ started the very next day. It took us two and a half months to complete the film. As I was playing the character of a fisherman, I used to live with the local fishermen to see their life style. I had no money then since I was out of work. I used to eat snacks from Sama ‘Bhai’, a local vendor out there for a month. I paid him only after I received my payment for the film.

Tell Us About You Real Love Story With Your Wife And Veteran Actress Tandra Ray.

Though we met during the shoot of my debut film, our love story did not begin then. It was only when our mothers intervened that we got a name for our relationship. I was very unromantic and a workaholic. Her mother always used to come with her to the sets. Somehow, she liked me and approached my mother for our wedding. That is how we came together. Gradually, she chose to do less work and asked me to take all work responsibilities while she took care of the family.

Which Character From Your Films Do You Consider The Best?

I cannot tolerate myself on screen!I make tonnes of mistakes and become demotivated, so I avoid watching my films. A mother can’t say which of her children is the best. So, for me, the character my audience liked the most, is the best I have played so far.

Did You Ever Encounter Any Accident During Shoots?

I have broken my leg quite often and also fell unconscious on sets. I remember during the shooting of ‘Ae Ama Sansara’, I had fainted! It happened again when Sriram Panda hit me in one of the shoots.

Why Do You Think The Odia Film Audience Is Dwindling?

There are simple methods to tell a story, much like our grandmother’s stories. The directors are better today, but there is definitely a lacuna somewhere.

Tell Us About Any Of Your Crazy Fan Moments.

15 years back, when I visited the ‘Chadaka’ Festival at Bhogarai Lord Shiva temple as a guest, a large crowed rushed to my car. I was with my wife,as well as organiser and his family in  the car with me then in the car. They were scared to see such a huge gathering. I got out from the car. And, the crowd gave way to me without any hassles.

After Leaving Congress, What’s Your View On The Current Political Scenario Now?

I want to make it clear that I was never in politics. Without my knowledge, one of my closest friends nominated me as the MP candidate of Bhubaneswar from Congress Party. As he was very close to me, I had no option but to accept the offer. Though I was defeated, I am happy with the number of votes I received from people. I kept myself away from politics after that but the media kept calling me a Congress supporter. I finally decided to resign and let people know I wasn’t a part of politics at all.

Your Daughter Did Not Choose Acting As Her Profession.

She was not interested in acting and is happily married now. 

What Is Your Message To Aspiring Actors?

They need to prepare themselves properly before getting into the profession.