‘I want to play the role of a cowboy, with a hat and gun’

‘I want to play the role of a cowboy, with a hat and gun’

Jajpur-born actor Devesh Ranjan won rave reviews for his performance in ‘Bhor’, which was screened in the Panorama section of the recently-held International Film Festival of India in Goa. He was also the face behind ‘Vara: A Blessing’ (2013) made by Tibetan/Bhutanese filmmaker Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche. The crowning glory was when he became the first Indian actor to be invited to open the Busan International Film Festival, South Korea in 2013 alongside legends like directors Kim Ki Duk, William Chang and Khyentse Norbu. In a freewheeling chat with My City Links, the young actor opens up on his initial struggle, aspirations and the Indian film industry. Excerpts:

What Inspired You To Become An Actor?

Since my childhood, I was fascinated towards films and acting. Watching actors portraying different characters always inspired me. During my college days, I used to participate in and organize dramas. However, I did not get a proper channel or source to develop my acting skills and I had to struggle a lot to get on the right track.

I went to Delhi for further studies. But after two years, I realized that it is not working out for me. I began acting and joined a theatre group in Delhi. Later, I moved to Mumbai to pursue my dream. I gave innumerable auditions to be a part of Indian films. All those struggling days made me realize that in our profession, success comes after a lot of work and time. You have to go through all these struggles. It’s an unpredictable journey in which you never know when things might happen.Did Your Family Support You To Pursue Acting?

My father was a senior official in the revenue board. He is a highly-qualified person and wanted me to pursue a career in academics. Since I was a commerce student, I could have ended up as a chartered accountant, company secretary or something else. He also wanted me to try for IAS and other competitive exams.

When I started acting, I did not tell anyone at home about my decision. When my father found out, he was angry. Later, he understood my dreams and gradually started accepting my decision. Now, he supports me.

Your First Film ‘Vara: A Blessing’ Was Highly Appreciated. How Did You Get your first break?

After a couple of rejections from feature films, I got an unexpected call from an international casting director, Dilip Shankar, who is now also my mentor. Shankar told me that he had sent my pictures to international director Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche. I sent some of my videos to the director. However, he wanted to conduct more tests and so came to Delhi. After a couple of more tests, I was finally selected.

The film was released in many places, but unfortunately never released in India. It was screened at the Goa Film Festival and the Kerala Film Festival.

You Got An Opportunity To Open The Busan International Film Festival (BIFF). How Was The Experience?

BIFF was the best experience as I was invited as an opening guest. It was more special because Indian actors have never been invited to open an international festival. As BIFF is considered one of the biggest film festivals in Asia, it was a privilege for me. There, our film ‘Vara: A Blessing’ won the best feature film award.You Have Also Worked In The Short Film ‘Chutney’.

Yes, I have worked in a couple of short films. ‘Chutney’ was the recent one. It was a good experience working with Tisca Chopra and Adil Hussain. I played the role of Adil Hussain’s younger brother, who kills the house cleaner. I think many interesting stories are coming up in the form of short stories these days and it is good to see such amazing concepts and storylines.

Your New Film ‘Bhor’ Is Receiving Positive Response From Critics. The Film Was Also Screened In The Panorama Section At the 49th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Goa. What Are Your Expectations From The Film?

‘Bhor’ is the second film in which I have played the lead role. The film was recently screened at IFFI, Goa and it was a great experience to see the response of the audience. Besides good direction and a compelling storyline, it is a realistic film and has a rustic approach with elements of commercial entertainment. It conveys a strong message to bring about a change.

The film is about open defecation, education, sanitation and other issues in rural India. I play the character of an illiterate person who is fortunately progressive. The film unfolds many interesting aspects of society and its acceptance towards certain changes. It is the story of the Musahar tribe that eats rats. The story revolves around the female protagonist, Budhni, a poor girl from a backward community who fights for living with dignity and her rights. She completes her studies after marriage and struggles to have a toilet in her village to avoid open defecation. I play her husband who supports her throughout in her endeavour, which ultimately becomes a national movement.Since Your Film Talks About An Open-Defecation Free (ODF) Society, Do You Think We Will Be Able To Achieve The Target Of Making All Places ODF?

Most people in rural areas are scared of change. Even though it is healthy for them to use toilets, they refuse to change their habit. The problem is also prevalent in many urban areas. People are ignorant about all the aspects of cleanliness. It’s all about mindset and the need to accept changes. It will take some time, but I’m sure we will achieve the target of making all places ODF.

You Received Good Opportunity To Work With Exceptional Directors And Actors. How Do You View Your Journey So Far? Who Have Inspired You?

I am only a couple of films old. So far, it has been a good journey. I love to do subject-oriented films with good directors. Language has never been a barrier for me as cinema has never been limited to any language. I believe that the concept has to be good. As an actor, the works of Daniel Day-Lewis and Al Pacino have always inspired me. Majid Majidi, Federico Fellini, Bernardo Bertolucci, Ingmar Bergman, Francis Ford Coppola, Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, Alfred Hitchcock, Akira Kurosawa and Satyajit Ray are some of my favourite directors. I am more into international films, but I want to do films in India as well. I am just waiting for good opportunities.Art Films Always Have Good Storylines, But They Fail To Make That Kind Of An Impact And Business. What Do You Feel About This?

The audience and their mindsets are changing. Now, they demand subject- and content-oriented films. It is not about the star cast only. No doubt, entertainment has to be provided, but I feel that cinema is a powerful tool. Art films are the reflection of our society. In the name of entertainment, we are forgetting our responsibility. Apart from entertainment, we should also focus on good subjects. The audience need to see good things. If a film is good, people will watch it irrespective of whether it is an art or commercial movie.

What Are Your Upcoming Projects?

Right now, I am part of the selection procedure for some international projects. There are three international films which are expected to work out by next year.

We Have Many Talented Youth In Odisha. What Would You Advise Them?

It is important to ask yourself what actually you want to be. It is all about your belief system. If you believe in yourself, your determination and hard work will help you to achieve success. Ask yourself whether you are the best or not. I feel only being good won’t help; you have to be outstanding and extraordinary. If you have confidence and believe in yourself, go for it. Determination and struggle will lead you to success. Hard work never goes to waste.  

Are You Open To Commercial Films?

Yes, I am. If I get good roles, I would work in commercial films. However, for commercial films, a huge star cast is desirable.

Are There any specific characters that you want to play?

A few years ago, I had a desire to play the character of Lord Buddha. I also feel that some characters from periodic films like ‘Gladiator’, ‘Braveheart’, and ‘Patriot are good. I also want to play the role of a cowboy, with a hat and gun (laughs).