Manish Wadhwa: From TV's Chanakya to Gadar 2's formidable antagonist

Manish Wadhwa first came into the limelight by playing the role of Chanakya in TV show Chandragupt Maurya. He will now be seen in an negative lead in Sunny Deol, starrer Gadar 2 directed by Anil Sharma. The film also stars Ameesha Patel and Utkarsh Sharma in the lead roles. Gadar 2 releases on August 11, clashing with the Akshay Kumar-starrer OMG 2. Manish is hopeful about Gadar 2 and he feels this role is going to be a game-changer for him. Chitchat with the talented actor : 

In Gadar the negative lead was played by Amrish Puri. Are you feeling the pressure to fill his space in Gadar 2?

Yes there was a pressure and I was scared too. But I have done the role with utmost honesty. The best part is that it’s a different role, not the one which Amrish Puri played. And comparisons should happen when the level is the same so I would request everyone to not compare ourselves. Amrishji is a legend.

What is your fan moment from Gadar?

Even if I would have not been a part of Gadar 2, I would have seen this film first day first show. When this film released again on 9th June, I relived my memories. Everything in the film is iconic, from dialogues to scenes, Anil Sharma has directed a commercial film in a very realistic way.

What was your prep work for the role?

I have taken notes from an army Colonel in terms of body language of an army officer - how they talk to their seniors and juniors, how they walk, etc. I have a good hold of language so that way I could speak it nicely. And then Anilji told me that you are playing this role so think it in your own way. He gave me the creative freedom as well.

How was your experience with Sunny Deol?

He is humble, soft spoken and a caring human being. When I met him in Mumbai before the shooting started the first thing he asked me was if I can be the cruelest villain in Gadar 2 because we all know there is an absence of a mighty villain in our industry. I told him I will try my best under his and Anil Sharma’s guidance. Also during an high octane fighting scene, after the cut he softly asked me if I got hurt or not. He cares for his co stars a lot.

You were also part of Pathaan and played an army officer there too. How will you define both the experiences?

In both the films I have portrayed the character of an army officer where I have worn an uniform but that doesn’t mean both are same. Both the directors (Siddharth Anand & Anil Sharma) are coming from different schools and their way of working is different.

Post Pathaan how has been your feedback when it comes to getting good roles?

After Pathaan my recognition has come because the film starts with my scene. Maybe the role is not a long one but it’s a powerful one. After Pathaan I would say I am yet to get that one role which I was looking at. But I am sure Gadar 2 has a great potential for me as an actor.

There is a conviction in the industry that tv actors do not easily get casted in films or webseries. What’s your take on this ?

There may be a belief because tv actors are seen almost everyday on tv. But I have never faced it because I have done Chanakya and Anil Sharma has seen me in the show and cast me for Gadar 2. I feel the talent in an actor should matter the most.

How have you dealt with rejection?

I must have been rejected 100 times in an audition and I see no bad in it. Because if you are not suited for a role how will a director cast you in that particular role.

You have been bald for quite sometime now - how do you see that ?

After Chanakya it’s been 12 years that Industry has not allowed me to grow my hair. I have also played Kans in bald only because we have never seen Kans in real life and have assumed his look. Playing Kans in a bald avtaar was my conviction.

You have mostly played negative roles. Have you ever faced any incident off the camera?

So far no but after playing such a strong negative character against Sunny Deol I don’t know how his fans are going to react. But at the same time today’s audience is aware that I am an actor and I play characters onscreen.