Mumbai4 minutes agoAuthor: Virendra Mishra
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Many films and series have been made on the Mumbai 1993 bomb blasts. Everyone has presented this incident from their own perspective. The story of the web series 'Naam Gum Jayega' is also inspired by the 1993 bomb blast incident. This series has been streamed on Atrangi app from today 3rd May. Recently, director Akshay Singh, writer Brahmishika Das and actor Rahul Singh talked about this series.
Akshay, the title of the series 'Naam Gum Jayega' is very unique, how did the idea of making a series based on it come?
This series is inspired by the Mumbai 1993 bomb blast incident. As far as the title goes, a person formerly known by another name. Today it is known by some other name. But does changing the name change the nature of a person? This is a very big question. This is the game in this series. The writer has written it in his own way by weaving it into suspense and thriller.
Many films and series have been made on the Brahminisha, Mumbai 1993 bomb blast. How different is your series?
The story of this series is of the period of 1993 bomb blast. One of the people who was not caught. His back story was very interesting. I have written the story around that by imagining the story and combining some fictional and some reality. In this, some secrets of the incident will be revealed, what was never seen will now be seen.
Akshay, when the story was completed, how were the actors selected?
That has been a very interesting process. Rahul Singh was already in our mind. There is no need to tell about how brilliant an actor he is. When its casting started, we started discussing it. The character Rahul is playing in this is very strong and powerful. The channel also approved that Rahul Singh can do it. Apart from this, Barkha Bisht and Romit Raj have played excellent roles.
Rahul, when you were approached, what was your reaction to the character?
We have known each other for years. They often share ideas with each other. Earlier also we were going to work together, but due to some reason things did not work out. When I heard the subject of this series, I enjoyed it a lot. Every actor refines his character in his own mind and thinks that only he should enjoy the character. But I listen to the director and understand his vision. I understood the depth of the character.
Akshay, tell me, how much interference does the channel have in casting, is the casting list sent by you to the channel finalized there or do they also have some suggestion?
We do casting in collaboration with the channel, but this did not happen in this series. We give three options for each character to the channel. The question of the channel is what is your first choice. Luckily, it was our first choice and it also became the channel's choice. We are lucky that in this matter we had the right coordination with the channel and we came together on the right pitch.
Rahul, a director has his own vision for any character. But how much input does an actor have to put into his character?
I first take a character briefing from the director. After that, I do my own homework to play the character. Homework should not be such that it changes after going to the set. I believe a lot in improvisation. I tell the director that I have thought of it. If they like our idea then it is fine, otherwise we follow the director's instructions. The actor thinks only about his character, but the director sees the entire film. It is very important to have good coordination between the director and the actor on the set.
What is your approach towards the character?
First of all, understand what has been written and play and think within that framework. You also have to do research in that. Acting is not a heavy job. There are too many people on set to handle. Writer, director, producer all are there. It is a journey. The life of an actor is such that he has to do everything. Which he has never done in his life. There are many lives in one life. This is the beauty of an actor's life. Even a parrot can speak the lines, but if you are an actor, then use your mind to find out what you can give differently. The rest depends on the director as to how much he keeps your point.
Which real character is your character inspired by?
This character will not represent any one character. Whoever it is who protects the country by wearing uniform, this character is their symbol. As far as my character is concerned, there came a turning point in his life when a major accident could have been prevented. But could not stop. He regrets this for the rest of his life. He wonders whether the mistakes he has committed can be rectified? Fate gives him a second chance and corrects his mistakes.
Akshay, when you were doing research on this topic, did you meet the people of that time?
Didn't get to meet anyone because everyone was in jail. Some of them were hanged and some were sentenced to death. But there was a lot to read about him. The characters were created accordingly, but a lot of research had to be done. There was 150 pages of research. The case which is going on from the bomb blast till now. Those are all things.
Web series is not under the purview of censor, how much freedom does this give to a film maker in expressing his views?
OTT is the only platform which does not come under the purview of censor. You can tell the story as per your wish. But it depends on the maker what story he wants to tell? If we have got freedom, it does not mean that we should show anything. Some stories come in such a way that you are forced to think how can they be shown like this? We take full care of the fact that if we have got freedom, it does not mean that we should show anything.
