Euphonyxpressions.com - OutSideTheBoxACT with Manbir Singh Kohli

INTERVIEW WITH CAST OF “ZINDAGI DOBAARA” | OUTSIDETHEBOXACT | THOUGHT LEADERSHIP |

TODAY'S GUEST: MANBIR SINGH KOHLI | RADIO KEHTE SUNTE 89.3 FM SYDNEY |

1. Your brief introduction

A husband, brother and father. A family oriented man. I love talking about life and what we can bring to it and learn from it. I’ve translated this love for life into being a broadcaster of ‘Kehte Sunte RadioZine’ and previously with ‘Voice of India’ where I learnt lots and lots about radio and presenting from Vikram and Deepak

2. Please tell us more about your role in the film

I play one of Sanjeev ji’s friends where I try to bring the family together and explain that as men we must speak out when we are unable to deal with our demons alone and that men do not need to suffer silently .

3. How did you prepare for your role?

I internalised the character that Pankaj and Mamta created for me. To begin with I was really scared but I spoke to my family and they were supportive. It seemed Pankaj and Mamta had more faith in my camera facing skills than I did.

4. In the movie” Zindagi Dobaara”, other than your character, which other character is your favourite and why?

Sanjeev ji obviously had the most challenging role which he handled with aplomb, as usual. Aparna is very good and my favourite chirpy characters, with their own troubles, were Suman and Akanksha. Anshul played the role of a son/husband who is split between the two with acute deftness. Mohit and Munish brought their own angles to the story and gave it another dimension and of course Preeti added an element that was unforeseen. Lalitha as the counsellor gave the film hope. Where do I stop? I think each one contributed so much under the gaze of Pankaj and Mamta who created these loving roles each torn and supportive but caught up in their own whirlwinds.

4. How is men’s mental health different from female mental health?

In the end mental health problems are universal and we will be affected by these some time or the other. The need is to de-stigmatise it. Men’s mental health is different as most men do not express their feelings and try to deal with it themselves. It’s not always possible to solve this by yourself and by talking about it we can commence the action to address it. Mental health is complex as it is unseen and can’t be put under a microscope and diagnosed but expressing it can bring it out in the open and help get assistance in working on it.

5. What is the importance of rehearsals and preparations prior to any screen opportunity?

Very very important for amateurs like me. Also the guidance from experienced directors like Pankaj and the script by Mamta helped a lot. My role was tailored around how I normally behave and this made my job easier.

6. On the sets, how do you go about your role?

I am a nervous ‘actor’ and take everything I do very seriously even though I may be playful with everyone else while ‘on set’. I would withdraw, keep rehearsing my lines, memorising them so that I did not falter. Also listen, listen, listen to the director and others on the set as they can watch your acting and provide real feedback. Accept the feedback and act on it.

8. How do you ensure your 'take' was as per the script?

Rehearse, rehearse, memorise, ask for feedback, accept feedback, do, ask for feedback, accept feedback, do……

9. In a summary, please tell us about the overall filmmaking experience in “Zindagi Dobaara”

Very scary but lots of fun. The camaraderie on the set, the lovely food the fun was great. Suman’s support to me was great as was the guidance of Pankaj, Mamta and of course Sanjeev and others.

10. Any other messages to your readers?

Speak about your own mental health. Ask friends and family if they are okay and how you can help them. We are all learning about mental health. Read, watch videos from reliable sources. Speak to people suffering and see how you can contribute. Step out of your comfort zone. I’ve never acted in front a camera. I did now and it was not easy but I am more confident for the future. Bring it on!!

Summary note by Pankaj Upadhayay

Don Manbir Singh Kohli's zest for engaging with people, listening in patiently, respectfully putting across his points, humorous and intellectually stimulating debate or ‘Dhangg ki baat’ through his weekly live show courtesy Radio Kehte Sunte, initially, drew me closer to him.

However, after knowing him closely, I discovered the cinephile in him and a romantic story teller who can mesmerize you with his sublime baritone voice through radio or charm you cheerfully with his occasional screen appearances.

Harinder Kaur ji from the wonderful Harman Foundation shared her vision of telling stories of sufferings within 'men' and what resources are available to them. While developing “Zindagi Dobaara” (ZD) along with Mamta (writer of the two films), we knew instantly Don could play this role with ease.

In “Zindagi” he played himself, a radio presenter, however it was not highly choregraphed. Yet he went about his part with utmost commitment. I felt he was the perfect choice for the role in “ZD” too because he is a natural talent with flair for understanding complex sensitive topics and is willing to go the extra mile to offer help. On the sets, I noticed, he was also constantly reading his lines and asking us clarifications to nail his part. As a result, we could do his challenging final scene with mouthful of monologues, effortlessly. I had no problems with continuity or his takes during post production and this speaks volumes for any first time or experienced actor.

Veteran thespian and screen artist, Sanjeev Raja summarises:

‘I have always known Manbir to be very knowledgeable person. He is fearless to say his mind and very clear in what he says. He challenges the status quo to ask pertinent questions. A good presenter and a very respected member of the community. An honest speaker’

Thank you for being part of “Zindagi Dobaara”

Warmest, Pankaj Upadhayay |

Dated: 11th January 2023