Actor-playwright-author and theater director Manav Kaul recently presented his piece Pyaar Aadmi Ko Kabootar Bana Deta Haiin progress Prithvi Theater Festival. Known for playing intense and romantic characters (Ajeeb Daastaans, The Fame Game and Go Noni Go), Manav, however, remains single in real life. When asked why, he replied: “I wasn’t lucky enough to find the right girl. One day I will find someone. Here are excerpts from a conversation…
Your stories, whether on screen or on stage, explore different facets of love. Do you consciously choose such love stories?
I think it comes from my personal life. Being single allows me to see love from different perspectives and describe it in unique ways. Each project, whether in theater, cinema or OTT, brings its own flavor of love. All these roles are very close to my heart.
How did the work go? OTT platforms influenced your career?
OTT platforms have opened up incredible opportunities for actors. Unlike traditional films, where the star is often limited to the hero-heroine, the fight scenes and songs, long-format web series offer rich arcs for each character. It’s gratifying to see so many talented actors getting their due and playing such roles. I’m talking about the entire acting community here, not just me. Actors who would get one or two scenes in films would get meatier roles in OTT. Personally, I find acting in OTT formats deeply satisfying.
You are a playwright, theater director, author and actor. How do you balance films, OTT projects and theatre?
I focus on one thing at a time. When I direct a play, I refuse other projects. Once that’s done, I shift my energy towards films or OTT. I don’t do too many series or films because I want to concentrate on other facets of my life. It’s about quality over quantity, ensuring I give my best in every effort. When I direct a play and then when I act in a film, I feel like I’m a much better actor and I have a lot of fun. I believe that life as an artist is fulfilling when you embrace multitasking.
After so many years in the film industry, have you ever thought, “I could have gotten better roles in films”? Doubts, complaints?
Arre simple gaon mein maine ek sapna dekha tha ki main Mumbai aaonga, yeah Mumbai ka problem thodi hai? I have everything about this industry! My journey from a small village in Kashmir to Bombay shaped my perspective. The film industry has given me everything: exposure, learning and opportunities. I met incredible people who inspired me. I owe my life to Mumbai and this film industry. And I love it! I love the way the film industry is. I believe that if you are good at what you do, the industry rewards you for everything.
Over the years, do you think you’ve become better at what you do – in front of and behind the camera?
Yeah, I’m much, much better now. I was horrible at first.
What do you think you were bad at?
Not great, but I never felt good. That’s why I stopped playing for 12 years. I stopped playing because it didn’t feel right. And then Kai Po Che! From there, I started enjoying it and realized, “Oh, I love acting, I should do it more.”
Your latest play, Pyaar Aadmi Ko Kabootar Bana Deta Hai, recently debuted at the Prithvi Theater Festival. What inspired you to turn a short story into a musical and what was the creative process like when you adapted it for the stage?
It started with a short story called Prem Kabootar, which was part of my second short story collection. I always knew I wanted to adapt it into a play one day. Plus, I wanted to do a musical and finally it happened. Writing for the stage is different: you’re not just telling a story; you create a whole world for the audience. About four months ago we started rehearsing and the concert debuted on stage last week. It features eight characters and tells the story of a small-town boy who starts helping his friends – a tailor and a chaiwala – by writing love letters for their crushes. Over time, he discovered his passion for storytelling and the transformative power of love and creativity. This is one of the most enjoyable pieces I’ve worked on.