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By Gasper Crasto, Kuwait (24.05.2009)

Do you come from a film background?
Manisha: Mr. Ram Kelkar my dad is a well-known writer, did story, screenplay, dialogue for films like Hero, Ram Lakhan, Khalnayak, Visvanath, Kalicharan, Aap ki Kasam, Aasha and many more, about 23 silver and golden jubilee films. My mom Jeevankala is an actress, a trained Kathak dancer and teacher. She was associated with Lata Mangeshkar group. One of her famous songs is “Hansta hua rani chehra” from film Paras Mani. About 300 Hindi and Marathi movies are to her credit. My grand parents were into acting during silent films like “Daughter of Maratha”, etc where they performed their own stunts.

Tell us about your experience while shooting the first ever Bollywood film made in Kuwait.
Manisha: Kuwait is lovely. The culture and tradition of this country is amazing. The Kuwaiti people and expatriates are very friendly . I will treasure all those days I spent in Kuwait while making KNKM. I am very much thankful to my producer T-Bush and co-producer Wency John Ferrao. They took good care of me and the whole crew crew while we were in Kuwait. It is a indeed a different kind of experience working with T-Bush. He is full of innovations and creative ideas. We were lacking on some much needed equipments to shoot KNKM in Kuwait but on the sets T-Bush used to create wonders out of nothing. I can say if it was someone else other than T-Bush and Arif Kazi this film would never be completed. It was a great pleasure to act opposite Kiran Kumar and Shakti Kapoor too. I am just longing to watch the film.

What kind of a film is KNKM?
Manisha: This film is neither a commercial film nor an art film; it’s a combination of both with a very good concept and story. This film is for all nationalities.

Which is the best song you like from KNKM:
Manisha: All the songs are nice but I like “Kahin Na Kahin Milenge” and “Ahlan-wa- sahlan” very much.

What were the stumbling blocks on your way till now?
Manisha: I always believed in myself & my family supported me in whatever I wanted to do so there was no looking back. Moreover the people I came across were always ready to help. So I must say there were no stumbling blocks but there were stepping blocks put up by these for me to rise higher. Most importantly, the respect that I got due to my dad’s goodwill was overwhelming.

What are the lessons learnt by you in the film industry?
Manisha: I am a total film buff. I look up to no one in particular but I try and learn from each and every actor. Film making is a team work. I try to be a part of the whole project, rather than just one aspect of film making. I observe different qualities of different actors. A new born baby can also teach you something unknowingly, isn’t it?

Who is your Idol?
Manisha: my role model is one and only - my dad. The person that I am today is all credited to him. He is the best that ever happened to me. When I hear praises about him from the industry people, I know I have lots more left to achieve and I have to live by the name and respect he has achieved.

What are your future goals?
Manisha: My main goal as an actress is to do good quality films. Respect and my name means every thing to me, won’t loose it for any thing in life. I also want to keep my dad’s name Mr. Ram Kelkar alive for eternity.

What can the Kuwait audience expect from KNKM?
Manisha: All directors have a different vision to express their ideas on to the screen. Some do it in grandeur and some show it with no words but they all leave a great impact on the audience. A director has lots to teach the audience, there should be an eye to catch it. Kahin Na Kahin Milenge surely has a message for everyone especially for expatriates living abroad.

:::As published in Arab Times dated 24.05.09:::