New Delhi:
Nine years ago, the critically acclaimed biopic Manjhi: The Mountain Man released, vividly portraying the remarkable story of Dashrath Manjhi, played by Nawazuddin Siddiqui. Directed by Ketan Mehta, the film chronicles the life of a man who, driven by unwavering determination, spent over two decades hacking his way up a mountain with just a hammer and chisel to improve the lives of the people in his village after the tragic loss of his wife. Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s portrayal of Dashrath Manjhi is widely celebrated as a standout performance, capturing the essence of Manjhi’s perseverance and dedication.
In an old interview from the time of the film’s release, Siddiqui shared his thoughts on his career and the challenges he faced while portraying such a legendary figure. Reflecting on his journey, he commented, “Even though I was an average-looking man, 5’6″, I was determined to make it on my own in Bollywood. So, that drive, that desire was there.”
Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s commitment to the role was evident in his approach to the character. He elaborated on the complexity of immersing himself in such a demanding role, adding, “It takes a certain kind of madness to continue doing the same thing for over 22 years. Getting into the shoes of such a character was definitely tough. I portrayed three different stages of the same character’s life in the film. I had a few YouTube videos for reference, and we also visited Dashrath Manjhi’s village, where we met his son, daughter-in-law and others.”
As ‘Manjhi: The Mountain Man’ celebrates its 9th anniversary, the film’s impact remains strong, with lines like “Shaandar, Zabardast, Zindabad” encapsulating the spirit of Dashrath Manjhi’s extraordinary journey and Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s powerful performance.