Love, Pain and Vice Versa

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It took actor Abhimanyu Dassani five weeks to audition for the lead character of Surya, the mard in the eponymous film Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota (MKDNH), which recently opened to a warm critical response. Five weeks is often the time span in which the shooting schedule for most films wrap up. “I knew that this was the role of a lifetime. The first two days, I did not even get a chance to audition. After that, every single day, 9 am to 5 pm, I was at Mukesh sirs (casting director Mukesh Chhabra) office. For the next five weeks, it was scenes after scenes, workshops and so on,” says Dassani.

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Directed by adman Vasan Bala, MKDNH tells the story of Surya, who doesnt feel any physical pain because of a congenital disorder. Simple injuries could be life-threatening. For survival, the character starts learning karate. Dassani too had to develop a body that was attuned to high-calibre action. “It was tough to portray a man who doesnt feel pain but also knows martial arts. He has been protected all his life, but has strong reflexes. Getting the body language right was another challenge — he cant move as freely. Moreover, he is socially awkward. I think its a lot like being Po in Kung Fu Panda, who has no inhibitions. Surya has to be taught how to say ouch when someone hits him,” says Dassani, who trained intensively for nine months for the role. “It was a no sugar, no salt and no cheat meal diet,” he says. We wonder what he survived on. “Paani pe,” comes the reply, referring to his character Surya, who needs to constantly chug water for survival.

Son of actors Bhagyashree and Himalaya Dassani, Abhimanyu, 29, has been in the film circuit for almost a decade. “I had no intention of being an actor. I was about 20 years old when I went on a Rohan Sippy film set, and thats how it started. I have assisted on films such as Nautanki Saala and Dum Maaro Dum,” says the actor.

While the industry is currently facing a lot of flack for promoting star kids and encouraging nepotism, Dassani maintains that he is not one. “I still have to introduce myself on the red carpet, many people dont even know my name. I didnt get a trailer launch like most star kids and none of the other eminent celebrities were present for the film launch. Also, I am not 22 years old,” says Abhimanyu, adding, “My parents did not make any phone calls or referred me to people. They didnt even want me to join the industry.”

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