Amruta Khanvilkar on working with the actor and her screen husband, Manoj Bajpayee, and how she lent some much-needed sunshine to their film
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 25, 2018) 

After playing Alia Bhatt’s sister-in-law in Junglee Pictures’ Raazi, Amruta Khanvilkar will next be seen in Nikkhil Advani and Bhushan Kumar’s upcoming production Satyameva Jayate, which is fronted by John Abraham. The actress, who plays Manoj Bajpayee’s wife in the film, informs that her character, Sarita, is quite similar to her real self.

“She is so bubbly, Milap (Zaveri, director) says that she brings sunshine on the screen. Her chemistry with Manoj sir’s character is positive and friendly as she keeps pulling his leg. Our scenes together bring a light, family element to the film which talks about corruption and patriotism,” the actress says, admitting that she was nervous about working with Manoj.

“Thanks to the kind of roles he has done so far, I figured he’d be a serious person but the first time we met, which was for a photoshoot, we got along like a house on fire. My husband Himmanshoo A Malhotra had co-produced a film called Gali Guleiyan featuring Manoj sir, so the first thing he said when he saw me was, ‘co-producer ki wife aa gayi’ (laughs). It was a sweet surprise for me as he was helpful during scenes but is also mischievous and talks a lot,” she reveals.

Does she have any scenes with John? She’d rather not say. “My interaction with him off screen has been really good. He’s a superstar for the right reasons. The way he transforms for the screen is amazing. He knows his craft, and is a warm, humble person,” she raves.

She is also happy about being seen in a new light after her turn as Munira in Meghna Gulzar’s Raazi. “When you become a part of a Dharma or a Meghna Gulzar film, the secondary cast is appreciated as much as the lead. Even reporters are asking different questions and I am totally enjoying this phase,” she signs off.