Manoj Bajpayee and Sharmila Tagore’s film ‘Gulmohar,’ directed by the fresh-faced Rahul V Chittella, didn’t just tug at the heartstrings—it played an entire symphony! This multi-generational family drama masterfully explores the ever-shifting dynamics of relationships and the passage of time, hitting all the right notes with fans and critics alike. And it didn’t just win over hearts—it waltzed away with multiple National Film Awards, including Best Hindi Film and Best Screenplay, with a special shoutout to the ever-brilliant Manoj Bajpayee.
But here’s where it gets really interesting: While most movie sets disband faster than you can say, “That’s a wrap!”, the ‘Gulmohar’ gang remains as tight as ever, proving that the family bonds forged on screen have spilled over into real life. Who says you can’t take a bit of movie magic home with you?
In an exclusive chat with News18 Showsha, Manoj Bajpayee gave us a behind-the-scenes look at the real-life camaraderie that blossomed during the making of ‘Gulmohar.’ He shared a fun anecdote about hosting a Holi party for the entire cast and crew that turned into an 8-hour marathon of joy. And get this—Manoj himself was the chef of the day, whipping up a mouthwatering mutton feast that had everyone coming back for seconds, thirds, and probably even fourths!
“Let me tell you, this Holi celebration was one for the books!” Manoj said with a grin. “A friend of mine has this sprawling farmhouse, and I managed to snag it for our party. It was such a blast! I cooked mutton for the entire group. We danced, ate, and laughed for hours. The party just wouldn’t end—no one wanted to leave! It felt like we were all going to crash there for the night.”
But the fun didn’t stop at the mutton. “One of our traditions was always eating together, and I made sure we had the best food brought in from Delhi,” he added. “Even Sharmila Ji, with her strict diet, joined in. It truly felt like a family gathering, and that vibe hasn’t faded. The bond we created during ‘Gulmohar’ is still as strong as ever.”
Director Rahul V Chittella echoed Manoj’s sentiments, adding, “The experience transformed me in so many ways, especially through the friendships I formed. We set out to make a film about family, and in the process, we genuinely became one. We’re all still in close contact—Manoji and I meet often, and whenever Sharmila Ji is in Bombay, she makes sure to call us so we can catch up. When in Delhi, dinner at her place is a must. We’ve truly become a family, and that bond is here to stay.”
At the heart of ‘Gulmohar’ lies the story of the Batra family, who are preparing to leave their ancestral home, Gulmohar, after decades of memories. As they pack up and prepare to move on, buried secrets, unresolved tensions, and emotional memories come flooding back, forcing the family members to confront their past and present relationships.
But how did this cinematic journey even begin? Manoj Bajpayee took a nostalgic trip down memory lane, sharing a charming story about his long-standing friendship with Rahul. “Rahul and I go way back, to the days when he was working with Mira Nair. I remember one particular day when Rahul was supposed to coordinate a meeting between me and Mira. She was in Bombay and wanted to meet a few actors, including me. So there I was, sitting in Mira’s suite, with Rahul waiting for her. But guess what? She got stuck in a meeting, then in traffic. So, for about 2 to 3 hours, Rahul and I just chatted away. I even joked with him, saying, ‘Rahul, whenever you make your film, count me in!’ That’s how we wrapped up our conversation before Mira finally arrived. From that point on, Rahul and I kept in touch—he even sent me his short film to check out. Then one day, out of the blue, Rahul called me up and said, ‘I’ve got a script ready. Would you be interested in reading it?’ So, we met at the club.”
Rahul, with a grin, chimed in, “Yeah, we met at the club and spent about 3 hours going through the script. The moment we finished, Manoj looked at me and said, ‘So, when do you want to shoot?’ I was a bit hesitant because, let’s face it, he’s a superstar! So, I told him, ‘You do realize you’re playing the father of three kids, right? One of them is even pregnant. And this is an ensemble piece, so while you and Kusum are in focus, it’s really a portrait of everyone.’ Manoj just looked at me and said, ‘Yeah, so when do you want to start?’ That moment, I felt pretty silly for even questioning him.”
Manoj laughed and added, “It took quite some time before everything fell into place, thanks to COVID and other delays. Sharmila Ji was unwell for a while too.” Rahul continued, “It was a long journey. We cast Manoj in December 2019 and Sharmila Ji in October 2019. We were all set to shoot in 2020, but then COVID hit. We planned again in 2021, but the second and third waves derailed everything. Finally, in March 2022, we managed to shoot, and a year later, the film was released.”
With its heartfelt performances and a script that dives deep into the complexities of family bonds, ‘Gulmohar’ is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the true meaning of home. The film beautifully captures the bittersweet emotions that accompany change and the enduring connections that hold a family together, even in uncertain times.
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