Bhubaneswar: Ten years after ‘Commando’ hit the silver screen with Vidyut Jammwal playing the lead character, Prem Parija, an Odia lad from Bhubaneswar, will now be seen in the title role of director Vipul Amrutlal Shah’s magnum opus.
Earlier this week, Prem visited Bhubaneswar along with his director for the promotion of the web series in his home city. Currently, the high-octane drama is streaming on Disney+Hotstar. During his interaction with the media in Bhubaneswar, Prem spoke at length on various topics, including his experiences in the Mumbai film industry, his struggling days, his life in Bhubaneswar, and, of course, about ‘Commando’.
Below are the excerpts of his interaction with the Bhubaneswar media:
“Coming to Bhubaneswar for the promotion of my maiden web series ‘Commando’ makes me nostalgic. I was born and brought up in this city and it has given me so much. Today, everywhere I go, people give me a warm reception. I am obliged for the love and affection they are showering on me.”
Soon after landing in Bhubaneswar, the actor visited Jagannath Temple in Puri to pay obeisance to the sibling deities. “I had never thought I would get a break in Bollywood with such a big banner and do this popular series. Everything was possible only due to Lord Jagannath’s blessings,” Prem said.
Talking about his initial days in Mumbai, Prem said, “Like everyone, I too had to struggle a lot. Since I could not be the lead actor in a movie then, I started working as an assistant director to ensure that I could pay my bills. However, I have come a long way now and do not wish to remember the hard days. I am just enjoying the present moment that God has given me and wishing that the future will be better.”
On bagging the title role in ‘Commando’, Prem said, “Over 11,000 people had auditioned for the role and this made me feel that I don’t stand a chance. By Lord Jagannath’s grace, Vipul Sir told me later that he had decided on me on the very first day.”
Preparing for the role was hard and took long. It involved rigorous physical training, acting training, dance training, and so many other things. “However, being an assistant editor earlier, I know some of the people and this made things easy. Whatever I was told to do, I did dedicatedly and with consistency.” “I feel the hard work and consistency are two things that will make you successful in any field,” the actor added.
Prem says he owes Vipul Shah a lot. “Vipulji not only selected me for the role, he also trained me and provided me with all support I needed. He is a great filmmaker and has always supported newcomers.”
When asked if he was replacing Vidyut Jammwal in the ‘Commando’ franchise, Prem said, “How can I replace Vidyut Jammwal? It is because of him I am here. Vidyut Jammwal took this series to great heights and gave me a solid foundation. I am just building on it.”
Talking about his future plans, “Prem Parija said, “I wish to do many films and in all languages, including Odia. I will consider myself obliged if directors from Ollywood give me an opportunity to act in an Odia film.”
“I wish to act in films in Hollywood and make Odisha proud. I will be proud of myself only when you are proud of me,” he concluded.
