Rajit Kapur On Suraj Ka Satvan Ghoda | Learning A Masterpiece | Golden Podium

Recently, we got a golden chance to talk to Rajit Kapur known for his subtle portrayal of Gandhi in Shyam Benegal’s Making Of Mahatma. We talked about his debut film – Suraj Ka Satvan Ghoda – and that marks the beginning of our series on this masterpiece.

 

1. Rajit, what was your preparation for playing Manek Mulla in Suraj Ka Satvan Ghoda? What was your approach?

RK: As it is based on a novel, I read the novel / book first. Based on that I created Manek Mulla's image in my head. The mind of Manek Mulla, his thinking, his ability to weave yarns and stories using things and people around him, was important for me to imbibe. I presented and performed what came instinctively to me under the guidance of Mr. Benegal - to think like a young man who has no work to do but loved telling stories to keep himself and others entertained.

 

2. The movie has seven main characters - Maheshar, Ramdhan, Tanna, Jamuna, Lily, Sati and Manek. By the end of the story, the weakest character - Manek - emerges as the seventh horse. How do you see his evolution and what, according to you was the incident that influenced him the most?

RK: There is no real evolution. Manek Mulla walked away into oblivion. Basically everything around him influenced him. But when reality meets his imagination, he is jolted (When he comes face to face with Sati, while having tea with his friends, towards the end).

 

3. From Manek’s point of view, his relationship with three women was turbulent, largely due to Manek’s own nature. Which was the most uncomfortable and why? Also, which was the most difficult one to portray?

RK: The one with Sati, because in that relationship he is neither a kid (as with Jamuna) nor an adult (as with Lily). He is feeling his way through adolescence.

 

4. How do you see Suraj Ka Satvan Ghoda after all these years?

RK: It seems unbelievable how we managed to make this film. I cannot believe that it is ME up there on the screen. I think it is one of Shyam Benegal's best work to date (maybe after Bhumika or Manthan). It will go down in history as a classic. And I am honored and very proud to have been a part of it.

 

5. If today, someone revisits Suraj Ka Satvan Ghoda, what will be your advice?

RK: Please see it on the big screen or magnified screen. The exquisite camera work and framing for the scenes (using colored filters / lenses) particularly stands out when you watch the film on a larger magnified screen (other than the usual TV screen).

 

Team TRM is proud to present this interview. Suraj Ka Satvan Ghoda is more than just a film. It is a manual for budding filmmakers and aspiring actors.