Maniesh Paul has become a synonym for setting the stage on fire with his energy over the years. His journey has been nothing short of ‘Living The Dream’ in B-town. From touching the pinnacle of success in hosting to bagging a dream role in a Dharma production movie, this host turned actor has seen it all. Maniesh was also recently felicitated as the ‘Entertainer of the Year’ at Delhiites Lifestyle Awards 2022. He has won a lot of hearts with his performance as ‘Gurpreet’ in the recently released multi starrer film Jugjugg Jeeyo.
Let’s take a look at his incredible journey so far and get to know more about his upcoming projects from the man himself, read on:
As your life bio says India’s best host, entertainer and an actor, so what’s the next thing on your mind ?
I’m grateful for all the love I have gotten from everyone but I see myself as an entertainer and an actor for sure. I never plan anything but take things as they come. I am often told by people that when I speak to them and explain things, they see me as a director. I might direct something someday but nothing is on the cards for now.
We have seen The Maniesh Paul Podcast, what inspired you to start your own YouTube Podcast ?
So, the Manish Paul Podcast started because of the interactions we as actors have had with the people. People generally come to us and get selfies clicked, some also end up putting us as their display pictures. I felt they don’t really meet or know us and know what is on our minds and the various struggles we go through in our lives in general. That was the reason I thought of starting the Manish Paul Podcast to actually connect with people as nobody knows who we are in real life. I am happy that a lot of people are watching the podcasts and they are getting inspired by the journey, they are getting to know the actor better and are sharing it.
You are committed to a very demanding career, how do you maintain a healthy work-life balance ?
Yes we are busy all the time, when we are working we work 24/7 at times but I always make sure I take out time for my fitness regime. Everyday I wake up around 4 a.m. to be at the gym by 6 a.m. and finish my fitness by 7-7.15 a.m. and then I head for my shoot and my day starts. No matter what or at what time I come back home my routine remains the same. Whenever I’m working my family always gives me space and time while I’m at work. In a similar manner whenever I am at home with my family I give my 100% time and energy at home. I am thankful to my family who not only understand but support me in all this. So, this is how I manage my work-life balance.
How has your life changed post the success of Jugjugg Jeeyo?
I don’t know how life has changed post the success of Jugjugg Jeeyo but surely a lot of people are walking up to me with compliments, a lot of people who came out of the theatre really liked my work. So, that definitely has changed and people are happy and they want to see me more on the big screen. In fact, post the release I’ve been getting a lot of calls from directors with scripts. That has surely changed. I am happy that God is kind.
We would love to know where the “Manish Paul” wit comes from, we’ve often seen you being instant in your humorous self, what is your secret ?
To be honest there is no secret behind the humour. There isn’t any. As far as I can think this humour comes from my father. He has a great sense of humour, since childhood we’ve been listening to him and I believe that is what came to me naturally. I surely will give the credit to my father for that. It is something that I am sort of born with, you cannot learn this but it comes naturally. All I can say is humour really eases your life, you feel happy even in difficult times. It surely helps you sail through.
How was your journey working with such accomplished actors? Who is your favourite Co-Star ?
It was such a wonderful experience working with such an ensemble cast starting from Anil Sir, Neetu Ma’am, Varun, Kiara, Prajakta they all have been fantastic. I think Varun is a brilliant co-star to work with. I specially say that since I had a lot of scenes with him and he is really supportive and good to work with and gives you a lot of space and width to play the roles. I have experienced it and it was wonderful overall.
You have been happily married for 15 years and have 2 kids together, tell us more about your spouse ?
Yes, I have been married to my loving wife for about 15 years. Although it sounds cliche but Sanyukta has been my backbone since the start. There were times we had nothing, no work but she took care of everything for me. I am very happy that I have a very understanding partner. She’s a teacher by profession and has given a lot of time to not only me but to our kids. All these years I’ve known that once I’m at work my home is sorted all thanks to her.
What is the secret behind your signature hairstyle ?
Well I don’t know what to say about that but this is how I like to keep my hair like that for a lot of years now. I think it looks good on me and a lot of people are happy to see my hair. Nowadays I don’t like making my hair so yeah, they come this way naturally. I really like calling it my signature hairstyle, I like it.
