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Faisal Malik became an overnight sensation in 2020 when Amazon Prime Video released its Indian web series Panchayat. Starring Neena Gupta, Raghubir Yadav,
Jitendra Kumar, and Chandan Roy, the show emerged as a sleeper hit during the pandemic. Stripped of glamour and stereotypical “heroic” elements, Panchayat beautifully portrayed the innocence and simplicity of rural life, highlighting villagers dealing with daily struggles, implementing government schemes, and navigating small-town challenges with heart. The series defied conventional norms, and Faisal Malik credits filmmakers Ram Gopal Varma and Anurag Kashyap for paving the way for actors who don’t fit the industry’s standard mold of beauty and physique.
Faisal Malik talks about Ram Gopal Varma
In a recent interview with Siddharth Kannan, Faisal shared, “I think it is Ram Gopal Varma who made us believe that we don’t have to have an attractive physique to be an actor. The era 2003–2004 was all about ‘acting aaye na aaye, body hona chahiye’ (You need to look fit to be an actor).”
Although Faisal never got the opportunity to work with Ram Gopal Varma, he recalled an incident when he spontaneously visited the director’s office. “I visited his office, Factory, once. They, however, didn’t let me meet him. So, I returned from there,” he said.
He further added, “I often used to visit that area. There used to be a bread pakoda stall outside Factory. People used to stand in huge queues there because they believed that hanging out there might increase their chances of being picked by Ram Gopal Varma. Everybody knew he only picked average-looking people for his movies.”
Faisal Malik reveals Anurag Kashyap normalised average-looking people as actors
Faisal also highlighted Anurag Kashyap’s role in carrying forward this inclusive mindset. “After Ram Gopal Varma, it is Anurag Kashyap who took this forward of working with average-looking people. There was a time when people used to fear that if you don’t look a certain way, you cannot be an actor. But, that has changed. Now, you see there are many great actors out there who may not have good looks or attractive physique.”
Faisal made his acting debut in Anurag Kashyap’s 2012 cult classic Gangs of Wasseypur, and continued collaborating with the filmmaker afterward. Speaking about Kashyap, Faisal noted, “Anurag Kashyap is that rare person who knows what he is making. He knows his work.”
ALSO READ: Panchayat Season 4 Review: Jitendra Kumar, Neena Gupta Evoke Smiles And Tears Even As Too Much Politics Engulfs Phulera
Faisal Malik opens up on Anurag Kashyap's outburts
When asked about Kashyap’s frequent online outbursts, he explained, “If you will look at Anurag Kashyap’s work, you will know why all the outbursts happen. He is someone who has worked as a showrunner, writer, producer as well as director. He is extremely loyal. Aur imaandaar aadmi tedha hota hai thoda sa (An honest man tends to have a few quirks). Satak jata hai (They are short-tempered).”
He continued, “He is someone who breathes cinema. He is so deeply invested in it that he cannot do anything else. Even moving a simple coffee machine will be a task for him, but cinema? He can discuss it all day long without getting tired.”
Further justifying Kashyap’s often fiery demeanor toward the industry, Faisal concluded, “He has made several iconic films and has given several amazing directors to the industry. They are all doing so well today. This proves he is extremely dedicated to cinema. So, whenever someone wrongs him or wants him to compromise with his craft, woh satak jaate hai (He goes crazy). When it comes to cinema, he is a great man.”
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