15 years of Company: Working with Ram Gopal Varma was an ‘honour’ for Mohan Lal

Malayalam actor Mohan Lal recalls why he chose Company (2002) as his first Bollywood project and talks about why he didn’t do many Bollywood films.

Actor Mohan Lal is a big name in the Indian film industry, thanks to his contribution to Malayalam cinema. Every Bollywood fan adored his acting skills in the 2002 film, Company, where the 56-year-old actor played the role of Veerapalli Srinivasan IPS — the man instrumental behind the downfall of the gang led by Malik (Ajay Devgn) and Chandu (Vivek Oberoi). As the film completes 15 years today, we spoke to the legendary actor, and he talked about his experience in Bollywood. Excerpts:

Non-availability of dates was one reason Mohan Lal hasn’t featured in many Bollywood films after RGV’s Company.

Company was your first Bollywood film. What made you say Yes to it?

For me, the script is very important and it highlighted Indian underworld deftly. Besides that, to be invited by one of the fountain head of the new age Indian Cinema (Ram Gopal Varma) in those days was an honour, which every actor was keen to be part of and looked forward to. I just couldn’t say a no to it.

The film went on to became a cult classic, and your role was appreciated a lot. Did you ever expect it to do so well?

After the completion of the film, I knew it was something different from the rest that we had seen in the past, and it surpassed all my expectations. I was very happy with the response it received, especially in the northern belt.

I have fond memories of Ajay and Vivek, they were professionals to the core and I was very happy to be co-starring with them. At times their acting prowess and their dialogue deliveries raised my benchmark and acting skills. More than that, I think RGV provided us enough space and stimulated us to give our best.

What are your memories of shooting for the film?

In a career spanning over 35 years, all films that I have been fortunate to do have left me with good memories and I would like to keep it that way. RGV is one of a kind, his success broke all the existing norms prevalent in the Indian cinema. All I can say is that I would love to do another film with him, something different.

Despite winning rave reviews for your performance, you didn’t feature in many Bollywood films after that. Why?

There is no particular reason as such. It is not that I kept away or that nothing good came through in the form of a ‘ right script’ . Non- availability of my dates was one reason . I was unable to give a commitment. I’m very eager to work and be part of a wider screen, let’s hope something good comes my way where it is win -win situation for both.

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