The Diary of Manipur, a bold cinematic take on the ongoing violence in the region, not only tackles a critical issue but also marks the Bollywood debut of acclaimed theater actor Amit Rao, the elder brother of Rajkumar Rao. Directed by Sanoj Mishra, the film promises to deliver a socially charged narrative. Amit Rao sat down with D.C. to discuss his debut, his journey into films, and his family’s role in shaping his career.
Q: What made you choose The Diary of Manipur for your Bollywood debut? Amit Rao: I’ve received film offers for years but never took them seriously. However, when Sanoj Mishra narrated this story, I knew it was the right project for my debut. It’s a story that needs to be told. Interestingly, the film is a mix of romance and a love story, set against a socially relevant backdrop.
Q: Why not debut through a big production house?
Amit Rao: For me, content is king. The story of this film is compelling and unique. I firmly believe that with God’s blessings and my family’s support, success will follow. Q: Your brother, Rajkumar Rao, is a prominent actor. Did he not help you get a break in a big production house? Amit Rao: My brother has always motivated me, but I enjoy taking on challenging roles. Working with Sanoj Mishra is a privilege. His earlier film, The Bengal Diary, made waves in the industry, and I’m honored to collaborate on a project with such strong content. Audiences today are clear about what they want to watch, and I’m confident this story will resonate with them.
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Q: Tell us about your background and how you decided to pursue acting. Amit Rao: I’ve been passionate about acting for a long time. My journey began with theater and stage shows, particularly playing various characters in Ramlila performances. That stage experience has been invaluable and will undoubtedly support my film career. I was also working in Gurugram, assisting doctors as part of the National Health Mission at a TB center. However, my love for acting was always in the back of my mind. A few days ago, I finally quit my job to focus entirely on my cinematic journey.
Q: How do you view your cinematic journey moving forward? Amit Rao: I’m optimistic about the future. I have faith in the Lord, my guru, and the well-wishes of my family and supporters. With their blessings, I’m confident this journey will be successful. Q: Did you invite Rajkumar Rao to the Mahurat of your debut film? Amit Rao: I respect my brother’s privacy and didn’t want to disturb him. Being the eldest in the family, I seek only the blessings of my siblings and loved ones. Their support has always been unwavering, and that’s what matters most to me. Q: Do you plan to approach Rajkumar for help in your career? Amit Rao: Not at all. We’re a close-knit family of six—four brothers and two sisters. We have a strong bond and stand by each other through thick and thin. While we share everything, I believe in carving my own path. My family’s love and support are enough to fuel my journey. The Diary of Manipur, with its powerful narrative and Amit Rao’s promising debut, is set to be a significant cinematic milestone. Director Sanoj Mishra explains why he chose Amit Rao for the role: “He was my first choice. I discovered him through one of his theater shows, and I believe that content is the true star of my films, not the casting of big names.” Known for tackling controversial and socially relevant topics, Mishra is determined to shed light on the violence in Manipur through this project. “As a filmmaker, it’s my duty to portray the truth about society,” he said, emphasizing that threats and backlash, such as those he faced after Kashi to Kashmir and The Diary of West Bengal, will not deter him.
The writer, producer and director of this film, which is going to be made under the banner of Sanoj Mishra Films, is Sanoj Mishra. The film is co-produced by Yameen Khan, Javed Deoriawale, Dhirendra Thakur, and Sanjay Kumar. The promoter of this film is Sanjay Bhushan Patiyala.Apart from Amit Rao, the country’s famous yoga teacher Mansi Gulati and bhajan emperor Anup Jalota are also playing a special role in this film. The selection of the remaining cast of the film is ongoing.
