National Award-winning actor Manoj Bajpayee once revealed that he spent considerable time with real-life dacoit Maan Singh while preparing for his role in Shekhar Kapur’s acclaimed film Bandit Queen.
A clip from one of Kapil Sharma’s television shows has recently resurfaced online, in which the host asked Bajpayee whether he had ever been in contact with a dacoit.
Recalling his experience during the making of Bandit Queen, Bajpayee said Kapur had asked him to study Maan Singh closely. The actor said he would shadow the dacoit, who would sometimes accompany the film crew after pack-up or while they travelled back by car.
Bajpayee recalled that Maan Singh was extremely alert even while travelling in a vehicle and did not sit casually like other passengers.
“He was a smart guy. And he used to tell the driver, ‘Drive fast. Drive fast. Drive fast, slow down. Slow down’. I asked him what he was doing. He said, ‘Old enmity can come at any time’,” Bajpayee recalled.
Bandit Queen, released in 1994, was based on the life of Phoolan Devi, who became one of India’s most notorious bandits before entering politics. The film featured Seema Biswas in a breakthrough performance and portrayed Phoolan Devi’s traumatic childhood, forced marriage, sexual violence, caste oppression and transformation into a feared figure in the Chambal ravines.
The film examined the social and personal circumstances that shaped Phoolan Devi’s life. Its graphic portrayal of violence and sexual abuse sparked controversy, including objections from Phoolan Devi herself over its depiction and accuracy.
Despite the controversy, Bandit Queen received widespread critical acclaim and gained international recognition, with Biswas earning particular praise for her performance.