It will soon be a month since Khakhee - The Bihar Chapter directed by Neeraj Pandey dropped on Netflix. The crime thriller series still continues to garner rave reviews.
Two characters who stand out are Karan Tacker as Sheikhpura IPS Amit Lodha and Avinash Tiwary as gangster Chandan Mahto, whose character sketch closely resembled that of real-life Pintu Mahto—a sharpshooter in the Ashok Mahot gang in Uttar Pradesh's Sheikhpura. Their gang was active in the early 2000s and was infamous for its heinous acts, including abductions, murders, and robberies.
In the role of Mahto, Tiwary has been hailed for his "meticulous," and "highly gripping" portrayal of the gangster who the police managed to nab after a cat-and-mouse chase that lasted several years. This fictionalised tale, partly based on Lodha’s 2018 book, Bihar Diaries: The True Story of How Bihar's Most Dangerous Criminal Was Caught has become a turning point in Avinash Tiwary's career, bringing him instant fame and applause for his exceptional acting prowess and a riveting screen presence.
In an interview with THE WEEK, Tiwary talks about the serendipity that led him to bag the role and how it has given a major boost to his career growth.
Excerpts:
How did you decide to take up this role and what was the final deciding factor to play Chandan?
I was not very keen to take up Chandan Mahto. I was petrified when I read the script. I didn't know the consequences of it. I was kind of apprehensive that I might not fit into it and maybe I may not be able to pull it off. That is why I did not really want to do it. But then I had a discussion with Neeraj Sir (Neeraj Pandey) and Bhaturia ( director) and both of them showed such trust in me that I was convinced I'd do a good job. I simply went along with their judgement, faith and trust. Also, I share my scripts with my father and when he read it he felt that I would not be able to pull it off. That further fueled my resolve to do it.
Did you look up some previously essayed characters while preparing for Chandan? What preparation went into picking up nuances of the character?
No, I did not look for any fictional character sketches. My inspiration was all from life and the people I met. Essentially if I have to point out it was to go to a shoot location and spend a lot of time with truck drivers in dhabas. So for about eight to ten days prior to the shoot I was there and I spent time catching on the nuances of their behaviour, their habits, their language and culture. Also, since I was born in Bihar and have spent a considerable amount of time there, it was not that difficult to essay the role of Chandan Mahto. My experiences in Bihar taught me a lot. I had previously met people like Chandan Mahto so it wasn't that difficult to get to know him.
Having essayed a negative and toxic role so beautifully, it might be difficult for the audience to see you in a lighthearted role in your future projects...what do you think?
I'm an actor and it is my job to be able to create a variety of characters and I have complete faith in my skill and craft which I have honed and worked on for years. I do not want to limit myself to genres and characters. I would want to believe that I'm limitless and that's what I say to myself. One can most definitely expect a lot of variety in my future projects. Nothing will be repetitive or the same, ever.
As a Bihari yourself tell us five aspects about Bihar that you totally love and were able to channel into Chandan?
The idea of oneness among one's own people, one's own community and family, is extremely strong and hard-wired into all Biharis. That is also an aspect I related with Chandan Mahto as he was one who stood for his own tribe and raised his voice in favour of their welfare and against injustice. I think it is the Bihari culture that I love the most. Because Chandan Mahto is such a dislikeable character I'm finding it difficult to find things that I like about Bihar to be brought out in Mahto.
I do not think there are major influences there as far as the character is concerned. But personally, I am in love with the state's history and culture and the political vibrancy in the state. Every person is politically aware to a certain extent and that is so important for a democracy like ours. Bihar has always been a state of intellectuals, of wisdom. No wonder, the wisdom tree (the Bodhi tree) too, is located in Bihar.
Your upcoming projects?
Bambai Meri Jaan, produced by Excel Entertainment will play on Amazon Prime. It is directed by Shujaat Saudagar (of Rock On 2 fame). It will be released mid-next year. If everything goes well, I will have three releases next year—two on the platform and one in the theatre.
