In an extraordinary celebration of talent, art, and cinematic journey, the Tagore Centre at the Indian Embassy in Berlin paid tribute to the illustrious 30-year career of Indian cinema icon Manoj Bajpayee. This special event, organized and hosted by Ms. Trisha Sakhlecha, Director of the Tagore Centre, coincided with Bajpayee’s presence in Berlin for the premiere of his latest film, The Fable, in the competitive Encounters section at the ongoing 74th Berlin Film Festival.
The Fable, directed by Raam Reddy and featuring Manoj Bajpayee in a leading role alongside Deepak Dobriyal, Priyanka Bose, and Tillotama Shome, made its debut at the Berlin International Film Festival on February 16th, 2024. This event is not merely a milestone; it’s a historic acknowledgement, marking only the second Indian film in three decades to compete at the Berlinale. It has quickly garnered acclaim from critics and admiration from audiences worldwide, highlighting Bajpayee’s extraordinary talent and Reddy’s exceptional storytelling prowess.
The celebration, marking dual anniversaries, 30 years of Manoj Bajpayee’s distinguished career and the Tagore Centre’s foundation – saw the Tagore Centre overwhelmed with fans from India, Germany, and around the world, leading to a situation where it was overpacked and had to close accepting entries. The event was graced by the presence of several ambassadors from other countries, including H.E. Mr. Parvathaneni Harish, Ambassador of India to Germany, along with several government dignitaries.
The session commenced with opening remarks by the Indian ambassador, followed by an introduction and conversation initiated by acclaimed author & Director, Tagore Centre, Ms. Trisha Sakhlecha with the legendary Manoj Bajpayee. It delved into a comprehensive walkthrough of Manoj Bajpayee’s early life, tracing his journey from harboring dreams in a small village in Bihar, through his persistent struggle of over 15 years without a significant break, to his rise as a celebrated actor in Indian cinema. The discussion also highlighted his upcoming projects and his venture into production, thereby illuminating his multifaceted contribution to the film industry.
Adding to the event’s richness, Manoj Bajpayee and Raam Reddy were on stage, accompanied by the rest of The Fable team, including Producer Pratap Reddy and Sunmin Park. A special segment dedicated to The Fable featured insightful dialogues led by Bajpayee and Reddy about the film’s creation, the challenges encountered, and the collective aspirations for its impact on a global audience. The Fable’s selection for the Berlinale’s competitive Encounters section not only showcased its artistic excellence but also marked a significant moment of pride and achievement for the entire team behind the film.
The event featured an engaging Q&A session, allowing the audience to interact directly with Manoj Bajpayee. This segment offered fans and attendees a rare opportunity to pose their questions, delve deeper into Bajpayee’s experiences, and gain insights into his illustrious career and personal journey. The open dialogue fostered a deeper connection between the actor and his audience, highlighting the profound impact of his work on cinema enthusiasts worldwide.
Reflecting on the significance of the event and its impact on cultural relations between India and Germany, Ms Trisha Sakhlecha, Director of the Tagore Centre, shared her insights. “It was a joy to mark Manoj Bajpayee’s remarkable 30-year journey as an actor, which has played a pivotal role not only in Indian cinema but also on the international stage. The overwhelmingly well-received event reflects the Tagore Centre & Embassy of India, Berlin’s commitment to providing a platform for Indian cinema and storytelling specifically and Indian culture as a whole. With 300 registrations received within 48 hours of releasing the invitations and a significant waitlist thereafter, it’s clear that Manoj Bajpayee’s enduring legacy and our shared passion for cinema continue to resonate across borders.”
Ambassador of India, H.E. Mr. Parvathaneni Harish, remarked, “I am extremely happy that the 74th edition of the Berlinale has 7 Indian films and 3 Berlinale Talents, and that the NFDC has brought in a large delegation from the Indian movie industry to participate in the European Film Market. Indian movies represent astonishing talent, immense dynamics and innovation, India is also an attractive investment location with various incentives for promotion of foreign films and for animation, post-production and visual effect services. I am confident that the Indian delegation at Berlinale with well-known actors such as Manoj Bajpayee and Allu Arjun and directors like Raam Reddy will make a strong impact.”
Manoj Bajpayee also shared, “This journey of 30 years has been nothing short of extraordinary. It’s a reflection of the love and support I’ve received from my audience and the film fraternity. Being recognized in Berlin, alongside the premiere of The Fable, fills me with gratitude. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Ms. Trisha Sakhlecha, the Director of the Tagore Centre, Berlin, and H.E. Mr Parvathaneni Harish, Ambassador of India to Germany, for this honour. My gratitude also goes out to all the attendees who made the event truly memorable. This moment is not just mine but belongs to every individual who has been a part of this incredible journey.”
Raam Reddy, speaking about the occasion and collaboration, shared “The love I felt at Tagore Centre was overwhelming. It was a beautiful celebration of both the illustrious and incomparable career of Manoj ji, as well as the premiere of our film The Fable. It was such an honour to share the stage and sit next to Manoj ji – whom I have grown to share a very special bond with – while we chatted about the nearly magical anecdotes that went into the building of our film. The audience was spellbound by Manoj Ji’s aura, as was I. It was an evening I will not easily forget.”
This gathering not only celebrated the monumental achievements of Manoj Bajpayee but also underscored the vibrant cultural exchange between India and Germany, facilitated through the medium of cinema and the enduring legacy of the Tagore Centre.