5th Anniversary of the Film “Manto” Celebrated with Rasika Dugal Reflecting on Her Memorable Role as Safia Manto
Today marks the 5th anniversary of the critically acclaimed film “Manto,” a poignant biographical drama that chronicles the life and works of the renowned Urdu author-playwright Saadat Hasan Manto. In the film, the talented Rasika Dugal brought the character of Safia Manto, the author’s wife, to life, earning widespread praise for her exceptional portrayal.
Starring alongside Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who played the titular role of Manto, Rasika Dugal’s portrayal of Safia added depth and authenticity to the film. Her dedication to understanding the character was evident in her commitment to learning Urdu to be able to read Mantos work in the original language they were written in. Rasika’s connection with her character and her uncanny resemblance to the real Safia helped her to deliver a truly compelling performance.
“Manto” isn’t just about the iconic writer Saadat Hasan Manto; it’s also about the strong willed Safia Manto who was the pillar of strength in Mantos life.
Currently, Rasika Dugal’s “Lord Curzon Ki Haveli” is set to be the Closing Night Film at the prestigious Chicago South Asian International Film Festival 2023, a testament to her growing presence in the international film circuit. While traveling for this esteemed event, Rasika shared a heartwarming moment on her social media platforms. She posted a picture of herself with the book “Manto” and wrote “Just the perfect time (looong ✈️) and perfect day to revisit Manto (5 years of @mantofilm) And revisit so many beautiful memories… Some films will always be special. ❤️ Thank you for the book @nanditadasofficial. Still can’t choose a favourite from these stories…@nawazuddin._siddiqui @tahirrajbhasin @kartikvijay @rajshri_deshpande @shashank.arora @dan.husain @snekhanwalkar @mrsheetalsharma @iamroysanyal @divyadutta25 #MantoTheFilm #Manto #5YearsOfManto #5YearsOfSafia”
Dugal also posted a video from the sets of “Manto,” where she fondly recalled her initial interaction with director Nandita Das. In the video, she said, “So I first heard of the project when I met Nandita at the screening of a film that I had done called “Qissa” . Then one day, I got an email from her saying, ‘Why don’t you come and meet me?’ So I went to meet her, and I thought she would say, ‘I am considering you for a part, we will do an audition,’ but she said, ‘You know, I am doing the film and it’s coming together, and I want you to play Manto’s wife,’ and I was like, ‘Wow.'”
On the work front, Rasika Dugal’s calendar is brimming with exciting projects. Her upcoming ventures include the eagerly awaited third season of “Delhi Crime” and an array of diverse projects like “Spike: Sports Drama,” “Fairy Folk: Improv Comedy,” “Little Thomas: Dramedy,” and “Mirzapur 3: Action Crime Thriller” and a few more exciting unannounced projects.