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Mahesh Manjrekar acknowledged that in a city like Mumbai, talent alone isn’t enough, timing and luck play just as big a role in survival.
Mahesh Manjrekar opened up about Animal in which he portrays Dattu. (Photo Credit: X)
Mahesh Manjrekar not only captivates audiences with his acting skills on screen but also commands the stage. After the success of his first stage collaboration with theater producer Ashvin Gidwani in Double Deal, the dynamic duo is back with a new Hindi play, Animal, and it’s already generating buzz.
In an exclusive interview with Free Press Journal, Mahesh opened up about the play, what makes it so relatable to audiences, and the biggest challenges he faced while bringing it to life.
What Is ‘Animal’ About?
Animal is a raw, actor-driven play that delves into the quiet erosion of the human spirit in the pursuit of ambition. At the heart of it is Dattu, played by Mahesh Manjrekar, a young man from a small town near Pandharpur, Maharashtra, who comes to Mumbai seeking fame, however, what starts as belief in the city and himself soon turns into a desperate fight for survival.
Alone on stage, Dattu speaks to the city, his imagined audience, and his conscience, blurring the lines between performance and confession. After nearly nine years of preparation, Animal brings Manjrekar not only as an actor but also as the director.
Is Animal Drawn From Mahesh’s Own Life Experiences?
Mahesh said, “When I read Animal, I didn’t see just Dattu; I saw every young boy who arrives in Mumbai with a suitcase full of dreams and pockets full of hope. I have lived long enough in this industry to know that struggle is not dramatic; it is silent, repetitive, and humbling.”
The Dabangg actor mentioned that although the character isn’t directly based on his own life, the emotions are drawn from real experiences, such as the desire to prove oneself, the hurt of rejection, and the loneliness in a crowded city. He explained that as an actor and director, he draws inspiration from life itself, which is what gives Dattu his authenticity.
On Struggles Of Mayanagri And The Challenges Of Animal
Mahesh calls Mumbai aka Mayanagri as both a ‘dream factory’ and a ‘dream crusher’. He shared how he’s seen young men arrive with ambition, only to leave years later with disappointment. It’s painful, he admits, because talent alone isn’t enough; timing, luck, and survival are just as crucial. He added, “But I don’t see Dattu as just a victim. I see resilience, I see madness. I see hope that refuses to die and that to me is inspiring.”
When asked about the most challenging aspect of a play like Animal, Mahesh said, “The toughest part is honesty.” He emphasised that a play like this can’t be performed with any sense of vanity, it requires complete vulnerability.
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March 06, 2026, 14:14 IST
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