GUWAHATI: Do you remember the blind beggar in Aamir Khan-starrer PK? The one, wearing only white pyjamas, holding a stick over a footbridge, from which Khan’s character took money twice?
Well, the person who played the homeless is a real-time beggar named Manoj Roy from Assam’s Bedeti in Sonitpur district and post his 5-sec cameo in the film, he’s life has taken an unprecedent turn.
Born into adversity, Manoj faced early hardships with the early loss of his mother and the subsequent illness of his daily wager father.
He came to Delhi in search of avenues but due to lack of opportunities and impeding financial pressure, life forced him to begging to sustain himself
His journey to cinematic fame began unexpectedly when he caught the attention of PK filmmakers while frequenting Jantar Mantar.
Recounting his serendipitous encounter, the 49-year-old told a national daily that two gentlemen approached him and asked if he could act. “I told them acting is what I do to ensure two square meals,” he said.
Little did Manoj know that this casual encounter would lead him to audition for PK, initially driven by the promise of free food. He managed to clinch the role beating 12 other contenders.
Despite his humble intentions, Manoj impressed the casting directors during the auditions at Nehru Stadium, securing a role that would change his life forever.
Transported from the streets to a lavish five-star hotel in Delhi by the filmmakers for a night, Manoj experienced a stark contrast in lifestyle.
He remembered how, despite once living without regular baths due to water shortages, he now enjoyed the hotel’s pool alongside Aamir Khan and Anushka Sharma.
Following his brief stint in the limelight, Manoj returned to his village with newfound wealth and opportunities.
Now employed at a village shop, he has embraced a new identity, affectionately referred to as “PK Honey Singh” by locals.
With a job, a Facebook account, and even a girlfriend, Manoj’s story stands as a testament to the transformative power of cinema.
In an interview with a Delhi-based national daily, he expressed gratitude for the film, acknowledging its role in reshaping his life.
