e know that Laloo Prasad Yadav has not won a Padma Shri as yet. But then we also know that Mahesh Manjrekar's new film Padmashree Laloo Prasad Yadav is not based on the famous politician, but on four people -- Padmashree (Masumi), Laloo (Suniel Shetty), Prasad (Mahesh Manjrekar) and Yadav (Johnny Lever).When Lalooji heard the film's title, the first thing he wanted to know was that who was playing his character. Needless to say, he was disappointed to learn that only his name was being used, not his life story.
Laloo makes a special appearance in this film.
A portion of the movie has been shot in South Africa. Apparently, the immigration authorities in South Africa were so impressed with the film's name that they cleared the cast and crew immediately and treated them like royalty. 'Who doesn't know Lalooji!' they exclaimed.
The railway minister seems to have charmed Biharis, Pakistanis, and now, South Africans!
The film is touted as an out-and-out comedy in a world of fantasy. The four lead players plan a bank robbery involving diamonds worth Rs 500 million.
Masumi sums up the film's intentions by saying, "It's a fun film. We are not sending a message or preaching morals. We are just having fun! If you want to have masti, watch this movie!"
"Every one was always joking on the sets," she adds. "They are all comedians. Johnny can entertain all the time! The energy levels were very high. The story is very good."
The actress, who has featured in Chupke Se and Maqbool, says, "I am a dancer, that's how I keep fit. I am very gullible. I believe everyone at face value. Sometimes, that does not work out well."
The film also stars Anupama Varma and Kim Sharma.
Varma says all the characters in the film have different hair colours. The actress could not colour her hair as she was shooting simultaneously for another movie. Caught in a dilemma, she went shopping with a colleague and came across a shop selling wigs. She chose a red wig with short hair.
"I did not tell anyone. I just went for the shooting wearing the wig. Everybody loved it and I kept it for the film," she says.
Manjrekar plays a lawyer in Padmashree Laloo Prasad Yadav. His personal life in the film is a mess, thanks to his overbearing mother-in-law.
In the film's promos, it seems like Manjrekar is imitating close friend Sanjay Dutt. Manjrekar admits to it, but says he does not imitate Sanjubaba consciously. "I have known Sanjay for years. You know, after a while, the husband and wife start resembling each other!"