Manoj Muntashir appears to make a reference to his own life when he says, “If you’re a pure artiste, it may take 10 years for you to find fame in Bollywood, par, phir, aapke din nahin, aapka daur aayega.” Having come into the spotlight after his work on Ek Villian in 2014, the Teri mitti writer has grown from strength to strength, establishing his foothold in Bollywood. He connects with mid-day for a conversation after his recent National Award win for Saina. 

Edited excerpts from the interview.