Actor Manu Singh: A Newcomer Steps Into The Spotlight With Interrogation

In an industry where stardom often overshadows substance, Interrogation, a psychological drama directed by Ajoy Verma Raja, signifies a notable development—the cinematic debut of Manu Singh. Cast by producer Piyush Dinesh Gupta, Singh was selected not for stardom, but for his authenticity and raw talent, positioning him as a distinctive new presence in Indian cinema.

Manu Singh was raised in a traditional middle-class household in Delhi. His formative years were shaped by a deep-seated curiosity about human behavior and emotion. Recalling his early interests, Singh notes, “As a child, I was always watching—teachers, relatives, strangers. I felt deeply, and somewhere in that process, I was learning to become someone else.” These observations laid the groundwork for his interest in acting, long before formal opportunities arose.

His early experiments with performance were both earnest and unorthodox—from portraying historical figures like Shivaji Maharaj to Hema Malini—an act that won him school accolades despite gender-bending challenges. Nevertheless, despite evident passion, Singh’s entry into professional acting was neither immediate nor assured.

“There were days when it felt like the dream was slipping away. No auditions, no feedback, no income—just silence,” Manu says. A failed audition involving a poorly applied moustache nearly led him to quit. However, on a friend’s encouragement, he made one final attempt, which led to callbacks and ultimately a meeting with filmmaker Piyush Dinesh Gupta.

Gupta recognized a quality in Singh that went beyond technical skill. “Manu didn’t come in polished,” he explains. “He came in honest. That honesty—his vulnerability—it was striking. I wasn’t looking for a performer. I was looking for someone real. He was it.” Singh was cast as Vishal Parashar, a conflicted protagonist entangled in guilt and the search for justice.

To prepare for the role, Singh immersed himself in the world of criminal justice— spending time in police stations, observing court trials, even fasting to heighten his emotional sensitivity of his character. “I needed to feel the isolation, the moral pressure my character was under,” he explains. “That meant living a version of it, even off camera.”

The film, a gripping psychological drama, co-stars acclaimed actors Rajpal Yadav and Yashpal Sharma, and is helmed by director Ajoy Verma Raja. Shot across the stark and stirring landscapes of Ladakh, Interrogation is jointly produced by Piyush’s banner Naam Mein Kya Rakha Hai and Aryan Brothers, led by Kunwar Pragy Arya and Inderveer.

Gupta’s decision to cast an unknown talent has drawn industry attention. “We don’t need more stars—we need more truth,” he asserts. “Manu brought that. He brought fire, depth, and above all, integrity.” The film is scheduled for a digital release on Zee5 on May 30th, 2025.

For Manu Singh, Interrogation is more than a debut—it is a defining moment. “I’ll never forget what Piyush sir did for me,” Singh says. “He looked past the noise, past the lack of experience, and chose to believe. That belief changed everything.”