Showing posts with label Bobby Jasoos. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bobby Jasoos. Show all posts
When Taapsee Pannu and Dhak Dhak team were struggling, it felt personal-Dia Mirza
8:47 AM
After Pannu thanks Dia Mirza Rekhi for supporting the release of Dhak Dhak, the latter says ‘filmmaking is a collaborative’ effort
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 18, 2024)
At a recent event, actor Taapsee Pannu highlighted how small films struggle for a proper release. Referring to her own production, Dhak Dhak (2023), she revealed that the co-producers lost enthusiasm and didn’t push for a proper release once they recovered their money before the movie hit theatres. She also mentioned that her co-actor Dia Mirza Rekhi helped her out in difficult times.
Ask Rekhi about this, and she shares, “It’s Taapsee’s generosity that she has publicly acknowledged what us standing by her and our film meant to her.”
The story revolves around a group of women who set out on a road trip, which results in their self-discovery. Rekhi adds, “Filmmaking is a collaborative, creative process. It takes the strength, will and fortitude of an entire crew to tell a story like Dhak Dhak. We were filming in extreme temperatures, in treacherous terrain and travelling to several locations.”
The reason she could further relate to Pannu’s struggle was because she, too, had undergone a similar situation while producing her film Bobby Jasoos (2014). “I will never forget what it took for me to produce Bobby Jasoos, when I was all of 28, and what it meant to have (actor) Vidya Balan’s unwavering support. When Taapsee, Pranjal (Khandhdiya, co-producer) and team were struggling, it felt personal. So, we did all we could, including hosting private screenings and interviews to lend our support,” she says.
As for the debate around the rising film costs, while small films struggle for just a proper release, Rekhi feels that actors should “support the process, so that stories like this (Dhak Dhak) are told more often. No production should ever be burdened by the weight of its cast. If anything, the cast should lend the story their might and magnanimity”.
Sanjay Dutt is destiny’s child-Dia Mirza
7:55 AM
Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; June 22, 2018)
Dia Mirza has shared screen space with Sanjay Dutt in Parineeta (2005), Lage Raho Munnabhai (2006), Dus Kahaniyaan (2007) and Shootout At Lokhandwala (2007). Now, she plays his wife, Maanayata Dutt, in Sanju. It also marks her return to films after three years. Here, she talks about portraying a real-life character, the terrifying phase she went through without work, acting with Ranbir Kapoor and more...
You have worked with Sanjay in a few films. Did you get any new insights about him after doing this movie?
Absolutely. For many of us, especially, who are part of the industry, we had a sense of what was happening in his life. But when I heard the script, I was really surprised to find out how little I knew about him. Most of one’s perception about a person is from what one reads and hears, little of which is a first-person account. His life has always been publicly scrutinised and made us feel like we knew him. This script was Sanjay’s story straight from his heart, based on all his experiences that he shared with Raju (writer-filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani). I found it baffling and overwhelming that a human being has led such a varied life. I think he is destiny’s child.
How did you prep for your role of Maanayata?
You must know how intensely Raju and Abhijat (Joshi) write their scripts. They invest so much time in understanding every aspect of their subject and defining the characters that they leave little room to actually wonder. Having said that, at the human level you have questions about what one wants to achieve by portraying a character, especially a non-fictional one.
For that, you have to understand the depth of the person and have absolute clarity on their relationship — in this case, the husband and wife. Only if I know the full context of the situation will I be able to do justice to the emotion. I wanted to understand how Maanayata as a wife, woman and mother handled the public scrutiny that she was subjected to. What was her driving force, what kept her afloat and not lose her bearings. She has been a rock to Sanjay.
Go on...
I have known her socially for years. It was when Alibaug was under production that Sanju’s court case was gathering momentum. Maanayata came into his life around then. All of us had met her and known her. But before we started filming, we did workshops and look tests that would help me look the part. I also studied some of the news clips released around the time and saw her interviews and studied her body language, etc. But every time I’d get into the nitty-gritty, Raju would tell me not to worry and just be the part. The focus was on essentially understanding and being honest to the emotion more than anything else.
There is a scene in the trailer where Ranbir Kapoor is telling Anushka Sharma that he has had 308 girlfriends even as you are sitting beside him. How did you enact it?
When Raju explained the scene to me, the first thing I asked him was if Maanayata knew about it. And he said, ‘Absolutely’. That’s the reason you don’t see my shocked expression. She knows it and chooses him; she doesn’t judge him. Whatever Ranbir is revealing to Anushka in the scene or elsewhere in the movie, Maanyata is aware of. That is the most amazing thing about this relationship. It is free of judgement.
What was your reaction when you were told about it?
I was shocked and thought if this was humanly possible. I was like, half the country’s men will get a complex after this! The society is so judgemental that if you confess to having more than one girlfriend or boyfriend, eyebrows are raised — imagine confessing to 308 girlfriends! But that’s Sanju. That is his unique quality; he is candid about himself even if the answer is socially unacceptable. While shooting, we have watched so many videos of him. We used to joke that we were stalking him.
What has been the most interesting aspect of shooting this film for you?
The last scene I shot for a Hindi film was in 2011 after which I produced Bobby Jasoos, which released in 2014. I also got married. I waited for two-and-a-half years to get a film that I wanted to be a part of. That was the most frightening phase of my life. I was worried that I would never get work again. I was wondering what will it take for me to reconnect with filmmakers and find the right opportunity again. I was so relieved when I got a call from Raju. He asked me whether I would hear the script as he wanted to cast me as Maanayata. From the time I read it to when I shot, there was only a 15-20 day window. The film’s first shot was with me. I didn’t sleep the night before — I was so anxious and terrified. Not only was there a huge gap since I had last faced the camera, but the pressure of delivering the part was also huge. I got up early morning to get ready and was sitting in my van biting my nails, trying to breathe, focus and relax. That’s when Raju walked in. He smiled and said, ‘Don’t worry, Mirzey, it will be good.’ My nervousness and anxiety dissipated immediately.
How has it been working with Ranbir?
We all know that he’s one of the finest actors of his generation. Of all the people I have worked with, what sets him apart from the others is his temperament. He is possibly one of the most patient, calm and centered human beings that I have acted with. Even if it was physically uncomfortable with prosthetic make-up, he would be the first one to arrive on the sets. He would come at 3 am to shoot at 7 am, sit for five hours to do prosthetic, which is a daunting task because you can’t move or even twitch. Then he would shoot in the heat and not lose his cool for even a second. That is a remarkable quality. Also, he’s extremely real, grounded and unaffected about his stardom. He has the most incredible manners and there is no hierarchy in his sphere. He is blessed with emotional intelligence, which is important for an actor to have. As a co-actor, he is so alive and responsive, it is beautiful.
What’s next for you?
Hopefully, more interesting film offers. I wouldn’t want three years to go by before I say yes to another movie. As a producer, I hope to create a lot of content on the digital platform. I’ve some interesting offers for web series, too. I’m also looking at producing a film.
A lot of people equate feminism with man-hating and that's very disturbing-Vidya Balan
8:18 AM
Lasyapriya Sundaram (BOMBAY TIMES; April 12, 2017)
After an unforgettable debut
in Bollywood with Parineeta (2005), Vidya Balan established herself as
an actor par excellence with roles in films like Paa, Ishqiya, The Dirty
Picture, Kahaani and Kahaani 2. While critics have not stopped raving
about this National Award-winning actor's ability to deliver one
knock-out performance after another, her films in the past five years
haven't worked their magic at the box office. Vidya, who will be seen
essaying the role of a brothel madam in Srijit Mukherji's period and
Partition drama, Begum Jaan, spoke to BT about her latest labour of
love, dealing with box-office failures and why feminism doesn't mean
being a man-hater. Excerpts...
When you started out, did you think that eventually, you would be in a position where roles will be written for you?
That always sounded fancy, but I didn't know what kind of roles people would write for me. However, I love the fact that people write roles for me; I feel humbled. You keep hearing that a particular role was written keeping Amitabh Bachchan in mind and wonder how that works... and suddenly, it happens to you. But consciously, I never worked towards it or even desired it.
You have always played hard-hitting roles, but your character Begum Jaan is different from what you have done so far. So, how did you go about fleshing out your character?
I saw the Bengali film (Rajkahini) and it struck me as extremely powerful and moving. But then, I consciously blanked out my memory of the film. Today, if you ask me how a particular scene was done in the Bengali film, the answer is, I don't know. That's the only way I could have brought in my interpretation of the character. For me to understand that it is about power, I had to have conversations with Srijit. It's a well-written script, so all I had to do was read it and enact the scenes. But the fun is when you flesh it out a bit - get into details people don't necessarily watch on screen, but nevertheless lend life to those moments. Begum Jaan rules the space she lives in, so her body language is very chauda. When we asked ourselves why she would not set up her kotha somewhere else, we realised that each one of us is trying to establish our roots somewhere or the other. And just because Begum Jaan belongs to the fringe section of the society, it doesn't mean that she doesn't feel the need to do that. She doesn't care if you decide to partition the country. She says that's irrelevant to her whether you are calling it India or Pakistan; it is her house and she will deal with it the way she wants to. She doesn't seek approval. These might have been mere words when Srijit and I were discussing the story, but thanks to those conversations, I could bring her alive.
You have often said that the first day of shoot sets the tone of the film for you. What was day one like on the set of Begum Jaan?
On day one, my shoot was with Naseer saab (Naseeruddin Shah). The scene portrayed Begum Jaan's feminine and charming side - she negotiates with the Raja, almost seducing him with her charm. I looked at Srijit and said, 'After all those conversations about her fearless, aggressive nature, you are making me do this'. But sometimes, it's the best way to start. The most unexpected thing happens on the first day and you nosedive into it; there is no other way to go.
You are critics' darling. However, your last five films have not worked at the box office. How did it affect you?
At times, it saddened me and at times, it broke my heart. At times, it destroyed me and at times, it didn't affect me. I invest a lot in the films that I do. So, there is always a part of me that wants love, acceptance and approval and it gets measured in terms of box-office success. After a spate of successful films, Ghanchakkar didn't work and I didn't know how to deal with it. When Shaadi Ke Side Effects didn't work, I was angry. When Bobby Jasoos didn't work, I felt like a victim. When Hamari Adhuri Kahani didn't work, I was devastated. And then, when Kahaani 2: Durga Rani Singh didn't work, I disconnected from the numbers game. And maybe that's why I had to go through this; so that I could go back to focusing on what I enjoy doing - the process of moviemaking and even the promotions. Today, I am very glad that I went through that phase, though when I went through it, I am not sure I felt the same way. I feel maybe there was a lesson in store for me.
Actors are considered to be vain, but you have never let that come in the way of portraying a character...
I feel I am vain because I like to do whatever I can to make a character come alive. On screen, I have to think about what the character would like to wear. Her economic or social background also needs to be taken into account. So, those things dictate how I look in a film. If I am looking true to the part, it satisfies and excites me. I am not Vidya Balan, the star on screen, and that distinction is very clear in my head. Of course, there is a part of me because I am playing the role, but I am not playing myself.
The word 'feminism' is dropped very often these days. Do you think it's misconstrued? What's your take on feminism?
If by feminist, you mean somebody who values herself, her body, her space, her choices or the right to her choices, yes I am a feminist. But I am definitely not a man-hater. A lot of people equate feminism with that and that's very disturbing. Yes, you are challenging the status quo by wanting to assert yourself, your individuality and your individual space. I am at the centre of my universe and I happen to be a woman. I don't feel any lesser than anyone else and I won't settle for anything less. I won't settle for anything but the best.
When you started out, did you think that eventually, you would be in a position where roles will be written for you?
That always sounded fancy, but I didn't know what kind of roles people would write for me. However, I love the fact that people write roles for me; I feel humbled. You keep hearing that a particular role was written keeping Amitabh Bachchan in mind and wonder how that works... and suddenly, it happens to you. But consciously, I never worked towards it or even desired it.
You have always played hard-hitting roles, but your character Begum Jaan is different from what you have done so far. So, how did you go about fleshing out your character?
I saw the Bengali film (Rajkahini) and it struck me as extremely powerful and moving. But then, I consciously blanked out my memory of the film. Today, if you ask me how a particular scene was done in the Bengali film, the answer is, I don't know. That's the only way I could have brought in my interpretation of the character. For me to understand that it is about power, I had to have conversations with Srijit. It's a well-written script, so all I had to do was read it and enact the scenes. But the fun is when you flesh it out a bit - get into details people don't necessarily watch on screen, but nevertheless lend life to those moments. Begum Jaan rules the space she lives in, so her body language is very chauda. When we asked ourselves why she would not set up her kotha somewhere else, we realised that each one of us is trying to establish our roots somewhere or the other. And just because Begum Jaan belongs to the fringe section of the society, it doesn't mean that she doesn't feel the need to do that. She doesn't care if you decide to partition the country. She says that's irrelevant to her whether you are calling it India or Pakistan; it is her house and she will deal with it the way she wants to. She doesn't seek approval. These might have been mere words when Srijit and I were discussing the story, but thanks to those conversations, I could bring her alive.
You have often said that the first day of shoot sets the tone of the film for you. What was day one like on the set of Begum Jaan?
On day one, my shoot was with Naseer saab (Naseeruddin Shah). The scene portrayed Begum Jaan's feminine and charming side - she negotiates with the Raja, almost seducing him with her charm. I looked at Srijit and said, 'After all those conversations about her fearless, aggressive nature, you are making me do this'. But sometimes, it's the best way to start. The most unexpected thing happens on the first day and you nosedive into it; there is no other way to go.
You are critics' darling. However, your last five films have not worked at the box office. How did it affect you?
At times, it saddened me and at times, it broke my heart. At times, it destroyed me and at times, it didn't affect me. I invest a lot in the films that I do. So, there is always a part of me that wants love, acceptance and approval and it gets measured in terms of box-office success. After a spate of successful films, Ghanchakkar didn't work and I didn't know how to deal with it. When Shaadi Ke Side Effects didn't work, I was angry. When Bobby Jasoos didn't work, I felt like a victim. When Hamari Adhuri Kahani didn't work, I was devastated. And then, when Kahaani 2: Durga Rani Singh didn't work, I disconnected from the numbers game. And maybe that's why I had to go through this; so that I could go back to focusing on what I enjoy doing - the process of moviemaking and even the promotions. Today, I am very glad that I went through that phase, though when I went through it, I am not sure I felt the same way. I feel maybe there was a lesson in store for me.
Actors are considered to be vain, but you have never let that come in the way of portraying a character...
I feel I am vain because I like to do whatever I can to make a character come alive. On screen, I have to think about what the character would like to wear. Her economic or social background also needs to be taken into account. So, those things dictate how I look in a film. If I am looking true to the part, it satisfies and excites me. I am not Vidya Balan, the star on screen, and that distinction is very clear in my head. Of course, there is a part of me because I am playing the role, but I am not playing myself.
The word 'feminism' is dropped very often these days. Do you think it's misconstrued? What's your take on feminism?
If by feminist, you mean somebody who values herself, her body, her space, her choices or the right to her choices, yes I am a feminist. But I am definitely not a man-hater. A lot of people equate feminism with that and that's very disturbing. Yes, you are challenging the status quo by wanting to assert yourself, your individuality and your individual space. I am at the centre of my universe and I happen to be a woman. I don't feel any lesser than anyone else and I won't settle for anything less. I won't settle for anything but the best.
I feel desirable, but if there's a standard of desirability I don't fit into, I can't help it-Vidya Balan
7:50 AM
Madhureeta Mukherjee (BOMBAY TIMES; November 30, 2016)
She takes you to places
where other Sometimes artistes deep, unknown corners. Bringing every
moment on screen to life - with her curious eyes and chortled laughter.
If her stark strokes in cinema stun you, a heartfelt conversation with
her leaves you gaping in awe. She bares her fears and scars. No
cover-up, no charades. Just the Real Picture. She's broken stereotypes,
made new rules. She's been crowned and criticised. She knew this ride
wasn't going to be easy. It got rough, and she got tough.
Days before the release of Kahaani 2: Durga Rani Singh, directed by
Sujoy Ghosh, Vidya Balan, sits pretty (with no make-up), looking out at
the sea in her lovely apartment and demystifies some doubts, some myths,
some secrets. Like I said...nothing fake, all raw and real.
You've said that you get drawn towards women-centric films? Do you feel such roles attract you?
I think it's a two-way street. I have been offered such roles since Parineeta (2005), and then Ishqiya came along (2010). With these films I was taking baby steps and it peaked with The Dirty Picture (2011) and Kahaani (2012). Though even in typical, commercial Hindi films, my roles always had substance. Also, I think it's a function of the times that we are living in. We were at a point where we were ready to tell these stories, so it opened up more doors for writers who had written such stories, but kept them away thinking that they will never be made. Suddenly, there was new hope, I was doing these films and they were successful. After that, some of these films didn't work, but it was not that my choices had changed.
The 50's and 60's had some impactful films driven by women. We often tend to forget that because of the dearth of such subjects that followed...
Yes, that's why it is called the Golden Era of cinema. Though often in those films, you still revered the sacrificial role of women. In that sense, there has been a change; there is no glorification or vilification anymore. In today's movies, you see women as humans who have flaws, limitations and ambitions. Earlier, there were few like that, but the rest largely derived their identity from the men around them. Now, we have identities of our own and that is getting translated on screen.
You broke down while working in Kahaani 2. Do the characters you play affect you very deeply?
I have come to accept that I am intense and I don't know film. I need to do other things like travel, read, watch films and laze around. I only do films that I am completely convinced about. So whether the film works or not, I don't regret it later.
Five hits in a row, and you were the toast of Bollywood. Then it came crashing down with a series of flops. Given how intense you are, is failure also much harder to deal with?
Yes, the heartbreak is so much more, especially after seeing such a high. After a string of successful films people told me, 'You have the midas touch. How do you choose such scripts?' I have done lengthy talks and sessions on that...and then these films started failing (laughs!). I thought to myself...I hope I didn't give these talks too early in my life. It was devastating. I went through a roller coaster, also because I was going through health issues. Generally, when you are physically low, everything else gets magnified. When Ghanchakkar failed, I felt that I had personally failed my husband Siddharth (Roy Kapur) as his company had produced it and it was our first film post marriage. Initially, I didn't accept it, I kept saying...kal collections accha ho jayega. Then Shaadi Ke Side Effects and Bobby Jasoos followed. People told me that the audience wanted to see more of me in women-centric films, but Bobby Jasoos was that.
Did this phase compel you to rethink your choices?
Before Hamari Adhuri Kahani (HAK), (Mahesh) Bhatt saab called me and said, 'I have some concerns that your films haven't worked post marriage'. I told him there is nothing I can do about that, and I have no qualms if he chose to cast someone else. Incidentally, I had gone to speak to him about leaving the film because of my health issues, and when he expressed his concern, I thought it was universe's way of saying this isn't working out. That was a tough day for me, as I came home and opted out of Sujoy's film, too. I told Bhatt saab, 'I don't regret being married, and I don't know why the films haven't worked. To me, it is not because I am a married woman, but because the films failed. If that's the perception, I don't want you to carry that baggage.' I am so glad that he was blatantly honest. It made me question if there was some truth to this myth of married actresses in Bollywood. When I looked around me, I saw that Kareena (Kapoor Khan) had just delivered a hit in a typically commercial film. Aishwarya (Rai Bachchan) had also been signed on for Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, so this couldn't be a measure. Sometimes you feel that it doesn't matter how much you have achieved, one failure and you are back to square one.
But you went ahead and did HAK...
Bhatt saab told me that he had written the script for me and he wouldn't do the film with anybody else. He also told me, 'Keep the script. Even at 50 if you want, you can get some director to make this'. However, he had another concern - he wanted me to lose weight. I said I couldn't promise that as I was going through a health issue. I am someone who enjoys exercising and eating right, but my body had changed. For three-and-a-half years I was being medicated for a condition which had messed with my system completely. When I went off the medication, it was like a boomerang. I told him that I would walk out of his office with as much respect, but I couldn't take the pressure of him wanting his leading lady to look lighter. I was sure that I wasn't going to go under the knife, or do liposuction. After having achieved so much, you are eventually judged on the basis of your body. And poor body of mine...how much judgement and criticism it has gone through. And I am not talking in respect to my conversation with Bhatt saab, but the general perception of people. I had reached a stage where I said that I don't want to be judged anymore, so if it means not doing a role, it is okay. I feel desirable, but if there is a certain standard of desirability I don't fit into, I can't help it. HAK got delayed due to Emraan Hashmi's son's health and I ended up doing the film. I will always appreciate that Bhatt saab was brutally honest with me - that's Mahesh Bhatt for you. Even today, I can't bear to see Bobby Jasoos, as I was at my lowest point. It reminds me of a time in my life when I was not feeling good about myself. And today, it's not like my situation has changed, my attitude has. I'm back to accepting and loving myself.
So after HAK, you decided to take a break...
I took a break to think if I wanted to continue doing what I was doing. Since I was 11, I only wanted to act, and suddenly I felt that I was losing my dream. I was unsure about the one passion I lived for. On the last day of HAK shoot (and no one knows this) I told my family that I was not going to get back to work for a while. I started refusing offers. Siddharth was confused, and my family patiently listened to me. They let me vent, cry and even bore the brunt of it. I would write my thoughts down, sometimes shred it to pieces, too. I was just purging all the angst and anger (there was a lot of it) out of my system, it was difficult. I wasn't convinced about the perception of married actresses in our industry, but I guess, Bhatt saab actually vocalised it for me. It's like your worst fear coming true. I went through a process of extricating all these thoughts out of my system. Slowly, I realised my value as an individual, woman and actor. When you get rid of all the excess baggage, you begin to accept yourself again. I am still reeling under the effect of medication that has wrecked my system. My body has changed dramatically.
During The Dirty Picture, it was a revelation to see everyone applaud you for putting on weight and flaunting it with such abandon for a role. Then quickly people started bodyshaming and criticising you for the same weight...
That's right! If you put on weight for a role, everyone says... 'Arre wah, what an actor!' Then they bring you down for the same thing. After The Dirty Picture, I thought that if there were any issues that I had with my body and weight...I had let myself go. But then, the universe came knocking at my door and said, 'Hello, I am still here and there are things about yourself that you still need to accept'. It is not easy to be told by everyone...'OMG! You have lost weight, or you have put on weight, why don't you exercise'. The comment is, after all, always about weight loss or gain. I feel it's none of your business. Now, it doesn't bother me, I am feeling good and happy in my space. I am back to work with a vengeance. I had to go through all this to understand what my passion means to me. Looking back, I can't imagine that I had reached a stage where I thought I would give it all up. These cycles happen and I am happy admitting that I have gone through it and I have come out stronger and happier. I was meant to go through it to accept more of myself.
You've said that you get drawn towards women-centric films? Do you feel such roles attract you?
I think it's a two-way street. I have been offered such roles since Parineeta (2005), and then Ishqiya came along (2010). With these films I was taking baby steps and it peaked with The Dirty Picture (2011) and Kahaani (2012). Though even in typical, commercial Hindi films, my roles always had substance. Also, I think it's a function of the times that we are living in. We were at a point where we were ready to tell these stories, so it opened up more doors for writers who had written such stories, but kept them away thinking that they will never be made. Suddenly, there was new hope, I was doing these films and they were successful. After that, some of these films didn't work, but it was not that my choices had changed.
The 50's and 60's had some impactful films driven by women. We often tend to forget that because of the dearth of such subjects that followed...
Yes, that's why it is called the Golden Era of cinema. Though often in those films, you still revered the sacrificial role of women. In that sense, there has been a change; there is no glorification or vilification anymore. In today's movies, you see women as humans who have flaws, limitations and ambitions. Earlier, there were few like that, but the rest largely derived their identity from the men around them. Now, we have identities of our own and that is getting translated on screen.
You broke down while working in Kahaani 2. Do the characters you play affect you very deeply?
I have come to accept that I am intense and I don't know film. I need to do other things like travel, read, watch films and laze around. I only do films that I am completely convinced about. So whether the film works or not, I don't regret it later.
Five hits in a row, and you were the toast of Bollywood. Then it came crashing down with a series of flops. Given how intense you are, is failure also much harder to deal with?
Yes, the heartbreak is so much more, especially after seeing such a high. After a string of successful films people told me, 'You have the midas touch. How do you choose such scripts?' I have done lengthy talks and sessions on that...and then these films started failing (laughs!). I thought to myself...I hope I didn't give these talks too early in my life. It was devastating. I went through a roller coaster, also because I was going through health issues. Generally, when you are physically low, everything else gets magnified. When Ghanchakkar failed, I felt that I had personally failed my husband Siddharth (Roy Kapur) as his company had produced it and it was our first film post marriage. Initially, I didn't accept it, I kept saying...kal collections accha ho jayega. Then Shaadi Ke Side Effects and Bobby Jasoos followed. People told me that the audience wanted to see more of me in women-centric films, but Bobby Jasoos was that.
Did this phase compel you to rethink your choices?
Before Hamari Adhuri Kahani (HAK), (Mahesh) Bhatt saab called me and said, 'I have some concerns that your films haven't worked post marriage'. I told him there is nothing I can do about that, and I have no qualms if he chose to cast someone else. Incidentally, I had gone to speak to him about leaving the film because of my health issues, and when he expressed his concern, I thought it was universe's way of saying this isn't working out. That was a tough day for me, as I came home and opted out of Sujoy's film, too. I told Bhatt saab, 'I don't regret being married, and I don't know why the films haven't worked. To me, it is not because I am a married woman, but because the films failed. If that's the perception, I don't want you to carry that baggage.' I am so glad that he was blatantly honest. It made me question if there was some truth to this myth of married actresses in Bollywood. When I looked around me, I saw that Kareena (Kapoor Khan) had just delivered a hit in a typically commercial film. Aishwarya (Rai Bachchan) had also been signed on for Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, so this couldn't be a measure. Sometimes you feel that it doesn't matter how much you have achieved, one failure and you are back to square one.
But you went ahead and did HAK...
Bhatt saab told me that he had written the script for me and he wouldn't do the film with anybody else. He also told me, 'Keep the script. Even at 50 if you want, you can get some director to make this'. However, he had another concern - he wanted me to lose weight. I said I couldn't promise that as I was going through a health issue. I am someone who enjoys exercising and eating right, but my body had changed. For three-and-a-half years I was being medicated for a condition which had messed with my system completely. When I went off the medication, it was like a boomerang. I told him that I would walk out of his office with as much respect, but I couldn't take the pressure of him wanting his leading lady to look lighter. I was sure that I wasn't going to go under the knife, or do liposuction. After having achieved so much, you are eventually judged on the basis of your body. And poor body of mine...how much judgement and criticism it has gone through. And I am not talking in respect to my conversation with Bhatt saab, but the general perception of people. I had reached a stage where I said that I don't want to be judged anymore, so if it means not doing a role, it is okay. I feel desirable, but if there is a certain standard of desirability I don't fit into, I can't help it. HAK got delayed due to Emraan Hashmi's son's health and I ended up doing the film. I will always appreciate that Bhatt saab was brutally honest with me - that's Mahesh Bhatt for you. Even today, I can't bear to see Bobby Jasoos, as I was at my lowest point. It reminds me of a time in my life when I was not feeling good about myself. And today, it's not like my situation has changed, my attitude has. I'm back to accepting and loving myself.
So after HAK, you decided to take a break...
I took a break to think if I wanted to continue doing what I was doing. Since I was 11, I only wanted to act, and suddenly I felt that I was losing my dream. I was unsure about the one passion I lived for. On the last day of HAK shoot (and no one knows this) I told my family that I was not going to get back to work for a while. I started refusing offers. Siddharth was confused, and my family patiently listened to me. They let me vent, cry and even bore the brunt of it. I would write my thoughts down, sometimes shred it to pieces, too. I was just purging all the angst and anger (there was a lot of it) out of my system, it was difficult. I wasn't convinced about the perception of married actresses in our industry, but I guess, Bhatt saab actually vocalised it for me. It's like your worst fear coming true. I went through a process of extricating all these thoughts out of my system. Slowly, I realised my value as an individual, woman and actor. When you get rid of all the excess baggage, you begin to accept yourself again. I am still reeling under the effect of medication that has wrecked my system. My body has changed dramatically.
During The Dirty Picture, it was a revelation to see everyone applaud you for putting on weight and flaunting it with such abandon for a role. Then quickly people started bodyshaming and criticising you for the same weight...
That's right! If you put on weight for a role, everyone says... 'Arre wah, what an actor!' Then they bring you down for the same thing. After The Dirty Picture, I thought that if there were any issues that I had with my body and weight...I had let myself go. But then, the universe came knocking at my door and said, 'Hello, I am still here and there are things about yourself that you still need to accept'. It is not easy to be told by everyone...'OMG! You have lost weight, or you have put on weight, why don't you exercise'. The comment is, after all, always about weight loss or gain. I feel it's none of your business. Now, it doesn't bother me, I am feeling good and happy in my space. I am back to work with a vengeance. I had to go through all this to understand what my passion means to me. Looking back, I can't imagine that I had reached a stage where I thought I would give it all up. These cycles happen and I am happy admitting that I have gone through it and I have come out stronger and happier. I was meant to go through it to accept more of myself.
I realised I needed to stop being a super woman and just be a woman-Vidya Balan
7:58 AM
Vidya Balan on her eight-month break and how marriage with Siddharth Roy Kapur works for her
Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 5, 2016)
Lounging in the living room
of her Juhu apartment, Vidya Balan looks as serene as the sea below even
as 'Wanted' posters of her are terrifying city kids who believe this
woman wanted for the kidnap and murder of her daughter is a threat to
them too. That's the reaction she wants for her upcoming Kahaani 2!
Four-and-a-half years ago, the original had marked a watershed in her
career. Two days before its release, when Vidya was in Dubai for
promotions, she learnt she'd bagged the National Award for Silk in Dirty
Picture. The day's a blur, what she recalls is that Kahaani opened well
and grew, Sunday's collections four times that of Friday's and held
even on Monday. “That was unthinkable for a heroine-centric film and
suddenly, I was a 'Shero' and the fourth Khan,“ she smiles.
After the high came the fall, five straight hits, then, Ghanchakkar. Vidya was in denial when it failed. Shaadi Ke Side Effects didn't work either and Bobby Jasoos was dismal. “I went through the usual emotions of anger and fear before withdrawing into a shell and trying to figure out what had gone wrong, till I realised that despite the tags, success hadn't been mine alone, so why should I hold myself responsible for the failure?“ she reasons. Epiphany came during an eight-month break which fuelled rumours of a possible pregnancy and an imminent retirement. She laughs away the buzz, saying naysayers have to wait another 50 years for her to retire. The' break' was to take care of niggling heath issues she'd neglected for too long. “Every doctor I visited reiterated that there was nothing clinically wrong with me, all I needed was to take it easy,“ recalls Vidya who having debuted at 26 when most actresses are moving on, put pressure on herself to make up for lost time while trying to make time for her family. “I would take breaks between films, but my mind was always occupied. Finally, I realised I needed to stop being a super woman and just be a woman.“
She stepped out of the arclights to sit at home, catch up on films, shows and reading, till she was ready for action again. Again, isn't she trying to make up for lost time, shooting two films - Kahaani 2 and Begum Jaan - back to back, while prepping up for Aami which rolls in December? She blames the hectic pace on the weather. First, it was the heat, then the rains.
They filmed Kahaani 2 in Chandannagar at the peak of summer (50 degrees Celsius), then moved to Jharkhand for Begum Jaan in mid-June only for the monsoons to arrive a month early. “When it rained, it poured, so we'd wake up at 4 am and turn up on the set, ready and rehearsed, by the time day broke, trying to make the most of the sun. It was tough, with temperatures hovering around 45-46 degrees Celsius. We were drained, some fainted, tempers flared... We tried not to get personal, and those who did would on any set, irrespective of the conditions...haha,“ she says, quick to add that no one forced them to shoot at gunpoint. “But none of us wanted to abandon the shoot for a later date so we all worked overtime to make the film happen in a record 35 days.“
Srijit Mukherjee, she reveals, had come to her with the Bengali original, Rajkahini, but she was on her 'break' then. When he returned with the Hindi remake, she watched the Partition drama revolving around 12 women being pressurised to leave the brothel that's their own after it finds itself in the middle of the LoC, and connected with it instantly.
“From what I've been reading and seeing, nothing much has changed since the Partition and the role helped me give vent to my anger and angst as a woman. Also, even though our bodies define us, a woman still doesn't have first right over it. The film's fight for physical space parallels a woman's fight for right to her own body space,“ she points out, admitting the subject called out to her, in much the same way that Kahaani 2 and Aami did.
The latter is the first biopic she's signed since the Dirty Picture. Interestingly, Vidya would have made her debut with it's director Kamal's Malayalam film had it not stopped midway. She knew little about litterateur Kamala Das, also known as Kamala Surayya and Madhavikutty, apart from the controversy of her converting to Islam at 65 after falling in love with someone from that faith. “I read her autobiography, she intrigued me. I'm still wondering if she was who she's made out to be, pretending to be her or misunderstood, hoping to get some answers at some point during the film,“ she muses.
Aami will be the Malayalam film her parents have wanted her to do for years even though Vidya vowed not to do one, angry and hurt for being unfairly labelled a jinx after Kamal's film was shelved. “But today, I'm a greedy actor who'll go anywhere for a good role. Also, I've realised you can't let one experience put you off an entire industry,“ she argues.
There's a mellowness and maturity to this new Vidya who sits opposite you, stirring only to see her husband off. Buzz is, Siddharth will head his own studio early next year. She will not discuss his business plans, but reveals that they will not work together. It's a choice they made after Ghanchakkar through the making of which she refused to interact with the MD who she was dating. “I wanted to safeguard our relationship, I didn't want any clashes. Ghanchakkar was my first release after marriage and I felt guilty, personalising its failure. Siddharth, more objective, told me it was ridiculous to feel that way. I know that now, but I don't want to put myself in a similar situation again,“ she says.
However, on a personal level, she can't imagine being married to any other man but Siddharth. She points out that no matter how educated or liberated one is, most women, wives in particular, are conditioned to put their spouses before them. “I caught myself doing that too, only for Siddharth to ask me if this was really what I wanted,“ she confides, adding that in the process of making adjustments, one is at the risk of losing oneself in a marriage. “But my husband lets me be me. More than anything else, marriage has taught me to value myself. It's all about do jisms and do jaans being together,“ she smiles.
After the high came the fall, five straight hits, then, Ghanchakkar. Vidya was in denial when it failed. Shaadi Ke Side Effects didn't work either and Bobby Jasoos was dismal. “I went through the usual emotions of anger and fear before withdrawing into a shell and trying to figure out what had gone wrong, till I realised that despite the tags, success hadn't been mine alone, so why should I hold myself responsible for the failure?“ she reasons. Epiphany came during an eight-month break which fuelled rumours of a possible pregnancy and an imminent retirement. She laughs away the buzz, saying naysayers have to wait another 50 years for her to retire. The' break' was to take care of niggling heath issues she'd neglected for too long. “Every doctor I visited reiterated that there was nothing clinically wrong with me, all I needed was to take it easy,“ recalls Vidya who having debuted at 26 when most actresses are moving on, put pressure on herself to make up for lost time while trying to make time for her family. “I would take breaks between films, but my mind was always occupied. Finally, I realised I needed to stop being a super woman and just be a woman.“
She stepped out of the arclights to sit at home, catch up on films, shows and reading, till she was ready for action again. Again, isn't she trying to make up for lost time, shooting two films - Kahaani 2 and Begum Jaan - back to back, while prepping up for Aami which rolls in December? She blames the hectic pace on the weather. First, it was the heat, then the rains.
They filmed Kahaani 2 in Chandannagar at the peak of summer (50 degrees Celsius), then moved to Jharkhand for Begum Jaan in mid-June only for the monsoons to arrive a month early. “When it rained, it poured, so we'd wake up at 4 am and turn up on the set, ready and rehearsed, by the time day broke, trying to make the most of the sun. It was tough, with temperatures hovering around 45-46 degrees Celsius. We were drained, some fainted, tempers flared... We tried not to get personal, and those who did would on any set, irrespective of the conditions...haha,“ she says, quick to add that no one forced them to shoot at gunpoint. “But none of us wanted to abandon the shoot for a later date so we all worked overtime to make the film happen in a record 35 days.“
Srijit Mukherjee, she reveals, had come to her with the Bengali original, Rajkahini, but she was on her 'break' then. When he returned with the Hindi remake, she watched the Partition drama revolving around 12 women being pressurised to leave the brothel that's their own after it finds itself in the middle of the LoC, and connected with it instantly.
“From what I've been reading and seeing, nothing much has changed since the Partition and the role helped me give vent to my anger and angst as a woman. Also, even though our bodies define us, a woman still doesn't have first right over it. The film's fight for physical space parallels a woman's fight for right to her own body space,“ she points out, admitting the subject called out to her, in much the same way that Kahaani 2 and Aami did.
The latter is the first biopic she's signed since the Dirty Picture. Interestingly, Vidya would have made her debut with it's director Kamal's Malayalam film had it not stopped midway. She knew little about litterateur Kamala Das, also known as Kamala Surayya and Madhavikutty, apart from the controversy of her converting to Islam at 65 after falling in love with someone from that faith. “I read her autobiography, she intrigued me. I'm still wondering if she was who she's made out to be, pretending to be her or misunderstood, hoping to get some answers at some point during the film,“ she muses.
Aami will be the Malayalam film her parents have wanted her to do for years even though Vidya vowed not to do one, angry and hurt for being unfairly labelled a jinx after Kamal's film was shelved. “But today, I'm a greedy actor who'll go anywhere for a good role. Also, I've realised you can't let one experience put you off an entire industry,“ she argues.
There's a mellowness and maturity to this new Vidya who sits opposite you, stirring only to see her husband off. Buzz is, Siddharth will head his own studio early next year. She will not discuss his business plans, but reveals that they will not work together. It's a choice they made after Ghanchakkar through the making of which she refused to interact with the MD who she was dating. “I wanted to safeguard our relationship, I didn't want any clashes. Ghanchakkar was my first release after marriage and I felt guilty, personalising its failure. Siddharth, more objective, told me it was ridiculous to feel that way. I know that now, but I don't want to put myself in a similar situation again,“ she says.
However, on a personal level, she can't imagine being married to any other man but Siddharth. She points out that no matter how educated or liberated one is, most women, wives in particular, are conditioned to put their spouses before them. “I caught myself doing that too, only for Siddharth to ask me if this was really what I wanted,“ she confides, adding that in the process of making adjustments, one is at the risk of losing oneself in a marriage. “But my husband lets me be me. More than anything else, marriage has taught me to value myself. It's all about do jisms and do jaans being together,“ she smiles.
I would love to play someone like Indrani Mukerjea; I find her really intriguing-Vidya Balan
7:57 AM
Among other things, Vidya Balan wants to play negative characters. Preferably Indrani Mukerjea. Anybody listening?
Upala KBR (DNA; October 1, 2015)
Vidya Balan seems to know her mind. The actress has been around for fairly long to be able to do that. She knows when to sign on a project and refuse it and then live with the consequences thereof. She admits to taking risks and pursuing passions and paying the price for both (and reaping the profits as well). Tad picky about her roles, she admits she’d like to be able to play any sort of character, even negative ones. Read on for more of what she had to share...
Why are we seeing so little of you on screen? Taking it easy now?
Not at all (laughs). As a matter of fact, I was taking it easy for a bit for a year in between when I was going through some health issues, which is why I had to opt out of Sujoy Ghosh’s film. But after that, Hamari Adhuri Kahani. I was close to signing a couple of films, but for some reason, they didn’t work out,. Then, Ek Albela happened which was just six days of work. I have reached a stage where unless I am fully, passionately madly in love with what I am doing, I don’t want to do it. It’s not about being selective. I give all of myself, so unless I am completely sure of what I am doing, I won’t sign on.
Have you decided to do very few films after marriage or has it turned out that way?
No. I didn’t need to. Like Siddharth has not cut down on his work (laughs). Last year, when I had that health issue I realised that I had let myself reach that phase by working relentlessly. Actually, I am someone who has always taken it quite easy. I don’t drive myself crazy by having three releases a year but having said that I give so much of myself to everything that I do that I end up not having time for myself. Maybe it was a physical and mental break that I needed. I am not in a hurry to get anywhere as I know I am here for a lifetime. After The Dirty Picture released, when most people would have gone on a signing spree, I took a break. I just like to take things as they come at my space. I have always done that. There’s no set agenda. I like to enjoy every moment that I am doing things at a pace that I know I will be able to enjoy.
How do you pass your time when not working?
At least thrice a week, I end up doing script narrations (laughs) and the rest of the time I spend with family, catching up with old friends, watching films at home, reading; though largely, I have been reading only scripts. Since I became an actor, my time spent reading books has reduced tremendously.
How driven are you on a scale from one to 10?
It could vary anywhere between zero and 10 because when I like something I am driven beyond 10. But I am not driven to grab and sign as many films as possible. I am driven about my performances because when I like something and I commit to a film then I am giving it my all but when I am not, I am not fidgety saying what film am I doing next or I have no films at the moment. I have never called a director to cast me in his film and not good, bad or otherwise, I just have never been able to do that. To each his own but I have never done that. Of course, it’s another thing if I meet someone and like their work — like I remember I met Mohit (Suri) after Aashiqui 2 and told him that I wanted to work with him. That’s how Hamari Adhuri Kahani happened.
Are you superstitious? Would you change the name of your spelling or wear stones that attract good luck, etc?
No. I don’t believe in superstitions at all. I do pray and I have my own little rituals, but I am not a ritualistic person. I am not the kind to stick to vrats and go to a particular temple on a particular day. I need my food every day! (Laughs) I pray, but in a language that only I can understand. That’s it.
Are you lazy when it comes to ambition?
(Laughs) I don’t know if I am lazy but I am laid-back, I think. I am not a go-getter, yet I do exactly what I want. I define ambition as in it’s all about me. I am self-consumed or self-centred. For me no one else exists on that planet. The killer instinct happens only when something excites me and I have to dive into it. Do I make things happen? No. I never really have. Maybe that’s a drawback though I have never seen it like that as it’s always worked for me. Though I would love for people to come and watch me in the theatres and go crazy about me like Salman Khan — let’s hope the Universe is listening (laughs) — I am very realistic, I know that’s not the real reason that people came to watch those films. I am grateful for the love I got, but I did what I felt instinctively as an actor. In fact, some of the films I said no to during that time went on to do very well but I have no regrets that I wasn’t part of them. I really believe that daane daane pe likha hota hai khaane wale ka naam.
All actresses are expanding their horizons — production houses, fitness DVDs or online shopping avenues. What might you pursue someday?
I don’t have any talent besides acting. If there’s any iota of talent I have, it’s in this department (laughs). I know nothing besides that.
ROLE PLAY
If you were offered something glamorous and sizzling again, would you do it?
I am hoping it’s not like The Dirty Picture or Kahaani because I have done that, but I am a hungry actor. That beast in me is just waiting to devour an exciting role and the moment I find that role that will satiate me, I am going to just fall on it and gobble it up! (Laughs) If you had met me a month ago, I would have said I am not excited about anything, but suddenly, now, I don’t refuse anyone and read every script that comes my way. You never know what could excite you and that’s what’s really interesting me at this point. Now, I feel again that something new is emerging.
Upcoming directors of chick flicks find it hard to find finance for their films if they don’t have big actresses. Would you do one if it wasn’t a big director/banner?
I think I did that with Bobby Jasoos. I invest my faith in a script and people (smiles). Of course, it’s collaborative and you have to take those risks — sometimes they work and sometimes they don’t. Sometimes even the biggest films and best teams don’t work, so you can’t really determine these things. I go purely by instinct.
Any Hollywood film you would love to do?
Last week I was watching Before Sunrise... I wish someone would make Before Sunrise, Before Sunset and Before Midnight — the entire series... I am dying to make a film on that. I have been watching a lot of international TV series like The House Of Cards and the crime-drama Luther. But I can’t think of a Hollywood film that’s really inspired me in recent times. I have to mention here that I loved Mad Max: Fury Road and I would love to do what Charlize Theron did as her character Imperator Furiosa. I am dying to do an action film but it HAS to be a high-octane, intense, feminist action film movie! And of course, Woody Allen if you are listening (laughs). I will fly to wherever you are! I would love to act in one of his films. The only time in my entire career that I felt jealous of someone when I heard that Frieda Pinto had been signed by Woody Allen. I read that and I was like OMG! No! Why couldn’t he have asked me?
But you are perceived as sensitive and vulnerable, rather than the tough-talking Imperator Furiosa!
No one thought that I would do a Dirty Picture, no? I am also waiting when I talk of something new emerging, it’s also new kind of opportunities, it’s not the same rehashes of the kind of work that I have done. In which case, it’s not exciting for me. It has to be unpredictable enough for me to exclaim that OMG! Really? I can do this? I would love to play a dark character — just to explore the dark side of a person and discover the complexity and various shades of the character! I don’t know whether this is a politically correct thing to say — the matter is sub judice — but I would love to play someone like Indrani Mukerjea as I find her really intriguing.
Sounds interesting!
Of course, there are many films being made on her, but she’s the most recent reference. I am not talking about killing someone but each of us has a dark side; and now, I feel ready to explore that. Until now I have always shied away from playing negative characters. I remember Anurag Kashyap spoke to me about a film and I told him it was too dark and that I couldn’t do it. I said no to Vishal Bhardwaj, too. I couldn’t do that, but now I feel it’s the time to do those kind of roles. I am ready to explore the dark side. Vishal would tell me, “Vidya you have reached the top now. As an actor now I want you to tip over and bounce back.” He meant that I have done a great variety of roles, but I should do something that completely tips me over... I am waiting for a role like that.
GHAR KI BAAT
Do you and your husband talk films?
Yes, of course. We watch a lot of films almost every weekend. If there’s a new release we go to the theatre and watch the film. We avoid film screenings because I like to watch it with the real audience. We watch it on Saturdays as he is working on Fridays.
What about your scripts?
No. Where signing films are concerned, that decision is purely my own because I want the credit for it (laughs). Choosing a script is a very private, personal and selfish decision for me. I don’t take feedback from anyone. People tell me I don’t share what I am reading, I don’t discuss scripts with other actors. I don’t discuss my work with Siddharth but once I have decided, I may take him through it and similarly with my family, and even before I was married. It’s my madness more than my passion as an actress! (laughs)
Does he bring his work home?
Yes, specially because our common connect is films we invariably end up discussing a lot, but Siddharth is also a very private individual. It is work, but there are boundaries. We do discuss films but not so much the content in them, more about the happenings of our day.
I am as passionate as I was during Parineeta-Vidya Balan
4:18 PM
Vidya Balan, who has completed nine years in Bollywood, reveals what keeps her in love with films
Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; January 1, 2015)
Vidya Balan turns 36 today. The spunky actress whose
career graph is different from every other actress talks about
failures, successes, films and family. Read on...
Birthday plans?
Nothing special actually. Like every year, I will spend my birthday with my family. My husband, mom, dad, sister, brother-in-law, my nephew and niece - everyone will be there. That's how usually it always is.
Your last three films didn't fare well. Does that make you review your choices?
It was disappointing for sure. I was devastated after Ghanchakkar! I had five huge hits back-to-back which not only brought in money but critical acclaim as well. I was not used to this. But when Shaadi Ke Side Effects released and did not do as expected, I guess I dealt with it better. And with Bobby Jasoos, I dealt with it even better. I also realised that by the time Bobby Jasoos released, nothing could have been done anymore. You cannot really do anything about it. It is heartbreaking when a film does not do well, but I am okay with it now. Maybe I needed to go through these experiences too. (Smiles)
So you are more accepting of failures now?
No. That's not what I meant. But I feel it has helped me realise now that acting is not about failures or successes, hits or flops. I am doing it just for pure passion. But I am not stepping down anyway. I want all the films of mine to do stupendously well at the box office. I have been in films for nine years and experiences of all types make you realise that it is not the end of the road. I am as passionate as I was during Parineeta and will continue to be so.
You being the pioneer of women centric films, do you think other actresses too are vying for that slot now?
There is no slot that needs to be filled. I believe that I have always occupied a certain space where I was doing things all alone. I was not competing with anyone. I didn't see anyone as competition. I just did the films I wanted to do. I did not set out to create this women-centric-film trend or prove a point to anyone. I have just followed my heart and it has worked well for me. But there are pros and cons to that too - somethings work, somethings don't! But probably with time, with experiences, the failures don't shake you up that much. Even if they do, it's human enough for you to bounce back.
You are doing fewer films now. Is that a post marriage thing?
No, marriage has not brought in any changes I believe. I have always done one film a year and at the max, two films a year. So I don't think all these has anything to do with marriage. But with marriage, the changes which have come in are all internal. That much I guess everyone changes. Even when I started living with Sidharth, things changed a bit. And then you are married, so there are further changes. But that has not altered my career choices or my style of working. I am doing Humari Adhuri Kahani now and I am as involved and as neck deep into it as I always was. In terms of work, marriage has not yet changed.
You went missing for a long time.
Yes, it was probably much before Bobby Jasoos, just after Shaadi Ke Side Effects got released. I was going through some major health issues. So I was not getting out that much. I was focusing on sleeping on time, eating on time and just keeping calm and happy. The most important thing for me was to avoid any kind of stress, which is why I had to opt out of a film also.
And there were so many conjectures about your marriage and pregnancy. Comment?
I have been here for nine years and there have been lots of conjectures about me in the past too. So it does not really bother me. It upset me for a bit when they said something about Siddharth and my marriage. But it took me about a day to get over it. I was upset and stopped mulling over it after a day. This is how it has always been in the industry. But this time, I got a little protective about Siddharth because he is not an actor and his life is not open to conjectures or speculations. It's not fair on him. The fact that he laughed it off made it easier for me to deal with. Because of health reasons, when I opted out of a film, people could not believe that. People were asking me whether the issue was that grave that I needed to take a break by opting out of a film. My point is that grave or not grave is very relative. For someone else, it might be wrong but I wanted to give my health a priority - something that I have not done all these years. If someone had to explain me opting out of a film and pregnancy seemed to be easiest reason, then they could. But they eventually looked foolish.
After Bobby Jasoos & Sonali Cable, now no more women-oriented films for Ali Fazal
8:33 AM
Upala KBR (DNA; October 15, 2014)
Ali Fazal has decided to stay away from women-centric
films after two heroine centric films — his last release Bobby Jasoos
(with Vidya Balan) and his next release (Sonali Cable). The actor has
earlier acted in films like 3 Idiots, Fukrey, Murder 3 and Always Kabhi
Kabhi.
Post Sonali Cable, Ali has signed two dark and edgy thrillers and one a comedy. After doing women-oriented films, he doesn’t want to take on more of such films as he is beginning to feel typecast. He has turned down a few films which had a woman as the protagonist. Currently, he is shooting for Mukesh Bhatt’s Khamoshiyan after which he begins Shagufta Rafique’s Nark - To Hell And Back. Shagufta’s film is a dark love story and Ali’s first film as a solo lead. His third film is Vishwaas Paandya’s black comedy Baa Baa Black Sheep. It also stars Anupam Kher and Annu Kapoor.”
Ali confirms, “I love women — who doesn’t? But yes, I am avoiding women-oriented films now for the time being. Even during Bobby Jasoos, I had some apprehensions before I signed the film. I am very harsh about what I require from a film — what the script gives me and what I have to do. Maybe subconsciously, I chose my next three films which were male-centric, but I think now it’s a more conscious decsion to stay away from women-centric films. People keep asking me if I am playing second fiddle to women and I am feeling comfortable about it. Audience are getting the impression that I am doing supporting roles.”
Ali says that he loved the scripts of Khamoshiyan and Nark - To Hell And Back because of the dark and edgy feel that his characters have. “In Khamoshiyan, I play a romace writer who has grey shades. It’s a psycho-thriller and is about his journey from a narcissist-obsessive character who consciously tries to fight the grey elements in persona and emerge a better man. Nark is a dark love story and the scary bits about the story is what attracted me to the film. But I am most excited about Baa Baa Black Sheep as it’s a madcap fun film. I needed to do something completely different after these dark and brooding roles.”
The actor chooses his roles according to the production company and the script. “Though I am instinctive about selecting my roles, roles ke mamle mein, main chor bhi hoon (laughs)! I keep picking people’s brains of stars like Shah Rukh bhai (he had produced Always Kabhi Kabhi) and Aamir Khan (worked with him in 3 Idiots). Everyone wants to be part of a decent production house who will promote their films well and take it to the audience.”
Break-ups and love stories don’t affect the shoot of Jagga Jasoos-Anurag Basu
8:33 AM
Anurag Basu opens up about Ranbir Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Jagga Jasoos and the Kishore Kumar biopic
Vickey Lalwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 26, 2014)
Your last film, Barfi!, released two years ago...
(Interrupts) And Jagga Jasoos will hit theatres in April/May 2015. So what?
Why such long intervals between releases?
RK (Ranbir Kapoor) was committed to Bombay Velvet and Tamasha and I had agreed to shoot in the gaps between these shoots. But post September we will go ahead full throttle and the film will be done by the year-end.
Did RK recommend Kat (Katrina Kaif) for the female lead?
No, if that were the case, she would have starred in every RK film. I've wanted to work with Kat for a while now. She was supposed to do Barfi!, but Ileana D'Cruz went on to do the role.
RK and Kat broke-up while shooting for Jagga Jasoos. Now, they are back together. Did their personal equation affect your shoot?
Break-ups and love stories don't affect my shoots. When actors are with me, they just shoot my film.
Priyanka surprised us in Barfi! with her performance. Is Kat too going to pull a rabbit out of her hat in Jagga Jasoos?
Kat will rediscover herself with this film. She had to do the action herself since she has scenes with RK who is doing the stunts himself. And she's doing a fab job.
Govinda, who plays RK's dad, has a history of reporting late for shoots. Did that bother you?
No. It was RK's idea to cast him. We've both grown up on his films. My question to RK was: Will he agree to play your father?
Bobby Jasoos took away half your title. That must have upset you...
Before we locked this title I knew Vidya had a film coming up called Bobby Jasoos. Many detective films have been made before and they've had jasoos in the title. No stress!
So how different is your jasoos film?
It's not entirely in the detective space. It's a mish-mash of many genres and RK as Jagga will bring a smile on everyone's face.
And you and he have started a production house together...
RK and I became close friends during Barfi! and wanted to take the bond further.
Will you do films under this banner with only RK?
Yes, but I am free to collaborate with other stars and production houses.
Next, you go into the Kishore Kumar biopic?
I don't know. RK and I are committed to do that film but he needs to put on weight before getting into Kishoreda's shoes. Getting his look right is going to take time. We'll need to go into it with an undivided block of time, of atleast six months.
Have Kishore's wife, Leena Chandarvarkar, and his sons, Amit Kumar and Sumeet Kumar, given their nod to the project?
The permission has been taken.
Disappointed because you missed the Oscar bus in Barfi!?
Oscar is not the end of the world. Barfi! got enough acclaim in many festivals which define international cinema.
Mohit Suri maintains that Vidya is very much part of Hamari Adhuri Kahani despite Bobby Jasoos' debacle
8:59 AM
Upala KBR (DNA; July 15, 2014)
Vidya Balan couldn’t have had it worse. Her latest
release Bobby Jasoos had a dismal run at the box office and rumours
surfaced recently, that she may be dropped from her next film, Vishesh
Films’ Hamari Adhuri Kahani, directed by Mohit Suri, whose latest film
Ek Villain has crossed the Rs 100-crore mark. However, Mahesh Bhatt and Mohit dismiss the rumours and say that they staunchly stand by their heroine.
Says Bhatt, “We make films according to our convictions. Vidya Balan is the only woman who can play this role. This film cannot be made without her. She is the only woman who is Indian to the core and has the emotional quotient to carry out such a role. People see through blinkered eyes and limited understanding and pre-suppose because of her last release, that she’s disqualified to do this role. We have argued about this within our own homes much before Bobby Jasoos released, especially when Vidya herself wasn’t sure of doing the film and told us she was thinking of opting out but for us she was our only choice. She is an Indian woman to the core in emotions and looks and she has the range and bandwidth to deliver. It’s not about the box office status, but how connected the actor is to the script and his/her commitment to the film. And Vidya has both those qualities. After reading the script, Mohit also felt the same way.”
The film had run into some delays. “Yes, the film got delayed by a few months, but now the matter has been resolved and there are no ifs and buts about it. It’s not big stars, but the story and the way Mohit makes the film that will finally decide its destiny.”
So Vidya remains in Hamari Adhuri Kahani despite her last film failing at the BO. Mohit Suri laughs, “My film (Ek Villain) has done well, no? If you look at my past record, I have never really cast big, successful stars in my films. Aditya and Shraddha, who were in Aashiqui 2 and even Sidharth Malhotra, were not stars before, I cast according to the character and never for commercial reasons. I am working with Vidya for the actress she is and because she is right for the role. I didn’t even go to any other big actress for this. Only Vidya can play this role. I am not using this film as a commercial vehicle. I signed Rajkummar Rao for Hamari Adhuri Kahani much before Shahid released. I directed Emraan (Hashmi) when he wasn’t a star. After Murder 2, I haven’t directed him. We are not here to make movies according to stardom. We start around September 15 this year. To be fair, the delay was also because I want to get great music for the film. I can’t compromise on that as music has played a huge part right from my first film.”
Hamari Adhuri Kahani is certainly very different from his last film, the dark, edgy, gritty Ek Villain. Mohit says, “I have never played safe as a director. If Aashiqui 2 was a love story with a difference, Ek Villain was something completely different. I just want to make my kind of films. I want to make films where everyone involved makes money or some kind of profit. Hamari Adhuri Kahani is in the BR Chopra mould of films. It’s about, love, value systems, people’s lives from birth to marriage… people will get shocked again (smiles). But if I keep making the same kind of films again and again I will be stuck in a rut and I don’t want that.”
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 315
9:22 AM
WILL VIDYA REPEAT A KAHAANI WITH BOBBY JASOOS?
Even in today’s times, it is difficult for an actress to single-handedly attract viewers in hordes for a film. But Vidya Balan is an exception. She was terrific in The Dirty Picture and it’s success helped her in Kahaani, where she played a pregnant woman and which became one of the biggest hits of 2012. Hence, nobody is questioning the prospects of Bobby Jasoos, which releases tomorrow and which sees Vidya in the lead role. After all, it’s a Vidya Balan film and hence one never knows, it might turn out to be a sleeper hit!
Bobby Jasoos features Vidya as a detective based in Hyderabad. The highlight of the film is that Vidya has 12 disguises and each one is brilliantly done. In fact, the first look of the film showed Vidya dressed as a beggar and it wowed one and all as Vidya looked completely unrecognizable! Besides Vidya, the film stars Ali Fazal, Supriya Pathak, Zarina Wahab, Tanve Azmi, Rajendra Gupta and Kiran Kumar. However, from the promos it is evident that it’s Vidya who is completely the backbone of the film. Also from the trailers, it looks like a fun entertainer. Moreover, it’s a clean film (it has been granted ‘U’ certificate by the Censors) and hence, it is a family entertainer.
Bobby Jasoos sadly has quite a few challenges to face. The buzz is limited and this would surely impact the collections. The songs of the film haven’t worked significantly. Also, one wonders why the film, which has a strong Muslim setting, is releasing during the Holy month of Ramadan when the Muslims don’t normally venture out to see movies. A good word of mouth will help the collections grow but a negative response will prove to be detrimental.
The other release of the week is Lekar Hum Deewana Dil, which marks the directorial debut of Imtiaz Ali’s brother Arif. It is the launch vehicle of Raj Kapoor’s fourth grandson Armaan Jain and South actress Deeksha Seth. The trailer of the film has been appreciated but what has helped the film significantly is its beautiful music composed by A R Rahman. Though Saif Ali Khan has co-produced the film, he hasn’t really come out to talk about the film and has allowed the newcomers to promote. Though for a music concert, Armaan’s cousins – Kareena and Karisma Kapoor – were present. Just like Bobby Jasoos, Lekar Hum Deewana Dil will have a poor opening and a good word of mouth is what can only help the movie.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE BOBBY JASOOS OR LEKAR HUM DEEWANA DIL AND WHY? DO LET ME KNOW!
------------------------
EK VILLAIN IS A SUCCESS!
The buzz for Ek Villain was high and hence everyone knew that a huge opening was on the cards. But the manner in which Ek Villain opened to full houses from the morning shows itself stumped even the producers of the film. The first day collections of the film came to around 16.50 crore. This is the 11th highest opening figure of all time and higher than the first day collections of Holiday – A Soldier Is Never Off Duty, Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-leela and Gunday. This is huge for a film that stars Sidharth Malhotra, Shraddha Kapoor and Riteish Deshmukh – the first two are newcomers and still don’t have that kind of a pull as the Khans while the latter has given hits only in multi-starrers/sex comedies.
However, the real hero of the film was its soulful music. Galliyan turned out to be a huge chartbuster from the day it was launched and the other songs too found acceptance. In fact, the success of Ek Villain and Aashiqui 2 proves that it’s the soulful songs and not necessarily item songs that help in creating excitement for a film. Are producers/music composers listening?
Ek Villain will cross 75 crore mark by the end of its first week. It can cross the 100 crore mark as well, if the second week is strong. Sadly, it might not happen as the response for the film is mixed. Even then, what the team of Ek Villain has achieved is incredible and kudos to them!
Five things you didn't know about Bobby Jasoos
8:39 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (July 2, 2014)
The first time Vidya Balan played a man was at
the age of 15 at a children's workshop at Prithvi theatre. She
played an old scientist, who creates a time machine.
The actors loved their character's homes in the film so
much that the producers, Dia Mirza and Sahil Sangha, plan to gift all the actors one object from their characters' homes as a memento.Ali Fazal played a prank on Vidya by slipping a `love letter', signed by 'Babban', under the door of her hotel suite. Worried, she called the hotel staff about it and they organised to check the footage on CCTV. Although Ali had worn a hoodie, the actress identified him immediately on seeing his shoes. Later, during the shoot, Vidya whispered into Ali's ear 'What's up, Babban?'
For Vidya's disguises, Thea (stylist) bought clothes and accessories from real people. They borrowed a taveez from a real beggar.
Zarina Wahab approached Vidya to work in this project as the prospect of being part of a movie set in her hometown excited her. Supriya Pathak, on the other hand, was shooting in Hyderabad after three decades. Her critically acclaimed film Bazaar was shot there.
There can be great chemistry even if the person is double or half your age-Vidya Balan
8:36 AM
Seema Sinha (BOMBAY TIMES; July 2, 2014)
How's your role different from the other detectives we have read about?
First of all, I couldn't believe that I was being offered the role of a female detective. I was very excited at the very outset. I don't remember watching any Indian film on this subject. When I read the script, I found that the writer had managed to not only tell a detective story , but also a human interest story of a female detective. My character, Bilkis comes from Mughal Pura in Hyderabad. She is not interested in marriage and aspires to be a detective. Unlike other detectives, Bobby doesn't know everything. (But) there is this childlike joy in discovering things around her. Though she is street smart, sharp, outspoken with a great presence of mind, she is also very childlike.
One hears that 12 disguises were shortlisted after a trial of 122 disguises. What were the challenges of donning different avatars?
The only challenge was to maintain the characteristics of being sharp, yet innocent. The disguises were organic and integral to the script. The director didn't want a caricature, he wanted me to be a real person. Actors are known to react, to be a real person. Actors are known to react, and so, I was naturally responding to my makeup, costume, surroundings... For instance, when I play a man with a moustache, I would twirl it like the way men do.
Your pairing with Ali Fazal is quite unconventional. He is much younger than you...
Age has got nothing to do with the pairing, chemistry matters. I was paired with Naseer (Naseeruddin Shah) the same way I am opposite Ali. There can be great chemistry even if the person is double or half your age.
With Bobby Jasoos, you are once again carrying a film on your shoulders after The Dirty Picture and Kahaani. Is the experience any different?
I never felt any kind of pressure. I had great support from Dia, Sahil, Samar and Sanyukta (story writer) while doing the film; they are like the Charminars of Bobby Jasoos.
Vidya Balan’s plan to visit tea stalls dressed as Narendra Modi cancelled?
9:11 AM
Gaurav Dubey (MID-DAY; June 30, 2014)
These days, Bollywood stars are willing to go to any lengths to promote their film. Vidya Balan, for one, is going all out to promote her film, Bobby Jasoos. It turns out that the actress who was supposed to visit tea stalls in Gujarat dressed up as, ahem, PM Narendra Modi, had to call off the stunt.
Says a source, “The actress was going to visit some tea stalls in Vadodara but the plan was cancelled because of protests against the actress. Vidya had flown in early on Friday morning as she wanted to spend some time on getting ready.”
The source adds that the actress, along with her team, had worked on her PM look for quite some time. “But due to protests, the authorities had to cordon off the area near the tea stall that Vidya planned to visit. The swelling crowds meant that the plan had to be cancelled at the last minute,” says the source.
When contacted, the film’s spokesperson confirmed the news. “Yes, there was a lot of on- ground commotion in Vadodara and we had no choice but to cancel Vidya’s visit to the tea stall,” said the spokesperson.
I want to do jasoosi on George Clooney, Narendra Modi, Amitabh Bachchan-Vidya Balan
10:33 AM
Priya Gupta (BOMBAY TIMES; June 28, 2014)
Vidya Balan visited Hyderabad, the city where she shot her upcoming film Bobby Jasoos, to promote the film. As a star, Vidya not only takes her role very seriously, but is also unabashed about promoting her films. She landed at the Hyderabad airport and announced in complete Hyderabadi style, “Bobby ke sheher mein aap ka swagat hai." While she never refused a single person for an autograph, she would not spare anybody till she told them, “Bobby Jasoos dekhiyega 4 July Ko." Over a conversation, she spoke to Bombay Times about misleading people with her special disguises while shooting, the three men she wants to do jasoosi on and why the dawn of December 14, 2013 at Charminar will always remain special in her life. Excerpts:
Any special memories while shooting Bobby Jasoos in Hyderabad?
I was shooting on December 14th that was also our first wedding anniversary and Sidharth (Roy Kapur) came to Hyderabad for us to be together. Sharp at 12 O'clock, in Cinderalla style I disappeared as I was shooting at the Charminar from 1 in the morning, Sidharth was with me through the shoot that day and together we waited for the magic light to come on (dawn to break). It was beautiful. Of course, post sunrise the word spread around and people started coming down to see us.
You told us how no one recognised you as a beggar outside Nampally station. Were there other times when you went unidentified due to your disguise?
I was disguised as a maulvi outside Kacheguda and everyone had been informed that I would be shooting there. Even though I was right there, people kept asking me, 'Achcha toh kabhi aari hai Vidya Balan? Kabse bol rahe hai aa rahi hai.' Another time, there were junior artistes on the set. I was in the jyotishi disguise and the hair-dresser told them that I was a theatre artiste who was Dia Mirza's friend and so, they have given me one day's role in the film. The whole day they shot with me, without knowing that actually I was the maulvi.
What do you think is the psychology of a detective?
Before starting to shoot, I had called a lot of detectives to see how they respond to calls and talk to people and I figured that they have a basic mistrust and don't take people on face value. Many a times, housewives have taken up this profession and they pride themselves on the fact that they can get stories out of people and have sharp instincts where they know who is fibbing and who is not.
Given a chance, who would you like to do jasoosi on?
I am essentially a trusting person and invariably I get to know things much later after they have happened, but given a chance, I want to do jasoosi on three people.
1) GEORGE CLOONEY: I want to see what happens behind closed doors. I love George Clooney and I think he is only getting better and sexier with age. I want to know what makes him fall for a woman. What is it about his current woman Amal Alamuddin that attracts him?
2) NARENDRA MODI: I have never met him, but he has inspired hope in all of us. It would be interesting to know what is it that makes him him. His is such a fascinating journey coming from such a modest background to becoming our Prime Minister.
3) AMITABH BACHCHAN: He has this impenetrable aura of mystery even though we all know him so well. I want to know little things about him, for instance what does he do in his own room? How is it that he finds time for everything? How much does he sleep? What does he eat, what does he read as he is so articulate, how does he enjoy himself, how does he just let his hair down? He looks like he will never put his feet up and sit but does he do that? He is so calm. Does he sleep seedha or ulta? I believe he is very particular about how things are kept and organised where if a remote is kept tedha, he will go and straighten it. I want to know, does he really do that? He always has a sense of equanimity about him. What does he laugh on? We know how he gets angry in films, but in real life nothing seems to affect him. I want to know how he reacts when he is angry in real life.
How Vidya Balan aka Bobby Jasoos managed to fool Hrithik Roshan
9:36 AM
Parag Maniar (BOMBAY TIMES; June 26, 2014)
Vidya Balan's get-up as a beggar - one of her numerous disguises in Bobby Jasoos, which releases on July 4 - has fooled many, including her father. And the latest person to be at the receiving end of her prank is Hrithik Roshan. Vidya, dressed as a beggar, approached the actor while he was shooting at a suburban studio and refused to leave until she received alms from him. Hrithik was startled and Hrithik was startled and even called out to his security guards to throw the beggar out. And, when the latter refused, Duggu was even more confused.
It was only when the unit members and the security personnel burst out laughing that Hrithik realised that he that Hrithik realised that he had been taken for a ride.
While he couldn't believe Vidya's transformation initially, the two were initially, the two were seen sharing a hearty laugh over it later.
Ali Fazal’s commitment to Khamoshiyan stops him from promoting Bobby Jasoos?
8:59 AM
Sonali Joshi Pitale (MID-DAY; June 25, 2014)
Vidya Balan has been making appearances in various TV shows and visiting several cities in order to promote her upcoming film, Bobby Jasoos. But interestingly, Ali Fazal, who stars in the film alongside Vidya, is missing from the promotions. It turns out that Ali wanted to take part in the film’s promotions but he has had to give it a miss due to his other film commitments.
Says a source, “Ali is pretty thrilled about his role in the film even though the story mainly revolves around Vidya’s character. Earlier on, he had even chalked out a schedule keeping in mind the film’s August release. But when the makers decided to release it in the first week of July, it upset his calendar and Ali realised that he had no new dates to allot for the film’s promotions.”
The source adds that Ali stars in Mukesh Bhatt’s film, Khamoshiyan, which went on the floors earlier this month. “The makers of Khamoshiyan plan to finish the film in one long schedule. Ali requested Mukeshji to allow him to take a break for a few days but this did not happen. This is why he has joined the promotions only now,” says the source.
Ali’s spokesperson confirmed the story. “Promotions for his film, Bobby Jasoos, and shooting for Khamoshiyan – both are underway and he is trying his best to divide his time between the two.”
While Mukesh Bhatt, was unavailable for comment, Bobby Jasoos’ producer, Dia Mirza, said, “As per the publicity plan designed by the studio and the PR team, Ali has been and will continue to be a part of events/ promotions where he is required. We are happy that Ali has bagged another solo lead film. Mukeshji has known me since I was a child and he has been extremely cooperative about accommodating Ali’s dates for my film’s publicity.”
No one asks a man when he is impregnating his wife-Vidya Balan
8:48 AM
Sarah Salvadore and Karthik Pasupulate (BOMBAY TIMES; June 22, 2014)
Vidya, the last film you shot in Hyderabad (The Dirty Picture) was a
hit at the box office. Now, you've shot Bobby Jasoos in Hyderabad as
well. Will the city prove to be lucky for you again?
Inshallah! Hyderabad has been lucky for me. The Dirty Picture has been a film that changed my life, but as an actor, I'd like to say that Bobby Jasoos has been my most precious experience. And I've been saying this from the time we started shooting.
What are your most memorable experiences of memorable experiences of shooting for Bobby Jasoos?
My first day of shoot was something I will never forget... I was shooting out side Nampally railway station, where I was disguised as a beggar. I kept putting my hand out and saying, Allah ke naam pe kuch de de baba'... but no one seemed to be giving me anything. So, I caught hold of one woman who was passing by and tugged at her hand, asking her to give me something. She was in a hurry, but she turned around, looked at me and said, 'You look absolutely able-bodied, why don't you do some work?' It was amazing that she just didn't recognise me! I actually took that as a compliment. Later, this beggar picture was splashed across all media.
When my father saw it, he called me and said, 'What are you doing in Hyderabad?' I was sitting with real beggars on the streets and they got really upset, because they have areas and they felt another beggar has come into their area. The assistant director was in a burqa and she told them, we don't want any money, we are just shooting with cameras on the opposite side. We had to assure them that we weren't there for the money!
So, even the beggars you shot with couldn't make out that you are a woman in disguise?
All thanks to the two make-up artistes and the costume designer. They put in a lot of effort. Some of the looks needed to be close to the way Bobby looked, but some needed to look drastically different. That's when the male disguises came in - the beggar look is just one of the 12 looks in the film. So, I just had to sit there and get ready. But my voice and body language changed according to each disguise - for an actor, it's a great challenge and opportunity. Even before I said yes to Bobby Jasoos, I spent a lot of time with Samar and Samyukta. I like getting into the skin of the character and tried picking up little nuances of the character. For instance, I remember learning how to do the namaz even though it's not a big part of the film.
The film we hear has a lot of Hyderabadi lingo... how did you manage?
Yes. We had a coach from Hyderabad, Abbas Mallik sahib and he really trained us in the Hyderabadi diction. It's simple and beautiful, but it's confusing because in Bambaiyya Hindi you say 'tere ko, mere ko'. But in Hyderabadi, you say, 'tere ku, mere ku'. So small differences but that would confuse us a bit. But after that, all of us would be speaking in Hyderabadi Hindi. In fact, when I came back to Mumbai for the New Year and I was at a dinner, I wasn't completing my sentences, because Hyderabadis don't say 'hai'. Everything is 'ho ra, jaa ra, khoobsurat lagti'. So I was getting strange looks from people, thinking what's happening!
Ali: But it's great you know when you say 'ho ra' and people ask `kya ho ra' (laugh). Kahan toh bhi aa gaye...
Ali, what was it like to work with 'the' Vidya Balan?
Ali: (Laughs) I don't know, Vidya, you tell me?
Vidya: Well, we all became friends at the workshop. Aakash Dahiya, an actor, who conducted the workshop made us play games, do theatre exercises, discuss our characters and talk about our lives. By the end of it, Ali, Binaf (Patel) and I didn't want to leave! People had to tell us that the workshop is over and you can go home now. So we enjoyed ourselves a lot and that helped during the shoot. Usually, you start working together and then the ice breaking takes sometime, but here we were already friends, back-slapping each other.
Ali: Both of us (Vidya and I) are terrified of dancing, so we bonded over that.
Vidya: You know, I'm not much of a dancer, and Ali says he's not much of a dancer. But he is a liar because I discovered later that he is amazing.
Ali: Listen, all I do is play guitar on screen! Even in Fukrey, I did that. Thank God, I got rid of that with this film. But yes, we bonded over our dancing skills, or lack of it rather!
Vidya: We were nervous as hell. But Brinda, our choreographer, who is from the South, she really choreographed the songs according to our natural style and comfort level. I really think I enjoyed dancing in the film and I think Ali danced fabulously.
Most detectives on screen have traditionally been men - be it Sherlock Holmes, Karamchand, Byomkesh Bakshi...
Vidya: Well, that's all about to change now! There is no conscious effort at bringing about that change, but I'm going to make a slightly tricky comment here; women are just better at being detectives because our instincts are sharper (laughs).
Ali: I agree! The past few months of working with Bobby Jasoos proved that women are way sharper when it comes to jaasoosi! (laughs) Vidya, who would you use your spying skills on?
Vidya: I have tried spying on Ali for the longest time to find out if he has a girlfriend (laughs)! As people, we are all interested in each other's lives and I too do my bit of spying. But I would spare my husband. I don't spy on Siddharth (laughs).
Vidya, talking of spying, there has been a lot of spying on your personal life of late...
I've accepted it as a given because I am a public figure. I know people are interested and speculate and it's all part of the territory. I don't have a problem with that. But there was this one instance when I thought the lines of decency got blurred. Recently, I got a little upset because of the pregnancy rumours doing the rounds - every other month there would be new stories of me being pregnant.
Are people a lot more intrusive when it comes to the personal lives of female actors?
Yes, that's right! No one asks a man when he is impregnating his wife! I'm fed up because for 10 months, rumours of my pregnancy have been doing the rounds. I've been joking with people saying the next time I plan to get pregnant, I'll invite you! What else do you say? (laughs) I think sense of humour helps me deal with such things. I usually don't know what's being said about me, except in instances like this.
There have been rumours about all not being well with your marriage as well...
The pregnancy rumours I didn't care about because people would know the truth anyway. But this marriage bit irritated me. It was the only time in my nine-year-long career that some thing irritated me so much. I raved and ranted at home. My family and Siddharth helped calm me down. They said, 'We know the truth, so how does it matter...' But I just thought that my husband is not an actor and it's unfair to him to be speculated about. Especially when there is absolutely no basis for the rumour. I'm used to people saying things about me, but it's unfair to drag him in.
So how is Vidya, the wife?
Oh, my God! You have to ask the husband that (laughs).
How is Siddharth, the husband?
He's been my only experience, so I have no one else to compare him to (laughs). But so far, so good.
Siddharth, the boyfriend vs Siddharth, the husband?
I think not very different. He is probably more indulgent as a husband.
Vidya, people count you among the Khans and look to you to carry a film on your shoulders. Do you think the gender lines at the box office have been blurred?
Well, when people say that I take it as a compliment. But I'm a Balan and I'm happy being one. I don't think gender lines are blurring. But I think there are better opportunities for female actors. Better scripts, etc. This year itself, there have been so many women-centric films and each one of them has been different from the other. So the scope is widening. But I think it'll take a long time for us to confidently say the lines are blurring.
We are taking baby steps.
Inshallah! Hyderabad has been lucky for me. The Dirty Picture has been a film that changed my life, but as an actor, I'd like to say that Bobby Jasoos has been my most precious experience. And I've been saying this from the time we started shooting.
What are your most memorable experiences of memorable experiences of shooting for Bobby Jasoos?
My first day of shoot was something I will never forget... I was shooting out side Nampally railway station, where I was disguised as a beggar. I kept putting my hand out and saying, Allah ke naam pe kuch de de baba'... but no one seemed to be giving me anything. So, I caught hold of one woman who was passing by and tugged at her hand, asking her to give me something. She was in a hurry, but she turned around, looked at me and said, 'You look absolutely able-bodied, why don't you do some work?' It was amazing that she just didn't recognise me! I actually took that as a compliment. Later, this beggar picture was splashed across all media.
When my father saw it, he called me and said, 'What are you doing in Hyderabad?' I was sitting with real beggars on the streets and they got really upset, because they have areas and they felt another beggar has come into their area. The assistant director was in a burqa and she told them, we don't want any money, we are just shooting with cameras on the opposite side. We had to assure them that we weren't there for the money!
So, even the beggars you shot with couldn't make out that you are a woman in disguise?
All thanks to the two make-up artistes and the costume designer. They put in a lot of effort. Some of the looks needed to be close to the way Bobby looked, but some needed to look drastically different. That's when the male disguises came in - the beggar look is just one of the 12 looks in the film. So, I just had to sit there and get ready. But my voice and body language changed according to each disguise - for an actor, it's a great challenge and opportunity. Even before I said yes to Bobby Jasoos, I spent a lot of time with Samar and Samyukta. I like getting into the skin of the character and tried picking up little nuances of the character. For instance, I remember learning how to do the namaz even though it's not a big part of the film.
The film we hear has a lot of Hyderabadi lingo... how did you manage?
Yes. We had a coach from Hyderabad, Abbas Mallik sahib and he really trained us in the Hyderabadi diction. It's simple and beautiful, but it's confusing because in Bambaiyya Hindi you say 'tere ko, mere ko'. But in Hyderabadi, you say, 'tere ku, mere ku'. So small differences but that would confuse us a bit. But after that, all of us would be speaking in Hyderabadi Hindi. In fact, when I came back to Mumbai for the New Year and I was at a dinner, I wasn't completing my sentences, because Hyderabadis don't say 'hai'. Everything is 'ho ra, jaa ra, khoobsurat lagti'. So I was getting strange looks from people, thinking what's happening!
Ali: But it's great you know when you say 'ho ra' and people ask `kya ho ra' (laugh). Kahan toh bhi aa gaye...
Ali, what was it like to work with 'the' Vidya Balan?
Ali: (Laughs) I don't know, Vidya, you tell me?
Vidya: Well, we all became friends at the workshop. Aakash Dahiya, an actor, who conducted the workshop made us play games, do theatre exercises, discuss our characters and talk about our lives. By the end of it, Ali, Binaf (Patel) and I didn't want to leave! People had to tell us that the workshop is over and you can go home now. So we enjoyed ourselves a lot and that helped during the shoot. Usually, you start working together and then the ice breaking takes sometime, but here we were already friends, back-slapping each other.
Ali: Both of us (Vidya and I) are terrified of dancing, so we bonded over that.
Vidya: You know, I'm not much of a dancer, and Ali says he's not much of a dancer. But he is a liar because I discovered later that he is amazing.
Ali: Listen, all I do is play guitar on screen! Even in Fukrey, I did that. Thank God, I got rid of that with this film. But yes, we bonded over our dancing skills, or lack of it rather!
Vidya: We were nervous as hell. But Brinda, our choreographer, who is from the South, she really choreographed the songs according to our natural style and comfort level. I really think I enjoyed dancing in the film and I think Ali danced fabulously.
Most detectives on screen have traditionally been men - be it Sherlock Holmes, Karamchand, Byomkesh Bakshi...
Vidya: Well, that's all about to change now! There is no conscious effort at bringing about that change, but I'm going to make a slightly tricky comment here; women are just better at being detectives because our instincts are sharper (laughs).
Ali: I agree! The past few months of working with Bobby Jasoos proved that women are way sharper when it comes to jaasoosi! (laughs) Vidya, who would you use your spying skills on?
Vidya: I have tried spying on Ali for the longest time to find out if he has a girlfriend (laughs)! As people, we are all interested in each other's lives and I too do my bit of spying. But I would spare my husband. I don't spy on Siddharth (laughs).
Vidya, talking of spying, there has been a lot of spying on your personal life of late...
I've accepted it as a given because I am a public figure. I know people are interested and speculate and it's all part of the territory. I don't have a problem with that. But there was this one instance when I thought the lines of decency got blurred. Recently, I got a little upset because of the pregnancy rumours doing the rounds - every other month there would be new stories of me being pregnant.
Are people a lot more intrusive when it comes to the personal lives of female actors?
Yes, that's right! No one asks a man when he is impregnating his wife! I'm fed up because for 10 months, rumours of my pregnancy have been doing the rounds. I've been joking with people saying the next time I plan to get pregnant, I'll invite you! What else do you say? (laughs) I think sense of humour helps me deal with such things. I usually don't know what's being said about me, except in instances like this.
There have been rumours about all not being well with your marriage as well...
The pregnancy rumours I didn't care about because people would know the truth anyway. But this marriage bit irritated me. It was the only time in my nine-year-long career that some thing irritated me so much. I raved and ranted at home. My family and Siddharth helped calm me down. They said, 'We know the truth, so how does it matter...' But I just thought that my husband is not an actor and it's unfair to him to be speculated about. Especially when there is absolutely no basis for the rumour. I'm used to people saying things about me, but it's unfair to drag him in.
So how is Vidya, the wife?
Oh, my God! You have to ask the husband that (laughs).
How is Siddharth, the husband?
He's been my only experience, so I have no one else to compare him to (laughs). But so far, so good.
Siddharth, the boyfriend vs Siddharth, the husband?
I think not very different. He is probably more indulgent as a husband.
Vidya, people count you among the Khans and look to you to carry a film on your shoulders. Do you think the gender lines at the box office have been blurred?
Well, when people say that I take it as a compliment. But I'm a Balan and I'm happy being one. I don't think gender lines are blurring. But I think there are better opportunities for female actors. Better scripts, etc. This year itself, there have been so many women-centric films and each one of them has been different from the other. So the scope is widening. But I think it'll take a long time for us to confidently say the lines are blurring.
We are taking baby steps.
I want to spy on Amitabh Bachchan and Narenra Modi-Vidya Balan
9:26 AM
Gaurav Dubey (MID-DAY; June 18, 2014)
She is dogged by all kinds of rumours in the recent past. But seemingly unaffected by it all, Vidya Balan is all smiles and upbeat as she candidly talks about her life, films and her secret desires...
Why do you think, all of a sudden, there are so many detective-based films?
I think it’s because of the scams happening in the country. Along with scams, There are so many extra-martial affairs going on, so people need jasoos to handle things (smiles).
What was your first reaction when you were approached for Bobby Jasoos?
When Atul (Kasbekar) called me and told me that he wants to offer a film called Bobby Jasoos, I thought they want me to play a kitty kind of character (Kitty was the assistant of the famous TV detective Karamchand) I didn’t want to do that I was like what if I don’t like it, how do I say no to Dia (Mirza). Only when they told me Bobby is a female detective, that I got excited and the script got me more excited. I totally fell in love with it.
You go out of your way to choose ‘different’ roles...
This has been one of the most exciting experiences for me as an actor. Firstly, I have not played a character like this but the fact that she’s childlike appealed to me. The enthusiasm in her is of a different level. She’s not someone who likes to cry. She’s a happy person and she loves to smile. She’s very spunky, a livewire. She is a girl from Hyderabad.
If you were a detective, who’d like to spy on?
The first on my list would be Mr. (Amitabh) Bachchan because I think as an audience we all know his mannerism and yet there’s so much we don’t know about him. Secondly, I would like to do jasoosi on Narendra Modi to know what are his plans for the country. I want to know before everyone does so that I can tell everyone first. Oh, I’d spy on religious gurus too who fool people in the name of religion.
Given the recent rumours of you being pregnant, do you think there should be a pregnancy clause in the industry?
I am all in for the pregnancy clause. I don’t think its wrong at all because if you committed to something, it’s not the kind of job that you can continue to do even when you are pregnant. This a visual medium and your altered appearance becomes obvious on the screen. I am very cognizant of that so I would never get pregnant if I have committed to a film and if I want to get pregnant, I would not do a film. Simple. I think it’s fair because there’s lots that ride on a film and as a complete professional I would respect that.
And what do you have to say about the rumours?
If this was true then you would have been able to see it. There were rumours because I was not keeping well, so people started saying ‘ pregnant hogi’. The day I get pregnant, everyone will get to know about it. We (husband Siddharth Roy Kapur and her) will always want to share our joy with everyone.
Recently there have been a spate of rumours about your personal life...
I am a public figure and people are interested in me. People tend to speculate and sometimes it goes overboard and I do feel bad about it. There are days when I get upset about this but those days are very few. Most of the time I just laugh it out. I am used to it now.
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