Showing posts with label Gauri Shinde interview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gauri Shinde interview. Show all posts
Over the phone, you can't tell your actors how to emote-Gauri Shinde
8:11 AM
Having remotely shot ads for WhatsApp with 10-member crew, Gauri Shinde talks limitations
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; July 18, 2020)
Agreeing that artistes emerge so much the wiser after every project, Gauri Shinde says her latest ad shoot taught her a valuable lesson — to be articulate with instructions. "I couldn't make hand gestures to explain things. Also, I had to remember that my right, on camera, becomes their left," laughs the director who remotely shot a series of commercials for messaging service WhatsApp during the Coronavirus lockdown.To be able to pull off the shoot, Shinde realised it was imperative to have a competent director of photography (DoP) and the right actors. She struck gold with her casting — in her 60-second film, Sulabha Arya wonderfully depicts how the lockdown has left senior citizens lonelier than ever while Amruta Subhash shows how we are only a video call away from our loved ones.
"We were lucky with Sulabha Arya because her son is a DoP. He shot her portions at home," reveals Shinde, adding that Subhash self-shot her film as the 10-member crew — including the director, editor and sound recordist — doled out instructions. "We had created a storyboard before the ads were shot. We did tech as well as costume rehearsals for two days. During the shoot too, we filmed every [sequence] twice over so that we do not find anything missing when at the edit table. Our crew was on video call, and the footage was simultaneously recorded."
Exciting as it was to helm a project in such unusual circumstances, the director also battled her share of frustration. "Over the phone, you can't tell your actors how to emote. The intimate space that a director shares with her performers was missing. For instance, in the haircut ad, I wanted to tell Amruta exactly which strand to cut," she grins.
We filmed English Vinglish in a linear manner, the way it had been scripted-Gauri Shinde
8:21 AM
As told to Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 7, 2019)
For many filmmakers, the most difficult scene to shoot would be an action sequence or the climax. For me, it’s the first scene on the first day of the shoot because the film has just started, and you have yet to find your rhythm. It’s there in your head but you have to sync it in relation to the actors, the crew and the setting. Also, your actors’ pitch while delivering their lines needs to be right to set the tone of their character and to ensure that what you set out to say will not remain ambiguous. So, you have to set the ball rolling on that day itself. Then, the film assumes a life of its own.We filmed my directorial debut, English Vinglish, in a linear manner, the way it had been scripted. It started with the introduction of the protagonist who wakes up in bed and, without showing her face, the camera zooms in for a close-up of her feet, which she then slips into a pair of slippers before heading to the kitchen. The mystery about who she is deepens, as you see only her back, while she ties her hair and bustles around making coffee. She sits down with the coffee when her ma-in-law calls and she goes to her with her morning tea. She returns and is ready to scan the newspaper when her husband shouts, “Shashi”. She turns, and you see Sridevi for the first time.
We were on the sets by 9 am. Since it was my first film, I was understandably nervous and wanted to get started by 11 am. But Sridevi was returning to films after a hiatus of 15 years and there were lots of visitors on the sets. Since it was a choreographed sequence, setting up the shot was also taking time. Her costume and make-up had to be right, too, because we were introducing the look of her character. Plus, there was a puja at the studio so by the time we got rolling, we were into the second half of the day and I was really tense because a lot of what was happening had nothing to do with acting. Fortunately, Sridevi was a brilliant actress and she was bang on. I watched, fascinated, as in minutes, she had metamorphosed into Shashi Godbole, a homemaker who makes and sells laddoos from home and is mocked for her faltering English till a US trip and lessons in the language change her life.
English Vinglish certainly changed my life but it didn’t make the first day of shoot any easier. For my second film, Dear Zindagi, the first scene was set in a Mumbai studio again. In the film, the first scene is at the airport but since we were shooting the home scenes first, we had to start in the middle of the film. It was with Alia Bhatt and once again, I was fortunate to get a gifted actress who got it right.
With my third film, I will make sure that we have two first days—a trial run and the real shoot the next day. Maybe this way I can make my most difficult scenes easier for myself.
Sridevi was the only female superstar & it makes me happy that I could work with her-Gauri Shinde
7:45 AM
Divya Kaushik (BOMBAY TIMES; December 4, 2019)
She was an amazingly sensitive, supremely intuitive, loving, caring, funny, childlike superstar, but she was my very own Shashi” — that’s how director Gauri Shinde described Sridevi, as she struggled to choose words that could define the superstar. “It is very difficult to describe a person, an actor like Sridevi, in a few words,” added Gauri, who was speaking at a session at Times LitFest, in Delhi, which saw the unveiling of the book Sridevi: The Eternal Screen Goddess by Satyarth Nayak. Gauri was a part of the session on Sridevi, which was also attended by Boney Kapoor with Deepika Padukone joining them on stage towards the end of the conversation.MEETING SRIDEVI FOR THE FIRST TIME WAS LIKE GOING ON A BLIND DATE: GAURI SHINDE
Reminiscing about her first meeting with Sridevi, Gauri said that it was like going on a blind date. She shared with the audience, “My meeting with Sridevi for the first time was like going on a blind date as I had never met her before. I was nervous and looked at myself in the mirror to check whether I was looking decent. When I met her, I was strangely at ease. There was something so warm about her. She was just so normal, lovely and something connected immediately. I had this positive feeling that this date might go well. When I started narrating the script, throughout the narration, she was so instinctive, genuine and everything that I would have liked her to be. By the end of that first date, I had a feeling that both of us would want to go on our second date. There was instant chemistry, instant love and it was too special.”
Talking about the time when she was shooting English Vinglish, the movie in which Sridevi played the lead character of Shashi, Gauri said she fell in love with the way the actress would transform when in front of a camera. “I enjoyed the whole process of working with her. We got along so well, we understood each other so well. I think what connected us was our ability to express ourselves through anything but work. She had such a great sense of humour, which was why she could be so funny on screen. Through the working of this film, we had so many amusing moments that we laughed like little girls and when it was time for work, she would change so effortlessly and she was in her character. So, it was so fascinating to watch someone just transform in a few minutes from this smiling person in private to this diva on screen.”‘I WAS PLANNING TO MAKE ANOTHER FILM WITH SRIDEVI’
When Gauri was asked about her favourite Sridevi film, she said that it would definitely be English Vinglish. “At the risk of sounding selfish, I would say that my favourite will always be Shashi from English Vinglish... for me that role has been special. Before that there have been so many of her films that I have liked, but when I miss her, I miss Shashi,” she said, adding, that she has been a huge fan of her movies like Sadma, Lamhe, Chandni, ChaalBaaz and Mr India. “She was the only female superstar and it makes me so happy that I could work with a woman who was a superstar,” said Gauri.
The filmmaker also said that she was planning another film with Sridevi. “I would have loved to make a film with her every month or every year, if it was possible, but for someone like her, you had to have an amazing subject, you had to do justice to a star that she was. Yes, I was planning something with her. In my head, she was always like a parallel track and I was always thinking what can I do with her and there was a plan, but before I could say pack up, she left and that’s unfortunate,” she said.
‘WHEN SRIDEVI ENTERED A FILM SET, SHE’D TOUCH THE GROUND’
Author Satyarth Nayak said, “Sridevi started acting when she was only four. The actress said in an interview that before every act, the director of her first film, would break a coconut and do aarti because she was playing Lord Murugan in it. So that stayed with her, the fact that the ground was like a temple, very sacred. So when Sridevi would enter a film set, she would touch the ground.”
MY LAST CONVERSATION WITH SRIDEVI WAS ABOUT STAFF ISSUES AT HOME: DEEPIKA PADUKONE
At the Times LitFest, Deepika Padukone said, “I feel extremely honoured that I got this opportunity to be here. Boney ji and Sridevi ma’am are my first champions. From the time I started my career in 2007, they would send me a personal message during the release of my every movie and I still have all those messages. Sridevi ma’am was someone I got really close to at a personal level, may be it was a south Indian connect. We connected so well that my last conversation with her was about staff issues at home. So, that was a kind of relationship we shared. She was a support in everything that I have done in my life, personally and professionally. She’ll always be missed.”
Digital, as a concept, doesn’t excite me-Gauri Shinde
7:43 AM
MID-DAY (August 28, 2017)
Dear Zindagi director Gauri Shinde says digital platforms may be booming in the country, but they don’t excite her. “There are many platforms, but the key is the idea and story. Once you have that, you can adapt it to any format. If I have an idea that excites me, then I think of the platform I can take it to. But digital, as a concept, doesn’t excite me unless there is something new to do,” she says.
After making English Vinglish in 2012, her next Bollywood venture, Dear Zindagi, hit screens after four years. Is there another Bollywood film that she’s working on? “Nothing,” says Shinde, adding, “I don’t think there’s any pressure of having to do anything. That’s not how I think. If there’s something compelling, I will take it up.”
The director likes the fact that Hindi cinema is pushing the envelope and films highlighting social issues are made these days. “I hope we manage the content well and somebody doesn’t make a film that again pushes it all back. It needs to also be done in an entertaining manner, because it’s great that people are accepting this kind of cinema and we can experiment and take the risk of making such films,” Shinde says.
The memories that you share with your mother never leave you-Sridevi
1:38 PM
It was a rainy evening when Sridevi entered the room full of journalists and immediately, all eyes turned to her. She was having a no-make up look and yet, it was difficult to take one's eyes off her. She apologized for the delay and enquired whether we had water and tea/coffee. It was great to see the actress, who is extremely shy and who doesn't open up easily, but ended up talking like an extroverted person. Even during the course of the interview, she surprised everyone as she talked in detail not only about her upcoming film 'MOM', but also about other aspects like her real-life daughters, the process of choosing a film, how her own mother shaped her into a well-mannered human being and a lot more. She also shared some interesting anecdotes form the 80s era and at regular intervals, raised laughs too! Here are some excerpts from this very memorable interview.
Just a few days are left for the release of 'MOM'. What kind of emotions are you going through at present?
It seems like I have given a crucial exam and now I am waiting for the results! It's a special film – every film is special but this one is extra special – as it's our home production. I got a chance to work with so many talented people for the first time. I feel lucky that previously, I got a chance to work with Gauri Shinde in 'English Vinglish' and this time, I got a chance to work with Ravi Udyawar. He's fantastic and has done a tremendous job.
What are the criteria for you while signing a film?
I just choose a film while thinking from my heart, not from my brain. When I hear a subject, it should touch my heart. I should feel good about the story.
How was it working with Akshaye Khanna? He said in a recent interview that it was difficult to work with you since you are so good at your work!
It was great working with him. It's rare to work with a talent like him. He's a very dignified, quiet and a very well brought up child. His personality is so powerful that he doesn't even have to do anything – his smile, eyes or his mere presence is enough to lift up a scene.
Did Akshaye Khanna remind you of his father, Vinod Khanna?
Akshaye definitely has the charm and style of Vinod ji. As a performer, however, he has his own identity.
In today's times when so many films have fallen prey to Censor Board's scissors, were you happy to see that 'MOM' was passed with a U/A certificate and zero cuts?
Of course I was happy when I got to know that the film has been passed without a single cut. I am really grateful to the Censor Board. From the beginning, we were sure of one thing that 'MOM' is a family film. I want all the children and the parents to see the film. Boney ji (Boney Kapoor, producer and her husband) and Ravi were particular about it from the first day.
How much does the title of the film mean to you? Could you tell us some interesting anecdote about your own mother (Rajeswari)?
Well, it's the most special relation of your life. The memories that you share with your mother never leave you. You keep missing her everyday of your life. It is very difficult to explain in words. My mother was never strict but she was always there for me when I was working as a child actor. Whether we are shooting in the rains or in snow or in extremely hot weather, she was there to ensure I was comfortable. Because of that, I don't remember an instance wherein I have complained that "I am not well or I am tired and hence I won't shoot today." My mother also taught me a lot of important lessons like I should respect elders, be punctual, give my 100% etc.
You are a strong mother in real life as well. After doing this film, what lessons did you learn that you'd like to impart to your children?
I don't need to give any message to my daughters Jahnvi and Khushi. They are very sensible. There's a dialogue in 'MOM', "Usse samjhaane ki nahin, humein usse samajne ki zaroorat hai" (we don't to have to make her understand, rather we should understand her). It's an important dialogue and I am sure the teens are going to love it! And I completely agree with it – why lecture kids? Rather, we should be empathetic to the stress they go through.
What kind of mother are you?
I am more like a friend to my daughters. Sometimes, I am strict but not very. Thankfully, my kids have never given me the opportunity to run behind them with a stick in my hand (laughs). They know where I am coming from. They understand what I am trying to say and why and in turn, I also listen to them. They are from a different generation after all. I cannot expect my children to be the way I was with my mother. With time, the parents should also change.
How did your daughters react after watching the film?
My elder daughter Jahnvi didn't say a word. She just hugged me. I felt really good! Boney ji had seen the film at every stage and even he's happy with the final product. Khushi however has seen the rushes and not seen the final cut. She'll watch it soon with her friends. But more than our reaction, it's important that the audiences enjoy the film and come out of the theatre satisfied!
What does Sridevi have to say when she saw Sridevi on the big screen in 'MOM'?
Actors are never satisfied watching themselves on the screen. I am constantly thinking that "I could have done a better job." We never pat our backs after watching ourselves.
When is Jahnvi making her debut? In the remake of which film of yours would you like to see Jahnvi in?
It's not my work to choose a film for Jahnvi. Also, it's too early for me to talk about her impending debut.
But there are too many articles about her floating in the media. There have been reports that she's doing a film with Ranbir Kapoor, Ishaan Khattar etc...
I just don't want to talk about it. It's very disturbing and I don't feel the need to say anything.
What made you took such a long gap between your last Hindi film, 'English Vinglish' (2012)? It came almost five years ago...
There was no conscious decision as such. I don't plan anything in my life. I actually never thought that I'll do 'English Vinglish' after 15 long years. But that film fell in my lap and I went for it. Same goes for 'MOM'. Two years had passed since 'English Vinglish' and I was enjoying its success. Then I got 'MOM' and I felt I should do it. That's it.
The character that you played in 'English Vinglish' was loved by one and all. Many women, who can't speak English, were able to relate with your character. Do you think that the same kind of impact will happen with 'MOM' as well?
The character in 'English Vinglish' was very simple and yes, everybody identified with her. I never thought that would happen. Not just mothers, even the daughters felt guilty and called their mothers after seeing the film. This was unexpected and I just don't know whether the same will happen with 'MOM'.
Credit however should go to you for playing that character so well! It touched everyone's hearts...
I'll however like to credit my director Gauri. She had a clear vision and I merely followed her instructions. But at the same time, artistes tend to be very observant. I had observed my aunt dressing up like my character Shashi. She was an office-going, well-educated lady though. As a child, I used to admire the way she used to talk and walk. I remembered her while prepping for the film and I used her mannerisms. So subconsciously, you start keeping real-life people's characteristics in the back of your mind and when playing a character, you remember them and use them accordingly.
You have touched the peak of stardom. Did you ever have a 'now-what-next' moment?
I never felt like I have reached the peak. As an actor, I feel that every film is a learning process. I always think how I can be a better actor. I never thought that I have reached the topmost position. There's no boundary for an actor. You can keep growing as much as you want.
Did you have any goal that you have to reach a certain stage? And besides acting, was there anything else that interested you?
My only goal was to do good work, work hard and give my 100%. I never knew how big I will become. I always left that to the audience.
How much has the film industry changed in all these years according to you?
Definitely, there have been a lot of changes. The director and the way of taking a shot are all the same though. Technically however, it's unbelievable. The environment has changed. Then, we used to shoot on a film. After 10 retakes, we could see the producer in tension, with his hands on his head! He used to wonder what he'll do if the reel gets over and there's not enough stock left. It was a big thing then. But now it's all digital. You can take as many takes as you want till you get it right. There's also a monitor. Most importantly, we now have vanity vans (laughs)! I have shot in places like Rajahmundry, Visakhapatnam etc for films like 'Himmatwala' (1983), 'Maqsad' (1984), 'Devatha' (1982; Telugu film) etc where we had to go behind a tree, make a makeshift curtain around and then change clothes. And now with vanity vans, it feels like a golden period! Whole day I used to not drink water as the toilet facilities used to be very bad. In fact, I am so used to not having sufficient water even today!
You have done a lot of rain songs in your life...
(Cuts in) It was sheer torture!
...but most of them were hits like the one in 'Mr India', 'Chaalbaaz' etc. In real life, how much do you enjoy rainy season?
I am an outdoor person. I like to sit in my garden, going out in the evening for a walk or to jog. But it's difficult to all these activities in the rains. As for the rain songs, I never enjoyed it. During the shoot of most of such songs, I used to have a high temperature.
It's been 30 years since 'Mr India' released. How do you look back at the film? Even today's generation enjoy the film as much...
It's very heartening. People constantly ask me as to when we are coming up with 'Mr India 2'. One day, it will be made for sure. But again, it's too early to talk about it.
Just like you, there have been many actresses who left acting post marriage and then made a comeback. But the way you made a comeback, nobody else could do it. Some actresses have even wondered where they have gone wrong and why they couldn't follow your footsteps. Raveena Tandon has admitted this on record. Your comments?
As I said, there was no conscious decision. It was sheer coincidence that Gauri thought of me and offered me 'English Vinglish'. And I always go by my instincts. I felt like it's a film that I'll be able to relate and hence, I went for it. Otherwise, how big a film will become commercially is something that's not in my hands.
People are never happy with others’ success-Gauri Shinde
8:12 AM
Dear Zindagi director Gauri Shinde slams reports of the film being a replica of a Canadian show
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; December 6, 2016)
In the last few days, reports of Gauri Shinde’s second directorial venture Dear Zindagi being a ‘replica’ of Canadian television series Being Erica have surfaced. Parallels were drawn between Alia Bhatt’s Kiara and Erica (played by Erin Karpluck), and her dimaag ka doctor played by Shah Rukh Khan is said to have been inspired by Dr Tom (played by Michael Ray). Even the dialogues like ‘har tooti hui cheez jodi ja sakti hai’ have been likened to Dr Tom’s ‘whatever it is that you are unhappy about, I can fix it’. Kiara’s boyfriends played by Angad Bedi and Ali Zafar, too, can be found in the series, the former ‘too good to be dumped’ named Ethan and the latter, ‘a charming musician’ named Kai who woos Erica in front of scores of people. However, unlike the series, the film doesn’t take the time travel route. The parallels were too glaring to go unnoticed.
However, when hitlist got in touch with Gauri, she was taken aback by the rumours. “Huh? I don’t even know what series you are talking about. But, yes, it is a good try on the part of whoever wants to bring this movie [Dear Zindagi] down. Why don’t people watch the show, since I haven’t, and decide for themselves? I don’t read rubbish. There is so much baseless crap out there and I can’t respond to everything,” she responded via text message.
Of course, it is déjà vu for Gauri — when her first film, English Vinglish (2012), which marked Sridevi’s comeback to the screen after almost 15 years, had released, similar reports had emerged. It was said to be an outtake of Mind Your Language, the successful late 70s television series about a motley group of people learning English.
Recalling the rumours, the director retorts, “Trust me, people are never happy with others’ success. They tried to do the same with English Vinglish. But, all this doesn’t bother me at all.”
I am not an underground women's activist. I am only a filmmaker-Gauri Shinde
8:05 AM
Madhureeta Mukherjee (BOMBAY TIMES; November 19, 2016)
She doesn't mind her language (English or Vinglish) or her thoughts when it comes to expressing
herself. She has strong opinions, free-flowing, but never too imposing.
Subtle and sure. An iron fist in a velvet glove.Soft to touch, but firm
to shake. Like her stories - simplistically set in the make-real world,
with warm vibes, wondrously fleshed out characters and moments to
behold. Director Gauri Shinde tells us that she likes to travel like a
vagabond and gather her thoughts along the way. And come home to unpack
her stories. One such is her next, Dear Zindagi, also written and
co-produced by her, which is on the verge of release. Her restless
energy is palpable, but she takes a breather, and in between cackles,
coffee and khakra, our conversation unfolds...
You said that you didn't have any actor in mind while writing your first film, English Vinglish. But the casting turned out to be perfect. For Dear Zindagi, did you have Alia Bhatt or Shah Rukh Khan in mind at the concept stage?
I don't write with anybody in mind, it limits me. We are lucky to have such good actors who can hold themselves in any part. Alia is special. I'm so lucky to have met her and start this journey with her. I end up falling in love with my actors. Having made two films, I now understand how directors and actors forge these strong relationships. It has nothing to do with gender or sexual attraction. I've come to the conclusion that I can work only with people who I can connect with. I get that sense of connection long before the shoot begins. The chemistry between the director and actor needs to work even before the chemistry between the actors sparks off.
Did Alia take a while to get comfortable sharing the space with Shah Rukh? He might not be intimidating, but he has this aura...
Well, he is 'Shah Rukh Khan!', and we can't deny that. Not just Alia, even I had moments when I thought, 'Okay, we have SRK here with us'. We had script reading sessions before the shoot so that we all were on the same page, but when he was actually on the set and I said 'action', Alia and I had that 'wow' moment. I asked myself if this is really happening, it felt unreal. For me, it's not like I direct stars everyday. Yes, SRK has this aura which you can't take away from him, but even with all the aura, there is something so real about him. He makes it so easy for people working with him. Professionally, he's so respectful to everyone, especially women. Even if he has to make a suggestion, he does it so gently that you instantly get a positive vibe. He's five times more experienced than Alia and I put together, but he never behaves like he knows it all. So, we overcame that inhibition quickly with him, and got into the zone we were supposed to be in.
You have said that the reason you made your second film was Sridevi...
After English Vinglish, I wasn't sure about making another movie. In fact, after I completed the film, I thought I was done, until I went for the screening in Toronto. The response that I witnessed there was overwhelming. Teary-eyed people came up to me and thanked me for making the movie. I realised the power of cinema in the true sense, and not just because my movie was winning praise. Also, the kind of relationship I shared with Sridevi while making the film made it easy for me. I've heard horror stories about how difficult it is to cast people, get stars and work with them. Touch wood...I haven't experienced anything like that so far. It gave me confidence to believe that I could make films the way I wanted to. My parallel love is also travelling and seeing the world like a vagabond. It makes me gather thoughts, as I get my ideas from life. So between all that, it takes me time to get down to writing and making movies.
You like telling your stories through a female protagonist...
Stories interest me more than the gender of actors. I think male directors should be asked why they think of male protagonists, as that's all we have been doing for the longest time. In fact, Dear Zindagi didn't have to be from a girl's point of view at all. It is gender agnostic. What she goes through could be happening to anyone young or old, man or woman. I just felt that it would be more compelling for a woman to do it. It felt right for the story.
Your husband R Balki and you have been in the same profession (adfilmmaking and now movies) for long. How much are both of you a part of each other's work?
I totally pull him into my work, I don't know whether he needs me or not. I grab him into making decisions wherever needed; it is not up to him to like it or not, he has to. He'd rather that I left him in his space, but I don't allow him that privilege (laughs!). He's not as needy I think, but when he's making a film, I just plonk myself in some areas of his work. But we don't force our views on each other.
Are you critical of each other's work? Balki told me that he never watches his commercials or movies once it is done. Even if they come on TV, he turns it off and feels deeply embarrassed. Are you like that, too?
I am very critical and it's my bad quality. In fact, sometimes I have to remind myself that I have to say nice things, too. Balki has a better way of saying things. Once he's done with his work, he doesn't like seeing it again. But I am not like that. The only reason I might witch off is because I am bored of seeing it so many times during post production. After maybe six months, I wouldn't mind watching it. Of course, cringe at parts where I think I could've done better. After a year, it almost feels like the film is not even mine. Today, when I see English Vinglish, I feel... 'Really, have I made that?' It feels a little distant. It feels like your child who grew wings and flew away. Then you see them on the internet and say... 'Oh, nice to meet you'.“
Both of you have made films that talk about gender stereotypes. Of course, English Vinglish was more about how a woman, in whatever role she plays in the family and society, deserves respect. Balki's Ki & Ka threw light on the changing dynamics between today's couples. In that sense, both of you think similarly...
It is not something we think of, it's subconsciously in our head. It's odd that we are even thinking of it like it is something unique. In fact, it is ingrained; and I don't think that I'm doing anything special. I'm not trying to make gender statements with my movies. After English Vinglish, people misinterpreted me, they thought I am probably an underground women's activist. I am not, I am only a filmmaker. I have been called for events to be a front for women's causes, it was surprising. I don't want to hold a flag for one cause or the other. I want to share my personal beliefs and if they happen to make a statement, great! If cinema can engage you and do something to you, it's great. It does not necessarily have to transform society, as that is a huge task. If it can impact someone positively, it's good enough.
Balki believes that marriage is a flawed institution. Your views?
I believe marriage is totally passé. I think it happened because we followed the norm. Like going to college, getting a degree, then post-graduation...we just followed suit. Times have changed now. I like the concept of community living, and I don't mean the hippie lifestyle. I mean living together with friends who you can connect with and share a similar vibe. It's like a big joint family of people you have chosen. You create your family and join it. I know it sounds far-fetched, but why not?
In an earlier interview, Balki told me that at times you would tell him, “I wish you were the characters you write...“
I keep telling Balki that he is such a fraud and that he should practise what he's shown in Arjun's (Kapoor) character in Ki & Ka (laughs!). I tell him that he should just take care of me, make food for me, pamper me et al. He makes tea when our cook is not around, and he can rustle up an omelette. Actually, he's a good cook, but he doesn't cook much. The men in his films are sensitive people, I wish he was 80 per cent of that. Well, he's sensitive to other men and women around him. You know how it is with your own life partner.
On your first date, you and Balki went for a movie. Is watching movies still a way of spending quality time together?
We love watching films together. Of course, he likes a lot of those man-man films, which I can't watch. He's watched Narcos, a show which I haven't gotten into. At that point, I feel like he is almost betraying me, as watching these shows together is our thing. We binge-watch our favourite shows, so if one of us has gone ahead of the other, it's cheating. We have to catch up. The real cheating would still be okay, but this one is not on (laughs!).
You said that you didn't have any actor in mind while writing your first film, English Vinglish. But the casting turned out to be perfect. For Dear Zindagi, did you have Alia Bhatt or Shah Rukh Khan in mind at the concept stage?
I don't write with anybody in mind, it limits me. We are lucky to have such good actors who can hold themselves in any part. Alia is special. I'm so lucky to have met her and start this journey with her. I end up falling in love with my actors. Having made two films, I now understand how directors and actors forge these strong relationships. It has nothing to do with gender or sexual attraction. I've come to the conclusion that I can work only with people who I can connect with. I get that sense of connection long before the shoot begins. The chemistry between the director and actor needs to work even before the chemistry between the actors sparks off.
Did Alia take a while to get comfortable sharing the space with Shah Rukh? He might not be intimidating, but he has this aura...
Well, he is 'Shah Rukh Khan!', and we can't deny that. Not just Alia, even I had moments when I thought, 'Okay, we have SRK here with us'. We had script reading sessions before the shoot so that we all were on the same page, but when he was actually on the set and I said 'action', Alia and I had that 'wow' moment. I asked myself if this is really happening, it felt unreal. For me, it's not like I direct stars everyday. Yes, SRK has this aura which you can't take away from him, but even with all the aura, there is something so real about him. He makes it so easy for people working with him. Professionally, he's so respectful to everyone, especially women. Even if he has to make a suggestion, he does it so gently that you instantly get a positive vibe. He's five times more experienced than Alia and I put together, but he never behaves like he knows it all. So, we overcame that inhibition quickly with him, and got into the zone we were supposed to be in.
You have said that the reason you made your second film was Sridevi...
After English Vinglish, I wasn't sure about making another movie. In fact, after I completed the film, I thought I was done, until I went for the screening in Toronto. The response that I witnessed there was overwhelming. Teary-eyed people came up to me and thanked me for making the movie. I realised the power of cinema in the true sense, and not just because my movie was winning praise. Also, the kind of relationship I shared with Sridevi while making the film made it easy for me. I've heard horror stories about how difficult it is to cast people, get stars and work with them. Touch wood...I haven't experienced anything like that so far. It gave me confidence to believe that I could make films the way I wanted to. My parallel love is also travelling and seeing the world like a vagabond. It makes me gather thoughts, as I get my ideas from life. So between all that, it takes me time to get down to writing and making movies.
You like telling your stories through a female protagonist...
Stories interest me more than the gender of actors. I think male directors should be asked why they think of male protagonists, as that's all we have been doing for the longest time. In fact, Dear Zindagi didn't have to be from a girl's point of view at all. It is gender agnostic. What she goes through could be happening to anyone young or old, man or woman. I just felt that it would be more compelling for a woman to do it. It felt right for the story.
Your husband R Balki and you have been in the same profession (adfilmmaking and now movies) for long. How much are both of you a part of each other's work?
I totally pull him into my work, I don't know whether he needs me or not. I grab him into making decisions wherever needed; it is not up to him to like it or not, he has to. He'd rather that I left him in his space, but I don't allow him that privilege (laughs!). He's not as needy I think, but when he's making a film, I just plonk myself in some areas of his work. But we don't force our views on each other.
Are you critical of each other's work? Balki told me that he never watches his commercials or movies once it is done. Even if they come on TV, he turns it off and feels deeply embarrassed. Are you like that, too?
I am very critical and it's my bad quality. In fact, sometimes I have to remind myself that I have to say nice things, too. Balki has a better way of saying things. Once he's done with his work, he doesn't like seeing it again. But I am not like that. The only reason I might witch off is because I am bored of seeing it so many times during post production. After maybe six months, I wouldn't mind watching it. Of course, cringe at parts where I think I could've done better. After a year, it almost feels like the film is not even mine. Today, when I see English Vinglish, I feel... 'Really, have I made that?' It feels a little distant. It feels like your child who grew wings and flew away. Then you see them on the internet and say... 'Oh, nice to meet you'.“
Both of you have made films that talk about gender stereotypes. Of course, English Vinglish was more about how a woman, in whatever role she plays in the family and society, deserves respect. Balki's Ki & Ka threw light on the changing dynamics between today's couples. In that sense, both of you think similarly...
It is not something we think of, it's subconsciously in our head. It's odd that we are even thinking of it like it is something unique. In fact, it is ingrained; and I don't think that I'm doing anything special. I'm not trying to make gender statements with my movies. After English Vinglish, people misinterpreted me, they thought I am probably an underground women's activist. I am not, I am only a filmmaker. I have been called for events to be a front for women's causes, it was surprising. I don't want to hold a flag for one cause or the other. I want to share my personal beliefs and if they happen to make a statement, great! If cinema can engage you and do something to you, it's great. It does not necessarily have to transform society, as that is a huge task. If it can impact someone positively, it's good enough.
Balki believes that marriage is a flawed institution. Your views?
I believe marriage is totally passé. I think it happened because we followed the norm. Like going to college, getting a degree, then post-graduation...we just followed suit. Times have changed now. I like the concept of community living, and I don't mean the hippie lifestyle. I mean living together with friends who you can connect with and share a similar vibe. It's like a big joint family of people you have chosen. You create your family and join it. I know it sounds far-fetched, but why not?
In an earlier interview, Balki told me that at times you would tell him, “I wish you were the characters you write...“
I keep telling Balki that he is such a fraud and that he should practise what he's shown in Arjun's (Kapoor) character in Ki & Ka (laughs!). I tell him that he should just take care of me, make food for me, pamper me et al. He makes tea when our cook is not around, and he can rustle up an omelette. Actually, he's a good cook, but he doesn't cook much. The men in his films are sensitive people, I wish he was 80 per cent of that. Well, he's sensitive to other men and women around him. You know how it is with your own life partner.
On your first date, you and Balki went for a movie. Is watching movies still a way of spending quality time together?
We love watching films together. Of course, he likes a lot of those man-man films, which I can't watch. He's watched Narcos, a show which I haven't gotten into. At that point, I feel like he is almost betraying me, as watching these shows together is our thing. We binge-watch our favourite shows, so if one of us has gone ahead of the other, it's cheating. We have to catch up. The real cheating would still be okay, but this one is not on (laughs!).
Shah Rukh Khan is a sum total of wit, smarts and depth-Gauri Shinde
8:21 AM
Gauri Shinde discusses the creative relationship she shares with her husband and production partner
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; November 17, 2016)
Gauri Shinde’s big screen debut marked the comeback of one of Bollywood’s most loved actresses, Sridevi, who essayed the role of a homemaker attempting to rebuild a broken identity through an alien language she decides to learn. English Vinglish (2012) was a runaway success, and instantly brought Gauri into the same league as her successful director husband, R Balki.
Despite the overwhelming welcome into Bollywood, she has taken four years to release her second project, Dear Zindagi. The Shah Rukh Khan and Alia Bhatt starrer will hit screens next week. “I cannot get myself to start work on a movie until my husband likes it,” says the filmmaker when we meet her at her Bandra office. “I force Balki to read everything I write. It is a writer’s insecurity, and his opinions matter. He may get irritated with my narrations, but he patiently sits and hears me mumble with excitement,” she smiles.
Gauri is two films old, but she’s aware there is a lot riding on her. The success of a realistic debut means seasoned stalwarts are watching her every move. That she juggles home, ad films and the movies is hard, she is honest to admit. “It is not that co-directors make it difficult. It’s just that a male-dominated template defines the industry, and the country in general. This profession is also physically challenging, and that’s something we tend to associate associate with men.”
One of India’s most successful advertising professionals (she’s behind the Tanishq remarriage ad that got the Internet talking) admits that navigating the gender-bias is not any easier for an independent woman like her. “Men are still unaccustomed to dealing with a woman who holds her ground. They fancy politically correct ladies who bumble their way through life.” The disparity, she says, carries over on set too. “If a male director abuses on set, he’s called passionate. If a woman is tough, she is termed ‘difficult’.”
But Gauri admits her obsession with perfection might come across as irritating. “I need to be okay with every detail, even the colour of the nail polish [of an actor]. I don’t care about how I come across as long we end up making a movie worth watching.”
Dear Zindagi, which Gauri calls “a happy surrender to life,” doesn’t have her in knots. Her actors, Alia and Shah Rukh, are pivots of the film. “Alia caught the nerve of the film in the first narration. She is real with her portrayal, and often reminds me of Sridevi.” In SRK, she finds the perfect blend of sex appeal and affection. “He is a sum total of wit, smarts and depth. He is charming because of the way he owns the story. I could have made the movie without him, but I wouldn’t be half as happy. Even with all his experience, he makes suggestions gently, without being overbearing.”
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