Showing posts with label Rabri Devi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rabri Devi. Show all posts
I barely understand politics and wish to stay that way-Huma Qureshi
8:01 AM
Huma Qureshi discusses portraying a chief minister in Maharani with aplomb despite her lack of interest in politics
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; June 1, 2021)
Like her web debut Leila, Huma Qureshi’s latest offering, Maharani, has her leading from the front. And boy, does she grab your attention from the get-go. From an illiterate homemaker who is content running her kitchen to running the state, Qureshi lends at once a sensitive air and steely nerve to her Rani Bharti in the SonyLIV series. In a chat with mid-day, the actor talks about “delivering ignorance” with her eyes and why she will take “10 years to understand politics”.
Edited excerpts from the interview.
There has been a lot of talk about Maharani being based on Rabri Devi’s life.
There is no similarity at all. It is a work of fiction. The germ of the idea may have come from there, but the story is completely different. Before [people jump to conclusions], they should watch the series.
What was your first thought when the series was offered to you?
We made the series between the two lockdowns. When the first lockdown happened, Subhash sir [Kapoor, creator] told me about the show. It was one of the first Zoom narrations of my life. I loved the story, the world [it is set in], and the character’s graph.
How did the role challenge you?
Our society has restrictions on what women should and shouldn’t do. Rani [her character] is an illiterate homemaker. For such a woman to become a chief minister and wield power is an inspiration. We all have stories where we’ve been told ‘You cannot do it’ or ‘This is not for you’. Many people thought I couldn’t be an actor or move to Mumbai. But I figured it out, like most women. When I was reading the script, they had written that she was a strong woman. I had an objection to the word ‘strong’. In my life, I have never met a woman who is not strong.
As a character, Rani Bharti is so different from me. I have never lived in a village, I have had the luxury of a good, educated life and I am not married. To become that character was a challenge. If you know something, how do you bring that ignorance into your eyes? Intelligence is such a giveaway.
How well-versed are you with Indian politics?
I barely understand politics and wish to stay that way. I am an actor; delivering lines is my priority. But Subhash sir, writers Singh Nandan, Uma Shankar Singh are well-versed in politics as they have a background in journalism. By the time I figure out [politics], 10 years would go by. I’d rather just focus on acting.
Having worked in Hollywood, are there any changes you would like incorporated in Bollywood? The way #MeToo brought about a change internationally, perhaps?
Post #MeToo India, people aware that if one has [an issue] on a film set, it can be addressed and put an end to. The comfort of knowing the legal rights on a film set, whether you are in front or behind the camera, is important. One thing I’d like to borrow from a Hollywood set is the silence. Here, everyone is talking when a shot is about to start, which is irritating. There, it’s complete silence, and helps an artiste to get into the zone.
Are you satisfied with your Hollywood debut?
I debuted in Bollywood with Gangs Of Wasseypur [2012], where I was launched with 200 other actors. I have never been afraid of ensemble films. The whole conversation about the length of the scene is silly. It is about the impact I am creating. The opportunity to be part of a Zack Snyder film [Army Of The Dead] and its cinematic value is unparalleled.
Huma Qureshi’s Maharani loosely based on Rabri Devi?
8:21 AM
Sources say Huma Qureshi’s character in the web series Maharani loosely based on Bihar’s first woman CM, Rabri Devi
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; April 2, 2021)
Huma Qureshi’s Maharani has been in the news over the past few months as it offers her an author-backed role of an unusual leader who navigates the murky world of politics. Looks like ad filmmaker-turned-director Karan Sharma relied as much on real-life figures as on fiction when giving shape to the political drama. It is learnt that Qureshi’s character is loosely based on former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi.
Though Devi became the first woman chief minister of the state in 1997, her appointment was widely criticised by opposing parties, psephologists and media. After then-chief minister Lalu Prasad Yadav had to resign from the post due to his alleged involvement in the fodder scam, many believed it was his tactic to retain control of the state while making his wife the ceremonial head. Despite no formal education and little interest in politics, Devi went on to serve three terms.
A source reveals, “Through Huma’s character that is loosely inspired by Rabri Devi, the multi-season series will see how an unexpected player, who had little hopes of a political career, rises up the ranks.”
In December, mid-day had reported that Sohum Shah has stepped into the role of Yadav for the SonyLIV offering (Living Lalu’s life on lens, Dec 19). The web series also stars Amit Sial and Viineet Kumar Singh, with Subhash Kapoor serving as the showrunner.
Censor Board wants Raj Thackeray, Rabri Devi's references removed in Once Upon A Time In Bihar
10:21 AM
Censor Board demands that references to Raj Thackeray and Rabri Devi in Neetu Chandra’s upcoming production be lopped off
Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; October 19, 2015)
Actress-turned-producer Neetu Chandra’s upcoming project, Once Upon A Time In Bihar, is having a tough time securing certification. The socio-political drama, written and directed by the actress’ brother Nitin Chandra, revolves around the 2008 attacks on migrants from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar in Mumbai.
However, the Censor Board wants references to Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray and former Bihar chief minister Rabri Devi to be deleted. It has also asked the makers to mute cuss words and dialogues that apparently project politicians in poor light.
Last week, Nitin had met Censor Board chief Pahlaj Nihalani, but was asked to either send the film to the revising committee or follow the suggestions to obtain certification.
Says Neetu, “I am surprised that the Censor Board had no objection to a film like Kaminey where the title is an expletive, but the use of ‘saala’ in our film. How do we show the political scenario if we do not use names of Raj Thackeray and Rabri Devi? The film is based on real-life incidents. I feel the censor folk should reevaluate the film and help us make an impact on society.”
Nitin says the two scenes that the Board is objecting to includes a newsreader quoting Thackeray after the attacks and the other is an insinuation to Rabri Devi’s literacy level. “I do not understand the logic behind expunging what political leaders had said at that time since all that was reported and widely discussed,” he adds.
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