Despite all the controversies and protests, ‘The Kerala Story’ has done well at the box office. How does it feel?
It feels good when a film does well. It doesn’t matter if it’s my film or someone else’s, because it means the industry is flourishing and more jobs, more happiness for the people.
Did you imagine that the film would get so much love from the audience?
I had an idea that we made a good film and that everyone who watched it would connect emotionally, but I didn’t expect people on the road with posters, people riding bikes with hoardings and autorickshaw drivers offering free rides. Kerala Story Tickets. The public took full care of our promotion and PR.
The film is based on a serious and important subject. Can you share a funny or interesting anecdote from the sets of the film?
I had made some canine friends in Ladakh. There is a scene where Ishaq gets angry at me and becomes violent, so my canine friends would come screaming or running on the set in the middle of the scene (we were shooting outside). Also, he didn’t like seeing me cry, so after the shot was over, I had to go joke with him so that he wouldn’t get upset.
When I was shooting for the scenes where I am pregnant, I was walking in narrow lanes with a big belly. It created some behind the scenes laughs in all of us. I had to sit with an artificial stomach to sit. For a film like this, I would give full credit to Sudipto sir and Vipul sir, keeping the mood on the sets serious yet light.
Who did you bond with the most among your co-stars on the set?
For me it was like living three different lives. Part of college with the girls, my dorm room and the boys.
Then parts of Afghanistan, my husband and children, and even parts of the UN peacekeeping prison. I got on well with everyone – the actors, Eddie and the crew. We were lucky that everyone was nice.
The one person who survived all three births was my mother, played by Devdarshini Chetan in the film. She is a lovely actress. For me, The Kerala Story was a mother-daughter story when I first read it, so even in the parts where Shalini’s mother is not physically present, she is in her mind in each scene. She wants to talk to her mother, or avoid her mother, or just wants to see her mother for once.
According to you, what sets Vipul Shah apart from other producers Bollywood,
I haven’t worked with a lot of people in Bollywood yet so comparison would be unfair, but I can tell you about Vipul sir. He reads people very well. He has the intelligence to project the character of an actor even if he has not seen the actor in that getup. He took me as a guard in ‘Commando’. Bhavana Reddy is an encounter specialist and then… Shalini Unnikrishnan The one who is afraid of guns, a victim in ‘The Kerala Story’. Also, they have great food on the sets and I love that everyone is allowed to eat all the food in the buffet, unlimited helpings. There is no hierarchy when it comes to food.
Is it difficult for you to switch on and switch off from an intense character like Shalini Unnikrishnan?
Yes, getting in and out of a character can be difficult but getting a character like Shalini Unnikrishnan is even more difficult. I still have people who want to be actors ask me how to get the role and I have no answer other than that the universe has to come together and give it to you.
You are one Bollywood actor who never shies away from speaking his mind. Has your outspoken nature ever caused you problems in your career in the industry?
Not necessary. not yet. It might actually happen, but I’m clueless.
Fans have always been very curious about your romantic relationships as you have rarely spoken about them. What is your idea of an ideal man?
someone who likes animals (not to eat), someone who is kind to people, who talks to people from all strata of society in the same tone, and someone who can laugh at himself . If he can’t, no worries, I’ll laugh at him. He should be someone who can entertain himself, so that he doesn’t lose his temper when things don’t go his way (traffic jam). A person who is moderately intelligent will be appreciated. If he can avoid asking too many questions, that would be an added bonus.
Today things have changed a lot for actresses in the industry. However, they still have a long way to go as far as gender equality and gender discrimination are concerned. do you agree?
Whatever happens in society is reflected in any industry. Maybe at the school level they can teach the kids and then things can change.
You will next be seen in ‘Commando 4’. What new will your fans get to see from your character in the film?
The character they all were waiting for – Bhavana Reddy. Lots of action and lots of laughs!
except Vidyut JammwalIs there any actor you have been an absolute pleasure working with?
It’s great to work with me and I get along with almost everyone (laughs).