Celina Jaitley | The actor has made a comeback with Season’s Greeting, a short film, available on ZEE5. She speaks with Shalini Saksena why she chose to do this film, the increasing popularity of OTT platforms and the need to talk about mental illnesses like depression
Why did you choose this project?
This movie is a calling from beyond. A calling of four very important people in my life who are no more.
Initially, I was not a part of this film. But it was destined. Director Ram Kamal and I were discussing something else, when he popped up with this script. After reading it, I realised it’s God’s way of saying that I need to take this equal rights LGBTQI movement for which I have been a spokesperson for 18 years. Another major reason why I wanted to do this film. I recently lost my mother, and while I was reading the script, I could only relate to the intense relationship that I shared with her. I had tears rolling down, as I was going through the character graph of the daughter in the film.
How did you come on board?
I met director Ram Kamal Mukherjee in Dubai, when he was there for his film Cakewalk. That’s when he narrated me a couple of story ideas, which he was planning to make. Season’s Greetings was one of them, which I strongly connected with. I have known Ram Kamal as an author and journalist for many years, and I knew that someday he will make a film. We had salad and soup, and bid adieu. We didn’t discuss anything about the film. Much later, he called me and said that he would like me to consider for the lead role. After reading the script, I was completely bowled over, because it’s a tribute to one of my favourite director Rituparno Ghosh. Without giving away the major plot of the movie, I would say that it’s a unique attempt.
How tough was it to make a comeback?
I actually didn’t want to come back to films. When I lost my parents last year one of my mother’s last few wishes was for me to return to cinema. I took this break on purpose. I was tired of being cast in roles which did not do justice to the actor within me. In addition, I have been enjoying the limelight since I was 16 years old; I reached a point of exhaustion. I started my professional career when people enjoy their teens. When Peter (Haag) came in my life, he was my Prince Charming. I knew that if I have to settle in life, it has to be with him. Then we were blessed with twins twice, Winston, Viraaj, Arthur and Shamsher. I wanted to enjoy the amazing new season of being a wife and mother without it being documented by a daily on a regular basis. I wanted to explore other aspects of my life like my music and working with the UN in order to be able to endeavour to achieve my maximum potential as a human being.
Why do you think OTT platforms are becoming popular?
Simply in order to take advantage of the convenience that OTT has to offer. The lack of commercials and saving viewers from show interruptions. You don’t need to limit your subscription to only one service provider and the choice of options available to watch is brilliant plus it is all available in the comfort of your home or mobile or a laptop or an iPad.
There was a time when actors would never talk about their personal problems. What has changed?
Actors are embracing their responsibility towards their fans seriously. It’s not only about entertaining it is also about their social responsibility.
How will actors talking about depression help?
Experts say that talking openly about mental health issues breaks down stigmas that persist around depression, addictions, eating disorders and other issues. Research has proved that the best way to change someone’s belief around mental illnesses is to have direct contact with someone who has had mental illness that you relate to. People with highly visible platforms can be particularly influential when they share their stories, it is a living inspiration and hope to many who feel like giving up.
Do you think that India has a long to go before, we can accept that depression is a disease?
Yes absolutely. In our country depression is equated with pagalpan. Unfortunately, many derogatory terms and cruel stereotypes are associated with it. According to WHO, India is facing a serious mental health crisis, with an estimated 56 million people suffering from depression and 38 million from anxiety disorders. What is surprising is that many Indians are afraid of being categorised as mentally ill.
What next?
That is easy to answer. Definitely more films.