Tell us about your upcoming film Maatr: The Mother
The title says it all; it is about a mother and daughter. It deals with the violence, rape and molestation our women are facing today; how somewhere our justice system is kind of failing them by not giving them what they need, or the fact that the law is not acting as a deterrent for the perpetrators. It is a film dealing with the plight of the victims and the gratification that comes in the end; your blood boils when you see or hear about violence against women more so when one can’t do anything about it.
Do such movies help in creating awareness or is there a need to change the mindset of the societyIJ
I do believe that a certain amount is awareness is being created. Even Pink made an impact. Films like these do make an impact and act as a platform to send across a message.
Why did you choose this subject to make a comebackIJ
After the Nirbhaya incident, I had the opportunity to meet her mother, Usha Devi. She told me that she has still not stopped crying and is waiting for justice. It has been years since that horrific act happened and it has only increased since then. Every other day, you pick up the newspaper and there is crime against a woman or a child. So many go unreported as well. Children as young as three are being brutally raped and murdered. Then we have some leaders who turn around and say that women should not wear provocative clothes or go out alone at night. They should be talking about protecting women. And what about a six-month-oldIJ What was the baby’s provocationIJ These are questions that keep hitting me.
What about your other movie, ShabIJ
It was not about the need but for Onir. Actually, the movie was slated to be made sometime in 2000-02 with Sanjay Suri and me in the lead. But then I got married. When Onir took up the project again, he told me that there was no way that he would take a ‘no’ from me. So that is how Shab happened.
Are you being choosy with your rolesIJ
Yes, definitely. I have not done too many films. A lot of films come my way — horror, comedy, suspense, thrillers. But I have turned down quite a few. I want to do movies that I believe in, something that moves me. When I heard the script of Maatr: The Mother, it touched me and made me say yes.
Has the industry changed for the better when it comes to actressesIJ
Definitely, the industry has changed. This has been for the good. There is different kind of cinema being made in a welcoming manner and the horizon has broadened. When The Dirty Picture was released, there were several media reports and talk about the film being taken to Cannes. It is not about the superstar today at the helm, but the substance that the movie carries.
Are you reading more scriptsIJ
Not really. I am busy with a reality show — Sabse Bada Kalakar on Sony TV. My children’s exams are going on. So my plate is full, at present. But once this show is over and am done Shab and Maatr…, I will look at something else.
Which platform are you enjoying more —TV or filmsIJ
To be very honest, the two are totally different. For TV, there is not too much work involved. One goes for a couple of days. I was joking about it to someone that it is the best job in the world. One wears the best designer clothes and jewellery, look pretty, criticise someone else and get paid for it. What more can one wantIJ
Does celebrating Woman’s Day for just one day take away what we are trying to achieve — equality and women empowermentIJ
This is a recent trend that has taken precedence like Mother’s Day. It is good that we do have one day designated for women. A steady progress has to be made. It is all about changing the mindset of the people especially women themselves. Mentalities need to change. All the leaders, who make derogatory statements against women, have mothers too. A mother influences a child. They need to bring up a son with the values that there are need to respect a woman — whether the neighbour’s daughter, sister or a colleague. You don’t bully someone who is weaker. Tying firecrackers on a puppy’s tail is not acceptable. Most men start with petty crime. This needs to be nipped in the bud.
A message that you would like to give to the women.
One thing that I do believe in, and it is not a message that I want to give to anyone, but it is self-belief. The Indian woman is very strong. Our women look after the in-laws, they cook, go to office, come back home and cook again, sit with the children and make them do their homework. This is especially true for all working women — they do manage to work out a great work-family balance. This is the strength that the women need to work at — to bring out their inner shakti; she is a Devi on her own. She needs to believe that she can do whatever she puts her mind to.