Khushwant Singh, your uncle, has left his indelible mark as a writer. Your husband has turned into an author too. Considering your background in plays, are there any plans of writing a book yet?
Firstly, you can’t speak about Khushwant Singh and my husband Sanjay Chopra in the same breath. One is a grand old man of English Literature and the other is a first time author. Sanjay’s book Talespin is out there and doing great. That is encouragement for both of us. So yes, sometime next year, my book should be out too!
What’s your take on small budget films like your recent release, 10 ml love?
It’s a little gem of a film that deserved a bigger release. But the good news is that it did release to some outstanding reviews and very much loved by the people who did get to see it. Hat’s off to PVR Director’s Rare, who made sure that it came out and was seen, even if it was for a limited audience.
Tell us about your upcoming European Punjabi film with Irrfan Khan.
I can’t say much as that is the producer’s prerogative but let it suffice to say I’m very seriously looking forward to Qissa.
What do you prefer: theatre, films or television?
I love acting; so whichever provides an exciting role at that point is good. All three serve different purposes. Theatre keeps me on my toes, films can be delicate and nuanced and television is huge in its reach.
Your working relationship with:
Guru Naseeruddin Shah – A giant of a man who loves acting in a person more than the person in the acting
Co-actor Aamir Khan– A genius in the craft of filmmaking and a study in a single minded concentration
Director Nandita Das – A fabulous person with an ability to work like ten people and a faultless vision.
Your take on:
Censorship for art forms like films– Ridiculous. You can’t tell grownups what to see or what not to see. Give the film an A certificate and let them decide for themselves.
Models becoming actresses– Why not? You got to start somewhere.
Soap operas– Undemanding viewing
What are you currently reading?
Katherine Boo’s Behind the Beautiful Forevers.
Your favourite piece of your own work thus far:
Let the audience decide that. But I will always owe Taare Zameen Par a huge debt for putting me on the map.
Your dream role:
Too many to name in an objective type of an interview. But a paraplegic, a war hero, Indira Gandhi, Sarojini Naidu, a hooker, a cop etc; figure high on my list of priorities.
A role you’d love to redo your way:
All of Tigmanshu Dhulia’s, Vishal Bharadwaj’s , Milan Luthria’s, Anurag Kashyap’s and Dibaker Banerjee’s leading ladies.
Future projects:
Ankur Arora’s murdercase, Qissa and Neeraj Pandey’s next.
What has been your experience with your adopted religion- Buddhism?
Absolutely the best thing in my life. Having access to philosophy that answers the most critical life questions, can be a shot of oxygen!
