In her debut movie ( Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi ) she had King Khan for a co-star, she next did a film with a newcomer Ranveer Singh ( Band Baja Baraat ) that rocked the box-office, she got to be a part of a Yash Chopra film early on in her career and now, is making news working with director Vishal Bharadwaj in Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola . Meet the charming Anushka Sharma, who in a short time has moved into Bollywood's big league.
In Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola were you intimidated while working with Pankaj Kapur ?
Yes, I was, because he doesn’t speak much. I would be in two minds whether I should talk to him or not. But it used to be a pleasure to watch him act. Even when I was not shooting I would drive to the set to see him perform.
What did you find particularly remarkable about Pankaj’s histrionics?
He is one of the best actors I have ever seen. Because he is a theatre actor, his focus is very strong. That is an actor’s biggest strength. I am neither a theatre person nor a trained actor so I can get distracted if I am working in front of a huge crowd or even if someone moves a chair. But it is not so with him.
And what was it like to work with Vishal Bharadwaj?
Vishal has had many experiences and that’s why his films are the way they are. For me, it was very different to be working with him. ( I struggled initially. I had to speak less and emote more. That is something I had to learn and get used to. Vishal believes in minimalism. That is how he designs his scenes as a director.
Could you relate to your character Bijlee?
This is the first time I was playing a character I could not relate to. She is such a spoilt brat. Tantrums are not tolerated at my home. If I refuse to eat food kept on the table, my father will ask me to leave the dining table immediately. I struggled to get into Bijlee’s shoes but it was great fun to work with Vishal.
What is Vishal like as a person?
He has a very good sense of humour. He brings to work his many talents. He is not only a director, he is also a music composer and singer.
What is the status of Bombay Velvet, your film with Anurag Kashyap?
It is progressing well.
What does success mean to you?
The reason I want to be successful is to do things on my own terms. You should use your stardom to pull people to the theatres. I want to do films which are different.
Bollywood News Service
