Your production house is called Simran and Sons. That’s an interesting name. Whose idea was it to get into production?
Both the name and the idea are the brainchild of my husband Deepak Bagga. He wanted my name highlighted and also my sons to be represented in the brand. As a production house, we want to start with two projects. With 19 years of experience in the film industry, I feel it is time for me to use what I’ve learned. I thought I should start with production. Moving forward, I want to get into direction as well.
Will you be acting in one of these films?
I will play the lead role in the film that will be directed by debutant Gowri Shankar, who has a background in advertising.
Can we call this film your comeback?
I didn’t go anywhere to make a ‘comeback’. I was always working in different capacities as an actor – either on the small screen or in cinema. The thunderous response I received for my role in Trisha Illana Nayanthara proves that I haven’t gone anywhere.
You’ve worked in Hindi apart from the four south Indian languages. Why, then, did you choose to produce films in Tamil?
Tamil is my favourite industry and I feel most comfortable here. When I shoot in other states, I prefer to stay in hotels. But I decided to buy a home in Chennai as I consider this home. In that sense, I’m closest to the Tamil language and culture. I’m a 100 per cent Tamil girl. So I didn’t even consider another industry for my production house.
How do you intend to manage work and family?
Family has always been my first priority. I was waiting for my two sons (Adheep and Aadit) to grow up. They are 10 and four now, and are busy with school and their friends. They were at an impressionable age and it was important I paid a lot of attention to their upbringing. But now I can dedicate most of my time to cinema, as they’re ok with me being away for a few days.
You quit the industry post marriage. Any regrets?
Absolutely not! I spent 19 long years in the industry and had a very satisfying career. It was my choice to quit, so I could start a family and raise my children. Even after marriage, I haven’t severed my relationship with this industry and the people here. When I did smaller roles in films post marriage, I realised they were not satisfying me creatively. I wanted to do more, and playing the lead character in my production will give me that satisfaction.
Do you feel it’s a good time to be an actress? Jyotika made a great comeback with 36 Vayadhinile . Even Bollywood is seeing films like Tanu Weds Manu Returns and Kahaani do well.
Yes, I do agree that the audiences are more accepting of newer, more different types of cinema. The culture of families heading to theatres to watch movies has come back, and it’s helping women-centric cinema. As far as films like Tanu Weds Manu go, I would certainly love to star in such films. Even at my peak, I was ready to play the mother of three children in Kannathil Muthamittal . I even acted in Kovilpatti Veeralakshmi, which was about a woman battling untouchability… I’m not averse to taking risks.
