This year, you made your debut at Cannes. How was that experience for you?This year has been very special for me. I had the opportunity to present our film, All We Imagined As Light, at Cannes. When we start out, we aim for good work, awards and recognition, but Cannes was never in my bucket list. It was thrilling to be there for the film rather than the glamour. It was also my first trip outside India, which made it even more significant. I always thought that only selective and fashionable people go there. When the opportunity to go to Cannes presented itself, I appointed a stylist and told her that I want to look good, different as well as comfortable. This was the first time that I travelled outside India, so this was very important for me.We saw you guys spontaneously breaking into a dance at Cannes. It was one of the happiest images from the festival…That just happened. It wasn’t planned. We were all so excited and happy that we couldn’t control the joy we were feeling. It was a pleasure to represent a film which has such a lot to say. It was a pleasure to represent your country at such an important platform. So all that warmth spilled out in the form of a dance.You were recently seen in Laapata Ladies. Could you tell us more about your much-appreciated role?Yes, I was fortunate to be part of Laapata Ladies and Madgaon Express. Both films allowed me to explore different aspects of my acting abilities and connect with new audiences. Playing Manju Mai in Laapata Ladies was a privilege. The role resonated with my belief in living life on one’s own terms. The character inspired me and hopefully will inspire others as well. I believe that because we are women, don’t put us in a box. Allow us to live the life the way we want to live. I am an independent thinker. I feel that instead of waiting for a change, we should become the change, then the change will automatically happen. The character of Manju Mai has given strength to me as well. Incidentally, “I am also single. The words that I speak to Phool (Nitanshi Goel) in Laapata Ladies, “Khud ke saath akele rahna bahut mushkil hota hai. Wo agar aa jaye to koi unko takleef nahi de sakta hai.” I feel that this line is written for me. Today’s generation is very smart. When I worked with Nitanshi, I realised that girl has so much knowledge about cameras, lights and angles at such a young age. We were completely clueles when we started out.
You’ve been in the industry for many years. Do you feel that you are in the best phase of your career now?Absolutely. I’ve been working for many years, but it’s only now that I’ve gained the recognition
I always hoped for. What makes me happiest is that my success has inspired many of my friends in the industry. It shows them that even as outsiders, we can achieve great things.Could you tell us about your background and how you got into acting?I come from a middle-class family in Kalina, Santacruz, with roots in Konkan. My father was a mill worker and I am the youngest of five siblings. I played Kabaddi at the state level but had to stop after two knee operations. The turning point came in 2001 after my father and brother passed away. I felt shattered and decided to join Waman Kendre’s acting workshop to step out of my difficult situation. That decision changed my life.How did your career progress from there?My first play was Zhulwa in 2006 and then I did films like Mi Sindhutai Sapkal (2010) and Baboo Band Baaja (2011), both of which won National Awards. My significant breakthrough came with Nagraj Manjule’s Fandry (2013).How was your experience working with Nagraj Manjule and Sanjay Leela Bhansali?Nagraj Manjule’s films resonate with me because of their rawness and real-life characters. Working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali in Gangubai Kathiawadi was also incredible. He’s focused and strict but aims for excellence in every aspect of filmmaking.
You had the chance to work with Amitabh Bachchan in Jhund. What was that like?Working with Amitabh Bachchan was a dream come true. He is extremely disciplined and dedicated. Despite his stature, he is very humble and professional. If anybody comes from our village to Mumbai then visiting Amitabh Bachchan’s bungalow is a given. I have lost count of how many times I have looked at his house from outside the gate. I never knew then that one day I will get an opportunity to work with him. While working in Jhund, I noticed that as an actor he gives his 100 per cent. He always comes before time on the sets. Amitji would leave after giving his shot and wouldn’t interact much with others on the sets. But there was a shot when we were sitting on the same bed on different sides and if we would move even slightly then the shot would not come right, so by the time the shot was okayed we had to sit in the same position for a long time. That’s when Amitji spoke to me and inquired about me. I said that my mother has dementia so she does not recognise me but she remembers three things, Sai Baba, Balasaheb Thackery and Amitabh Bachchan. One day we had a scene wherein Amitji and I had to travel in a bullock cart. I became happy that this will give me an opportunity to talk to him. Excitedly, I went and sat next to him in the cart. But as soon as the bullock cart owner came, he said, “Madam, sit in the front so that the weight of the cart gets balanced. Mera mood off ho gaya. I had an injury in my leg so I was taking time to get off the cart, so Amitji extended his hand for support. I immediately grabbed Amitji’s hand. Aur muh se achanak nikal gaya, chalo haath mei haath toh aya… Nagraj Manjule, my director, asked Amitji, “Did you hear what Chhaya said?” And then everybody burst out laughing. He has some magic. For us, he is still a Mard, a Don. There is something different about his energy.How do you feel about the characters you have played so far?Each character I’ve played has left a part of itself within me. They have given me strength during tough times. For example, my role in Nude taught me to stand up for myself and not be afraid. My character Yamuna is a bit timid at first, and scared to bring new for Mumbai. Then she learns to speak up. Mera character hai wo bolta hai ki koi agar aapko unchi aawaz mei bole to tum dugune unchi awaz mei bolo kaai re.. If you get scared, people will scare you more. If you speak louder than them then they will keep quiet.
What was your experience like working with Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao?Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao are wonderful people. Working with them felt like being part of a family. There was no pretence, and they respected everyone’s talent. Aamir even complimented my nose ring and we had many interesting conversations about the Bhagavad Gita, Shri Balasaheb Thackeray and about films. He’s quite knowledgeable about Gita. And he’s seen my film Fandry and liked my role in it. After meeting him, I completely forgot that he is the Aamir Khan of Qayamat se Qayamat Tak. A superstar whom
everyone idolises.Your nose ring made a splash at Cannes too…(Laughs) I could never imagine I would ever be written about in the fashion columns. It again was a spontaneous decision. I wanted to wear something that represented Maharashtra and my stylist suggested the traditional Maharashtrian nath. I didn’t know it’ll get talked about that much.
What do you desire most in your career?I crave respect above all. I work for the respect that comes with portraying different and challenging roles, not for money or property.How do you view your personal life and future aspirations?I value being happy with myself and enjoy simple pleasures like home-cooked food and spending time with family and friends. I plan to build a small house in my village and live peacefully. I also want to work with directors like Anurag Kashyap and Vishal Bhardwaj and explore various types of roles, including action and commercial films.
Next Story
