Photographs: Mohit Israni Patcy N in Mumbai
Anjana Sukhani, who plays one of the leads in Ram Gopal Varma's forthcoming film Department, is miffed with the filmmaker for not promoting her as well as he's promoting Nathalia Kaur, who's done an item number in the film.
She talks to Patcy N about the controversy and her new film.
You are reportedly upset with Ram Gopal Varma because he is promoting only Nathalia Kaur?
Honestly, yes, I am upset. I feel it is a little unfair.
Actors are equaly involved in the making of a film. If it is a failure, the actor is also considered a flop, and when a film is a hit, everybody is credited for the success.
I am not saying that he is only promoting the item song. I say that every actor should get an equal share of being part of the publicity and promotion because they form an integral part of the film.
Ramu doesn't include characters just for the heck of it; he includes a character because it makes sense in the script. So, even if it is a special appearance, they have the right to equal promotion and publicity.
'I cannot contest what RGV thinks'
Did you speak to Ram Gopal Varma about this?
I did tell him that I have not been part of the promotion.
He had a logical reason, which he believes in, and I totally respect that. He said that even when he did Company, Manisha (Koirala) and Antara (Mali) were never part of the promotion; it was only the item song (Khallas picturised on Eesha Koppikar) that was promoted.
If a particular actor has done a song, fair enough, she should get a share in the publicity. But my point is, don't take away the contribution of other actors to the film.
In the recent film Housefull 2 all the characters were promoted equally whether their roles were small or big.
But like I said, I cannot contest what RGV thinks because it is his film and it his sensibilities and this is how he feels a film should be promoted. So, it is fine with me because in the end he is the captain of the ship.
'He knows his craft very well'
How was it working with Ram Gopal Varma?
It was fabulous working with him. He is a genius and eccentric, but then all geniuses are a little eccentric.
He knows his craft very well. He is very honest to his films. He has given such amazing films such as Company and Satya, and even Rangeela for that matter
In what way is he eccentric?
I think Newton and Einstein were eccentric and same is the case with Ramu.
He is eccentric in the sense that he is a super-genius when it comes to filmmaking. He is so involved when he is making a film; he is consumed by the film.
I think he exists because he has got to do films and that is his life.
'I play a middle class girl in the film'
What is this scene where the camera was tied to your shoulder?
It is my wedding scene. Ram Gopal Varma wanted a strong close-up of me, so they tied the camera to my shoulder to get the real feel of the close up.
It was not heavy because they are as small as handycams, but it is a little bit uncomfortable, though you get used to it. It was fun because I had never shot anything like that.
And when I saw my shots on the monitor, they were wow!
Tell us about your role in Department?
I play this middle class girl called Bharathi, who is a doctor. I am in love with Rana's (Dagubatti) character and I stand by him. I am like a pillar to his character.
'Lakshmi and I got along very well right from the first day'
Was it difficult working with Rana who is a Telugu actor?
No, not at all. I have done Telugu films and I had met him through common friends.
He has no hang-ups; there were no barriers in terms of language and culture. He now speaks nice Hindi; he is really fluent in English.
There are so many actresses in the film -- you, Lakshmi Manchu, Madhu Shalini, the 'item girl' Nathalia Kaur... Any problems there?
I have no scenes with Madhu Shalini. We are together in one frame in one scene. She plays the gangster's girlfriend in the film, so there was not much interaction with her.
Lakshmi and I got along very well right from the first day. We have a few scenes together; she is a very easy going girl, no tantrums, backbiting, hang-ups.
We were so well prepared and had such well-etched characters that there was no room for insecurity.
'I keep telling everyone proudly that Mr Bachchan danced at my wedding'
There were many youngsters on the sets. Did you all go out and party?
We never got the chance to party together. Rana had so many action scenes to do that it was physically draining for him.
But we did hang out on the sets, especially me and Lakshmi. We would order lunch together and chill out during the lunch breaks.
Do you have any scenes with Sanjay Dutt and Amitabh Bachchan?
I have quite a few scenes with Mr Dutt. I am with Mr Bachchan in just one song. I do have a scene with him but that is a telephone conversation.
I keep telling everyone proudly that Mr Bachchan danced at my wedding (her wedding song in the film). It was just a fantastic atmosphere at that time.
It was a pleasure working with such senior people, especially for the kind of humility they have. They are both so humble. They never make you feel that you are new or they are superior to you in any way.
'I did not want to do B and C grade films'
You have not worked in many films.
I was very ambitious and I chose the best films I was offered, like Golmaal Returns. I also did Jashn with Mahesh Bhatt saab and Tum Milo Toh Sahi with Nana Patekar and Dimple (Kapadia), which didn't do well at the box office but was decently acclaimed.
If I do my job honestly as an actor, that will be my best contribution to the film. I did not want to do B and C grade films though I respect everybody's sensibility.
I've always thought that even if I do a small role in a big film, I should shine. That has always been my strategy and I will keep following it till I hit the bull's eye.
What are your forthcoming films?
I have a special appearance in a film called Maximus. I am also doing an item song in Priyan's (Priyadarshan) film Kamaal Dhamaal Malamaal. I can't speak about it right now. It is a very funky song with a carnival feel to it. I had fun shooting for it.
'I am open to doing item songs because they get you instant recognition'
Are you open to doing more item songs?
I am open to item songs because they get you instant recognition if the song does well.
Your fan base and market value improves. You tend to do more shows and events if your song does well.
It does contribute a lot but it is not the essence of being an actor. I am an actor first and item songs is just a part of what the job entails.
Would you wear a bikini and go semi nude if the role demanded it?
I know every actress has said this, and I will also say it: if it is really required and it really fits into the script and if it is portrayed correctly and shot aesthetically, then why not.
I am not here to do Ramayan wearing a nine-yard sari. In India, people want to see glamorous actresses but with substance. It would be wrong to say that I only want to show off my body -- I would also want to show off my ability as an actor.
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