If Imtiaz Ali Makes Me A Tree Too, I Will Do That Happily, Says Nushrat Bharucha

If Imtiaz Ali Makes Me A Tree Too, I Will Do That Happily, Says Nushrat Bharucha

The very talented Nushrat Bharucha has delivered commercially successful films like Love Sex Aur Dhokha, Akaash Vani, Kal Kissne Dekhna but it was “Pyaar Ka Punchnama” and its sequel which shot her to prominence. Nushrat, basking in the success of her last release ‘Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety,’ was recently in Bhubaneswar to be a part of Blenders Pride event as a showstopper, when we caught up with her for an exclusive conversation.

Your latest movie Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety has received good response from the audience, grossing over to the Rs. 100 crore club. How do you feel about the success of the movie?

During the shoot of the film, we used to tease each other fondly saying that we are making a big film. Though it was a regular film, we are happy that it has now become a ‘big’ film. None of us ever thought that the film would become such a big hit. When the trailer and songs of the film were released, they instantly received great response, breaking records with maximum views. The initial positive vibes persisted but we were surprised when the movie crossed the Rs. 100 crore mark. We are still finding it hard to believe, but yes, I am happy!

The plot of the film was slightly different. Though your character was positive in the first half of the movie, it took a negative shade in the second part. Did you have any apprehensions regarding this aspect of your character?

In Pyar Ka Punchnama 1 and 2, I portrayed a character that was possessive and nagging all the time, while the character of Sweety in Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety has duality of personality. She never played a victim in any scene, first she was normal and never did anything wrong to her boyfriend and his family. The character had a strong stand and openly challenged those who were against her. I thoroughly enjoyed playing the character of Sweety.

Picture Courtesy: Deccan Chronicle

What got you interested in acting?

During my childhood, I used to act in front of the mirror. I used to imagine a lamp, a wall or a mirror as Raj and I would utter the dialogues.  I would shed tears, get emotional and praise myself.  I belong to a business family and I never went to any acting school. My father wanted me to take over his business in Gujarat. But then I believe I was meant to be an actor.

How do you see your journey as an actor from your first movie until this one?

I would say it has been an interesting ride. Most people say that they made their journey, where as I would say this journey has made me. I feel that if I had not done all those films in that particular order, I would not have been here now.  Everything happens according to plans of the destiny.

Before entering into the big screen, you were a part of the small screen with television series like Seven and Kittie Party. What difference do you see in both the mediums?

If anybody would ask me to do a television serial now, I won’t be able to do it. When I started acting on small screen, I was new to the industry and had no idea about anything. When the director used to tell me to take light (towards my face this is), I used to pick up the light and people would say “What are you doing ma’am?” Everybody used to laugh at me during those days.  The modus operandi for the small screen is quite different and I don’t think I can do it now. On television, you have to do a scene in 15 minutes, which I can’t do. The time constraint in television makes me dissatisfied with my own work.

We notice, you take a gap of one or two years between every film. What is the reason behind it?

As actors, we get a number of offers but we can’t do all of them at a time. I start working on those films, whose scripts I like. So, if I am busy working on a film, I don’t accept other films till the shooting is complete. I prefer to dedicate myself to one film at a time. Moreover, I would get confused if I had to shoot two or three films with different characters with a gap of four days. 

Picture Courtesy: Zeenews.india.com

With web series getting popular nowadays, are you interested in doing one?

The digital platforms are the future for everything now and that is where the world would shift to in a few years. It’s a transition phase, the more advanced the technology, the more scope one gets. I feel that web series is a platform for more creative explorations. It is another medium for the talent and content to connect with the mass. Since web series is a new concept, there is a room for you to leave your footprint. Good work will set a benchmark for others. Although I do not have any such offers now, but if I do, I will definitely take it up depending on the script.

You have also worked in Tamil and Telugu movies. Are you interested in doing films in other languages too?

I will do regional language films only if I know the language. I know Gujarati, so I would like to explore something in Gujarati films. I can also do Marathi films. But I feel that if I don’t know the language, I won’t be able to do justice to the character or dialogues in a proper way.

What are your upcoming projects?

Nothing, as of now.  Honestly, after receiving such good responses from people, I have become more conscious and responsible as an actor. I feel that my next project should be one that I enjoy working on while the audience enjoys watching it.

Is there a dream role that you want to play?

I would love to play all kinds of roles. I always feel that in a film, the story needs to be interesting. If stories are good, the characters will also be good. Every character, small or big, has its own importance. The actor should play it sincerely and then, he or she is bound to win admirers.

You have also been associated with theatre groups. What is your opinion about theatre?

My father engaged in a lot of theatre. Following him, I have also done some plays in English and Gujarati. Honestly, I have a fear for theatre as it is challenging to perform live in front of the audience. Nonetheless, theatre has helped me grow as an actor.

Picture Courtesy: BollywoodHungama.com

Do you feel that star kids get better opportunities over actors coming from non-filmy backgrounds? Did you face any struggle?

Struggle will always be there. It is different for different people. If we concentrate on the struggle only, it will affect us. As an actor, I may struggle with the fear that my next film will not be a hit, the audience won’t like it, or I won’t get a good character to portray. It’s a never ending struggle.

Star kids have different kind of a struggle and their world is different.  I am happy with my struggle.  I struggled to get roles as heroine. People said I won’t be a heroine, so I became a villain!

Is there any actor or director you want to work with?

I want to act with all actors, but in directors, I want to work with Imtiaz Ali, in particular. If he makes me a tree, I would love to do that as well! (she laughed).

Feature & Banner Image Courtesy: Highlightsindia.com