Interview : Aishwarya playing the period

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sheetal

@sheetald

Rocker

Posted: 20 years ago

Aishwarya Rai stands way ahead from other Bollywood actresses in terms of the offer that she bags. With 'Umrao Jaan', 'Jodha-Akbar' and 'The Last Legion' tied tightly under her belt, Aishwarya belongs to a different league of actor in the industry. And all she is doing for her career is on the strength of dedication and drive. The team of 'Umrao Jaan' is all praises for her as she gears up to get into the skin of the character she plays in the film. We catch up with Aishwarya, as she looks stunning in the location of Rajasthan, shooting for the film.

Excerpts from the Interview:

Is playing a character like Umrao in 'Umrao Jaan' an uphill task?

Not really. When you've a director like J P Dutta handling the reigns of direction, you're rest assured that you'll deliver the best. He elaborates the scene and details in such a manner, that the only work remaining is to go and carry the shot in front of the camera.

Are you trying to imitate Rekha in the original 'Umrao Jaan'?

It's impossible to imitate somebody like her. So I'm better handling the things my way. The story and dance movements of this film are different from the one in Muzaffar Ali's film.

The costume of the film is likely to create the aura of Devdas?

Designer Anna Singh has really made some gorgeous outfits going with the story of the film. They're just ethereal.

How much do you like the locations of Rajasthan?

I'm the liking the place a lot. I've to wrap up a long shooting schedule here and so I'm trying to get used to the place. We'll shoot here for the film till January. I'll also be here again for Ashutosh Gowraiker's 'Jodha-Akbar'. Shooting for that film will be again another brave act.

Won't you be looking similar in 'Umrao Jaan' and 'Jodha-Akbar' due to the appeal of both the films?

Not at all because I'll be playing different characters in both of them. Apart from the similar heavy costumes and the film belonging to the period genre, nothing will be similar between them.

What about 'Prithviraj-Sanjukta' as both Santoshi and Chandraprakash Diwedi want you for the role?

That is another interesting period film. But I cannot do the same film for both of them. So when they approached me I made it clear that they're approaching me with a film with the same subject. It's upon them to decide what to do next. As a filmmaker I respect both, whereas Rajkumar Santoshi is closer to me. I'm looking forward to work with him, as I had to drop 'Saamna' at the last hour. Dr Diwedi had offered me 'Pinjar' formerly but I couldn't do the film due to dates. But about signing a new film is out of question now, as I'm already very busy with 'Umrao Jaan', 'Dhoom 2' and then 'Jodha-Akbar'.

How much have 'Dhoom 2' progressed?

Before getting to Rajasthan, I had been shooting for the film in Mumbai. It was fun and rocking shooting the film. Its full of fun and energy.

How much are you enjoying working with J P Dutta?

He is awesome as a director. What makes him special is that he is so good with his treatment towards the actors. He is as good in etching female characters as males. His choice of music is also profound. I'm having a lovely time working with him.

How is it working in the Hollywood film The Last Legion?

Working in Hollywood is not an easy task, how much big an actress you may be at home. The audiences there know me but don't know the kind of films that I do. So you have to work a lots harder to make yourself felt to the audience so that they can perceive you. I've just wrapped up the film there.