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Shabana Azmi: Young superstars should follow SRK in naming their actresses before them
Priyanka Bhagat | TNN | Jan 15, 2016, 12.30PM IS
Actress Shabana Azmi, who is seen as a Maharashtrian teacher in the film ' Chalk N Duster,' says the gender disparity in payment exists all over the world, not particularly in the Bollywood. Azmi is sharing screen space with Juhi Chawla and Divya Dutta in 'Chalk n Duster.' The film is directed by Jayant Gilatar, and was released on January 15.
The film also features Zarina Wahab, Girish Karnad and Richa Chadda. Rishi Kapoor has also done a cameo in the film. During a prolonged interview with Times of India, Shabana Azmi spoke about her role in the film, star cast, gender pay gap and more. Excerpts:
What made you choose this film 'Chalk N Duster'?
When I read the script, I liked it. But I felt that I didn't know people involved in the film - the director and the producer. So I was hesitant. But then they took Baba Azmi, my brother, as the cameraman and the way he photographs me always makes me feel very much at peace. So I felt that this is one positive sign. But truly saying, the deciding factor was Juhi ji, because she liked the story very much and she visited my house and arranged for a narration. It was the first time I met Juhi and I saw her enthusiasm for the film, which I felt was very good for the project.
How did you mold yourself in this character?
I am playing a Maharashtrian teacher in the film, and getting into the skin of this character was a bit easy for me as I have a sister-in-law, who is a teacher and she is also an actress, her name is Sulbha Arya. She works in films, television and theater. I have seen her coming home with mark sheet and finish all her paper work trough all nights. Looking at the way I look in the film and the way I have dressed, I can say that have modeled her in terms of attire, jewellery and hairstyle. So it was not so difficult for me.
What is your take on the gender pay gap in Bollywood?
I feel gender disparity in payment exists all over the world, not particularly in the film industry and that is simply because it's the male star that brings the bucks in the box office, I would urge the young male superstars to support us in this. Shah Rukh Khan made a remarkable gesture when he said that Deepika Padukone's name will come before him. That is lovely. But it needs to go beyond that, Just as it is perfectly acceptable that when you have any of the big heroes then the big heroines will come along and do a secondary role. So, why can't male young superstars also say "All right, I will do this film in which I have a less important role because I feel it's important". So, this is the kind of gender equality I believe in. And if they do that, then the money will come in and we will be able to make the actual change. So it's all about sensitising them in a way.
Your new film has strong performers such as Juhi Chawla, Zarina Wahab, Girish Karnad and Divya Dutta. How was it working with them?
I have worked with Divya Dutta before, she had played my daughter in 'Umrao Jaan', and has fulfilled her role brilliantly and Zarina Wahab is my friend. I'm delighted to play Girish Karnad's wife again after so many years. Richa Chadda has done a special appearance in the film. She has done an excellent job and I'm sure her work will be appreciated. Rishi Kapoor has also done a cameo. He is such a jovial kind of a person and I've always had a good relationship with him. He's worked with grace and dedication and I'm really grateful that he's done us a great favour.
The film also features Zarina Wahab, Girish Karnad and Richa Chadda. Rishi Kapoor has also done a cameo in the film. During a prolonged interview with Times of India, Shabana Azmi spoke about her role in the film, star cast, gender pay gap and more. Excerpts:
What made you choose this film 'Chalk N Duster'?
When I read the script, I liked it. But I felt that I didn't know people involved in the film - the director and the producer. So I was hesitant. But then they took Baba Azmi, my brother, as the cameraman and the way he photographs me always makes me feel very much at peace. So I felt that this is one positive sign. But truly saying, the deciding factor was Juhi ji, because she liked the story very much and she visited my house and arranged for a narration. It was the first time I met Juhi and I saw her enthusiasm for the film, which I felt was very good for the project.
How did you mold yourself in this character?
I am playing a Maharashtrian teacher in the film, and getting into the skin of this character was a bit easy for me as I have a sister-in-law, who is a teacher and she is also an actress, her name is Sulbha Arya. She works in films, television and theater. I have seen her coming home with mark sheet and finish all her paper work trough all nights. Looking at the way I look in the film and the way I have dressed, I can say that have modeled her in terms of attire, jewellery and hairstyle. So it was not so difficult for me.
What is your take on the gender pay gap in Bollywood?
I feel gender disparity in payment exists all over the world, not particularly in the film industry and that is simply because it's the male star that brings the bucks in the box office, I would urge the young male superstars to support us in this. Shah Rukh Khan made a remarkable gesture when he said that Deepika Padukone's name will come before him. That is lovely. But it needs to go beyond that, Just as it is perfectly acceptable that when you have any of the big heroes then the big heroines will come along and do a secondary role. So, why can't male young superstars also say "All right, I will do this film in which I have a less important role because I feel it's important". So, this is the kind of gender equality I believe in. And if they do that, then the money will come in and we will be able to make the actual change. So it's all about sensitising them in a way.
Your new film has strong performers such as Juhi Chawla, Zarina Wahab, Girish Karnad and Divya Dutta. How was it working with them?
I have worked with Divya Dutta before, she had played my daughter in 'Umrao Jaan', and has fulfilled her role brilliantly and Zarina Wahab is my friend. I'm delighted to play Girish Karnad's wife again after so many years. Richa Chadda has done a special appearance in the film. She has done an excellent job and I'm sure her work will be appreciated. Rishi Kapoor has also done a cameo. He is such a jovial kind of a person and I've always had a good relationship with him. He's worked with grace and dedication and I'm really grateful that he's done us a great favour.
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