Aamir never wanted me to change: Kiran Rao

Aamir never wanted me to change: Kiran Rao

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Aamir-never-wanted-me-to-change-Kiran-Rao/articleshow/6963339.cms#ixzz161Bgyz2u

Her directorial debut got a standing ovation at the Toronto International Film Festival and the Indian release is two months away. In her office in Khar, Kiran Rao is smiling from ear to ear.

So far, shehas only been a quirky accessory to a famous actor. Now is the time to step out of the wings.

Did you always want to be a part of this industry?
I loved acting in school, but there was no connect with films. We weren't allowed to see too many. I was in drama clubs and liked to write. These two hobbies connected by the time I finished college. By then, I had developed an interest in photography and felt that I should do something with images. I decided to do Masters in Mass Communications to gain direction. There it started to crystallise that my hobbies were art forms which collaged to make cinema.

And then?
I needed to know people, so I started working in commercials. Along the way, my friend Reema Kagti asked if I wanted assist the director on Lagaan.

How did Dhobi Ghat happen?
I wanted to direct a representative of who I am, which helps me find my artistic voice. I started writing it in 2005. Simultaneously, I was working as an associate producer with AK Films. It was quite a journey before I was happy with my script. I didn't have a preconceived idea, but as it flowed and I shared it with people, I realised that I had more of an art house film than a mainstream one.

Describe the script's journey.
My second draft was quite different from the first one. I introduced new characters. As I was reading it to Aamir, Mansoor Khan and Mansoor's wife Tina, I realised that the new characters weren't meshing well. I was trying to say too much in one film. So I went back to the drawing board.

Did Aamir give inputs?
He always said "Share it with me only when you have explored the idea fully without being influenced". But I took inputs from him on the second draft; and he pointed out things that were working in the first draft.

You didn't want to cast Aamir despite him being keen on it. Was it to prove that you could do it independently? Or did you feel you might not do justice to his star status?
I wanted to work with a small team, with fresh actors. A big star comes with a lot of memories and I wanted someone who was free of all that.A big star makes your film reach out to a huge audience, but I didn't know what my audience would be.

But I couldn't find anyone to play Arun, a complex character. He needed an actor with a certain level of skill. Aamir said "Audition me". The technicians, line-producer and I felt that Aamir was the most suitable Arun.

How much did you imbibe from your husband as a filmmaker?
Lots. Aamir collaborates with the entire cast and crew. He knows that the best part of the film is its making. I learnt that a director should be very clear while communicating. He also told me that a filmmaker shouldn't ever take the audience for granted.

How much did life change after becoming Mrs Aamir Khan?
(Smiles) People started noticing and photographing me. But what changed most was that I found love and a partner I wanted to spend my rest of my life with. Aamir never wanted me to change. He said 'Be comfy in your skin'. We both live a very simple life. We aren't hugely public people. So, I almost remained what I was.

Your style of dressing has remained the same. You have a very simple and set style...
I do not dress up every day and go out for lunch. I dress up to go out for work every day.

Did you like that people notice and photograph you? Or call you Mrs Aamir Khan?
In the very early stages, I felt that it shouldn't be so direct. But it's natural for people to put me in that context. Aamir is too big a personality for people not to.

Did you aspire for the limelight?
Not for being a famous person's wife. But I've always craved recognition as an artiste.

What would you change about Aamir?
I wish he'd take more time off. Once he gets into a project, he is completely consumed by it.

Two creative people in the house and on the sets. Does it lead to conflict?
We both like honest opinions. And we both are headstrong people. But our fights last only for a short period. On set, there were times when he had his take on expression and I had mine, but eventually, it worked for the betterment of the film. Aamir brings his contribution on the table, but is always keen to make the director happy.

Who makes up first?
More often than not, it's not me. (Smiles)

How do you both switch off?
We don't. We take work home, and that's the subject in our drawing room, dining room and bedroom.

What now?
I have an idea for a story about a famous nautch girl from early 1900s and have woven a contemporary story into it. I am not sure whether I'll make it into a film. It's too early.

How did you fit into Aamir's family?
Junaid, Ira and I knew each other from the Lagaan days. When we connected again, there was the same warmth and no animosity. Reena was always a part of the family and will always be.

The kids come home very often. I attribute it to them as much as I attribute it to myself. I was aware of Aamir's background. We lived together for a year to figure out how to make this relationship work.

What does Bollywood mean to you?
Being Aamir's wife, I am understanding it from a comfortable and privileged position. The industry is a complex beast. And I want my place in it.

Read more: Aamir never wanted me to change: Kiran Rao - The Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Aamir-never-wanted-me-to-change-Kiran-Rao/articleshow/6963339.cms#ixzz161BTnevZ