Hard talk with Rajshree

WELCOME TO THE RIP-ROARING WORLD OF HARD TALK – YOUR MONTHLY DOSE OF INCENDIARY SCANDAL, STEAMY SEX AND A LOT MORE. THIS SCANDALOUS TREATISE IS YOUR WINDOW TO THE MALICIOUS TITTLE-TATTLE THAT ROCKS THE WORLD OF SHOWBIZ. THIS MONTH WE HAD A TOUGH TIME PERSUADING SAAT PHERE'S SALONI TO OPEN UP ON ISSUES THAT ARE FAR FROM THE PRUDISH DOMAIN SHE STRADDLES IN. WHEN WE APPROACHED SOB QUEEN RAJASHREE THAKUR, WHO MAKES AUNTIES CRY BUCKETS WEEK AFTER WEEK, SHE TURNED DOWN THE REQUEST IMMEDIATELY, WHICH WAS QUITE EXPECTED. BUT AS THE QUESTIONS GOT A TAD MILDER, SHE COULDN'T HELP BUT GUSH UNABASHEDLY ON HER COURTSHIP WITH HER HUSBAND AND OF COURSE HER BLISSFUL MARRIAGE.

SIMPLISTIC, DOWDY AND FRUMPY WOULD BE UNDERSTATEMENTS. THIS QUINTESSENTIAL BEHENJI WEARS HER MIDDLE-CLASS VALUES ON HER SLEEVES AND LOOKS STRAIGHT INTO YOUR EYES WHEN YOU ASK HER ANYTHING REMOTELY CONNECTED TO PHYSICALITY. SHE IS THE BIGGEST SURPRISE PACKAGE THIS MONTH AS SHE CLAIMS SHE RESPECTS MEN AND CAN'T CALL THEM 'DOGS'. WE TOOK THE MIGHTY PLUNGE INVITING HER WRATH A COUPLE OF TIMES TO GET SOME QUOTABLE QUOTES IN THIS MONTH'S HARD TALK.

ST: There are a lot of pre-conceived notions about showbiz – it's perceived to be wild, bizarre and notorious. How does a person like you fit into it?

RT: (Frowns) Rajashree is not a party animal. I get so tired after work that I don't feel the need to hit the tiles. Besides I am allergic to too much noise and light. But the reason why TV people party is because of the work pressure and strain they go through. They need to unwind. My idea of hanging loose is completely different. Partying is a good way to socialize. All in all, I completely justify partying though my idea of relaxation is sitting at home and chatting with my family. I'd rather go window-shopping or meet my friends.

ST: As showbiz moves on money and sex, has anyone ever made a proposition to you?

RT: (Gets upset) Listen! You should have told me before about the kind of questions you'll ask. I don't give such interviews and I can't be witty to save my life. I don't take interest in such things and don't want to talk about it…

ST: … But have you observed a casting couch syndrome? You can talk in general at least.

RT: I have never gone through the casting couch but I have heard a lot about it. Showbiz is always abuzz with talks of the casting couch syndrome. I think it is imperative for the young female showbiz aspirants to understand that the casting couch can be really nightmarish. Once you compromise, it will land you deep into the tunnels of despair. It is better to be patient and struggle for the right break and work hard. Have faith in God, he'll take care of you. Showbiz is like any other field. There are both good and bad people. You can't generalize that it's completely bad. But as it's showbiz and the media is constantly reporting on it, the grim aspects get noticed faster.

ST: You've been in the limelight for quite some time. I am sure people must have made passes at you.

RT: (Rolls her eyes) I'll take it as a compliment, say 'thank you' and move ahead. It doesn't really matter if it is a guy or a girl. It's actually the kids who adore me. Once a small boy in a mall came up to me with his mother and said, "I want to marry Saloni because nobody is marrying her." Even kids in my building play around and say, "I'll show you where Saloni stays."

ST: But what about men? What has been their reaction?

RT: When the serial started, I thought only women would watch it. But it's actually a surprise that a lot of male audiences are taking interest in the serial. It's not just a female-oriented serial but we have raised a lot of pertinent social issues too.

ST: I'm sure you must have come across a lot of gays and lesbians in the course of your career. How do you view homosexuality?
RT: I don't know much about it. I haven't read about it. I think people should take homosexuality with a pinch of salt. So many technicians in showbiz are gays. Initially when I would see them, I would get shocked, but now it's become very normal to come across gays every now and then in the TV industry. Homosexuals are very normal people.

ST: So do you think gay marriages should be allowed?

RT: Why not? When two boys or girls are happy with each other and want to get married, what's wrong with that? Why should anyone interfere in his or her happiness? They aren't troubling anyone. I think the world has undergone a big change and it is high time we accepted homosexuality and are not judgmental and have double standards.
If they can marry then they would also like to adopt kids. Should that be allowed?
(Gets bugged) I think it's difficult to say whether gays should be allowed to adopt kids. Whatever decision is taken should be in the interest of the kid.

ST: Please tell me something about your college crushes. As a little girl, were you drawn towards anyone?

RT: (Laughs) I had many crushes but I really can't recall. I had a crush on my husband who was my senior in college. We never spoke to each other in the beginning. He used to do lead roles in the college plays and all the girls would be after him. I was quite in awe of him as he is really handsome. But I felt that he was a snob and I think he too felt the same about me. For five years we didn't speak to each other. Then during one dance rehearsal, he tried instructing me to do a certain step and I snapped at him. Then later, at a get-together, we had a normal conversation.

ST: How did the ice break and romance happen?

RT: We did a tele-film together and we were out of town and got closer to each other. It was then that we actually spoke at length. The ice finally broke and we warmed up to each other and started liking each other's company. He would often drop me to my work place. He wooed me so many times. We had common friends and he would often accompany us. But we never expressed our feelings to each other. Once, when he called me in the night, he said, "I want to get married but don't know whom to marry!" I told him to look for a nice girl and then he said, "You are a nice girl! I think I should marry you!"

ST: Since you had a love marriage, what's your take on dating?

RT: I think it's very natural to be attracted to a member of the opposite sex and there is nothing wrong with that but you should have certain priorities in college, which are studies. There's nothing wrong with going out on dates but one's focus should be on career and studies. That's where parents step into the scene. They need to keep an eye on kids.

ST: These days, a lot of kids go on blind dates.

RT: I don't believe in blind dates. My childhood was never like this. Internet chatting and online dating websites were unheard of. I find it bizarre that without even knowing the person, how can you go on a date? You never know, that person might be a crook.

ST: Do you think flirting is a great art?

RT: (Laughs loudly) Yes, for men, it is. As long as you don't cross the boundaries set by the woman, flirting can be fun. You should do it as long as people are enjoying it. One needn't go the whole hog and shouldn't hurt anyone.

ST: But there are people who take flirting to a new level. Do you see yourself in a purely physical relationship?
RT: (Fumes) I don't want to answer this question. I can't digest such things. For me, love comes first and then sex. Unless you love a person, you can't have sex with him!
There are lots of people in showbiz who take pride in being Casanovas.

ST: You can't generalize the Casanova tag on all actors. Maybe for some, hitting on several girls works and it's their personal life and choice. Who am I to criticise it?
You can't go on and on with your lunatic antics; somewhere you have to stop. I don't want to talk about it.

ST: But since you are married, you can talk about so many marriages breaking up. Is it because of the extra-marital affairs?

RT: Marriages are breaking everywhere. But as I said that it's showbiz so things get noticed and hyped up faster. I feel that one major reason is lack of compromise, especially when both the partners are strongly opinionated and fiercely independent. There are a lot of arguments and one needs to work on a relationship. Every marriage has its own share of problems. There can be so many factors leading to the break-ups; not just extra-marital affairs.

ST: Would you call a man who sleeps around a dog?

RT: (Gets agitated) I have never called anyone a dog. I have a joint family with my father, husband, brother and brother-in-law and I respect men. I can never call them dogs.

ST: So you respect men? Do you think the perfect man exists?

RT: The stereotypical idea of a perfect man is someone who is tall, dark and handsome. My husband isn't dark and not very tall also, but still he is my perfect guy. I think it's an overall personality that draws a woman towards a guy – their behaviour and most importantly, their thinking process and level of maturity.

ST: When you are going out with your husband on a hot date, what would you wear?

RT: My husband loves seeing me in everything. For a nice date, I would love to wear something western – maybe a nice, long, flared skirt with a short top. Western outfits are ideal for the night and you are comfortable while dancing. I went to Mauritius for my honeymoon. It was a big surprise for me because my husband told me that he was taking me to Kerala. It was a sweet surprise. Those 10 days were real fun.

ST: Who is your dream man?

RT: I think it has to be Shah Rukh Khan. He carries himself well – the way he walks and talks.

ST: Do you fantasise and what would be your ultimate fantasy?
RT: It would be some hill station. I would love to sit under a tree by a gurgling river with my husband. The conversation would only be about us. We hardly get time for each other.

ST: Why do you think married men are drawn towards other women?

RT: (A big pause) I think it's just superficial admiration and awe. That woman might look great on the dance floor but if you look at other aspects of her life, they might not find her beautiful. For that moment, there is nothing wrong in admiring her. Even when my husband and me go out for parties, we often discuss someone's performance or dressing sense. But it's just a good compliment. That's it and nothing more to it.

ST: Would you take your partner back if he cheats on you and regrets it later?

RT: It is a very difficult question. I think I will not accept him in the relationship. I feel that being honest and committed to your partner is a very difficult task since we are all surrounded by beautiful people. Temptations are bound to arise and it's normal. But it's the love and faith towards your partner that resists that temptation. I think, by cheating on your partner, you have lost that relationship forever.

ST: There are definitely double standards in the Indian family because a lot of freedom is given to boys and they get away with many things. For instance, guys expect their wives to be a virgin.

RT: Virginity is applicable to both men and women. A husband should be a virgin too if he expects a virgin wife.