Actress Alia Bhatt's film Gangubai Kathiawadi is going to hit the theaters on March 25. Alia describes her film directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali as the most challenging film of her career so far.
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Actress Alia Bhatt's much-awaited film Gangubai Kathiawadi is all set to hit the theaters on March 25. Alia describes her film directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali as the most challenging film of her career so far. A conversation with Urmila Kori on her film, preparations and challenges related to it
How difficult was this long wait for the release of Gangubai Kathiawadi for you?
It was difficult because when we make a film, our energy and expectations are huge. You think that the film has been made, just now show it to the audience. You have a different enthusiasm to show that project of yours. When the epidemic started, it seemed that the film should be completed somehow. The set of our film was standing for a full 2 years. I think that would be the first set which stood for so long but finally we finished shooting for the film. It depends on the theater when the film will be released. That's why our release dates shifted several times. First there were dates of July 2021, then January 2022 then now February. Finally our film is releasing in February. We are going to the Berlin Film Festivals. Like people always say that whatever has to happen will happen when Gangubai Kathiawadi's time was just now.
Have you read Hussain Zaidi's book?
I did not read the book, only read the chapter of the book based on Gangubai, that too after reading the script of the film. When I met Hussain Zaidi, I got to know Gangubai more closely because he had met her. How did she talk? We all came to know why she was so popular among all. I did not go to Kamathipura because Sanjay sir said there is no need. Sanjay sir has seen Kamathipura in his childhood because his house was a little closer to him. He used to tell that there was a cafe there.
How much cinematic liberty has been taken in the film and many people are constantly expressing their displeasure about the film?
People are getting angry and suing on any matter nowadays. As far as cinematic liberty is concerned. We know about Gangubai that she was brought to Mumbai. She became a householder in Kamathipura, after that a bigger householder. She met Karim Lala. Became the President of Kamathipura. Delivered speech at Azad Maidan. Meet Nehru. We have also shown all this in the film but a little cinematic liberty has been taken for how it all happened.
Your look is very different in this film, the voice is also heavy, what were the preparations?
I won't take credit for the look as it was the team that did the design. The name is Preeti, he along with Bhansali sir made a vision that he can do it. It can be used in makeup. Along with Sir and Preeti, my makeup team, Radhika and Puneet were also involved. Sir used to come after my every make-up and definitely give tips, do this. Do it like that. After that he used to say that eat a lot of food. I have eaten everything with pleasure. Learned the dialect of Gujarati language. Those people speak S to Sh. The most difficult thing was to keep my voice heavy. It was not easy to speak with that energy during the whole day's shoot. By the way, characters are actually formed during the shooting. While doing the scene, it is understood that it is okay to abuse here or say something else. This is the reverse namaste. It happened all of a sudden on the set. When shot from behind. I said sir keep it. Bhansali sir also liked it and it became the signature of Gangu.
This is a story from the 70s Have you followed any actress or film?
Sanjay sir wanted me to take inspiration from Meena Kumariji. There was pain in his eyes and a look on his face. Which I can bring in my character. Saw Shabana Azmi ji's market. I also watch many songs of Waheeda ji.
What was most appealing to you about Gangubai's story?
When I read Gangubai's story. I didn't know there was such a woman. who was a prostitute. Was from a bad world. He has done a great job even after coming from a bad world. Whatever he did for the women of Kamathipura. Which was his fight for the children. I consider that very special. This is a story. There are many such stories that we are not aware of. Which has not even been written about, so when I hear all this, I am impressed. I feel proud.
What were the challenges of playing Gangubai?
I was never exposed to his world. This world was completely different for me. I don't talk like that. I don't have the self-confidence like Gangubai. It never happened that after falling down I had to get up again. Had to fight with society. This never happened in my life. Had to think about everything. That was challenging for me.
What are your expectations from Gangubai as an actor after Highway, Udta Punjab and Raazi. Looking forward to the National Award?
All were strong characters. Which was difficult to perform. All were also mass entertainers. I would like this film to bring good numbers at the box office. This is a front foot film. I wish Gangubai success at the box office. Audience's love is more than every award. I do not do films thinking of National Award or else.
Bhansali sir is considered to be the task master, many times there has been talk of actresses crying on the sets of their films, how was your experience?
I wanted to work with him since the age of nine. Years of dreams were fulfilled with this film. This film has taught me a lot as an actor. Which I can't even describe properly. Everything is going on in my mind. Bhansali sir brings a magical energy in you. They force you to reach that energy and deliver it. They do it for the picture but in the end the change that comes in the actor is a lifetime change. I think every actor would say that working with him means that you can do anything now. You feel a different empowerment as an actor.
This film talks about the respect and entitlement of women, what are the other issues related to women that you think should be talked about?
This film has touched on so many issues of women empowerment that you will understand if you watch the film. It is a pity that we were talking the same thing in 1960 and we are doing the same thing even today, although a lot of changes have happened now but the conversation has to continue so that one day it comes that we do not have to talk about women empowerment.
Gangubai is also releasing in Telugu What is your view on the increasing dominance of South Industry in Bollywood?
We are Indian film industry. We should be successful in every language. The more actors who work together, the more our industry will progress. We can become the biggest industry in the world. We have so many languages. We have so many story tellers. We have to be united. I do not consider the word danger to be correct. Our population is above 100 crores. Indians live all over the world. We should come to the point that Hollywood movies are afraid of us. Hollywood people should be afraid that hey their picture is being released. We must wait.
Will Hindi films be able to become the first choice of the audience again?
Yes why not let Hindi films come. We haven't had many films in two years. The release of films has just started.
You have got name, money and fame at a very young age, now what do you want from life?
I have to work hard and spend my life in balance. I want to be happy, do such films where I can satisfy my creativity. To work with people who inspire me. I want to spend time with my family. I want to take the holidays too.
How much do you believe in competition?
I think I have passed them all. I don't think there is any competition in creativity. You have to make a good film and support another film. The more successful films we make, our industry will become more powerful. Every good film should work. This is my wish.
Ranbir Kapoor, you are married, there are reports that such news is coming?
You think I would get married and people don't know. Even if I went to the dentist, the whole media gets to know. Whenever Ranbir and I get married, everything will be known. Well Ranbir and I are very happy with each other. Sometimes I also come in front of Ranbir in the avatar of Gangubai. which he likes very much.