"The kissing scene is important. When you see the film you will see why it was needed"
BY REMMA KAUR | MAY 6, 2010
Q. Why did you sign up for 'Badmaash Company'?
A. I was completely and entirely sold on the script when I read it for the first time. I had to read it on my way to London where I was going to for a few days but I finished it in 2 hours. I loved it so much! I immediately called up Adi and told him I was doing the film.
Q. You play Bulbul, the only female Badmaash in the company, how is she?
A. Bulbul is unapologetic, by the way she speaks, by the way she dresses and by the way she behaves with everyone around her. She is aggressive because she is independent, she is straightforward. I think it’s great because she is not pretentious and calls a spade a spade. She is living alone in Mumbai aspiring to be a model. Any girl living alone who is taking care of herself would be able to relate to Bulbul. She is gutsy and takes care of herself.
Q. How similar is Bulbul to Anushka?
A. I think as an actor you should be able to play anything. I identify with a lot of things that Bulbul is. I am very straightforward. I cannot be pressurised, I do things my own way. So I identified with these things of Bulbul.
Q. The film begins in the year 1994, what prep did you do for the film?
A. I spent about 2 months researching on the 90s. The look, the fashions, the music. My computer was filled with photographs from all over the internet It’s so interesting to be in another time, in another space. It was so much fun. In 1994 I was too young to remember anything from that time.
Q. How was it working with the boys in the film?
A. This was my second film, and I was working with people closer to my age. So it was fun because we were travelling together, eating out, watching plays, and we did all of that. So we got along really well and had so much fun. And it is great because our relationship brought about a great chemistry and great dynamics on screen.
Q. How was it working with director Parmeet?
A. For a first time director, he was very self-assured. He knew what he had to do; he did his homework, came on sets and knew what kind of shots he wanted. And he would go back with just that. His vision was very clear. As a person, he developed a rapport with his actors which is very helpful. Most importantly, he was breathing the film. He would never call Shahid by his name, or me or Chang or Vir. We would be out on the streets or at dinner and he would call us by our screen names. I think he was completely absorbed by the film, and the end result is great so kudos for that.
Q. What do you think about the film's soundtrack?
A. I really love the music of the film. The songs are singable. Whether you’re off to work, or just on the highway you would enjoy it. The music had to have the flavor of the 90s, yet look contemporary at the same time. Another feather in Pritam’s hat.
Q. Which is your favourite song from the film?
A. My favorite song is "Jingle Jingle". Every song in the film is taking the story forward. This is the time all four meet, and bonded.
Q. Have you conned anyone in real life?
A. I think I’ve been conning my parents into believing that they have made a great piece and I’m damn good. No I haven’t conned anyone, so it was great doing it in the film. And do it without doing it illegally, in different shots, different lighting.
Q. How was it working with Ahmed, the choreographer?
A. When you see the songs you will see that Ahmed has done a fabulous job again. The film is about four friends, and he has made the songs young, spunky and peppy. And ahmed is really good bringing that out. It's always fun working with Ahmed, it’s a relief.
Q. One moment which is very memorable for you whilst shooting the film?
A. I won’t really talk about a particular moment in the film, but I really feel that this movie was an out an out learning film for me. Because in my first film I was very protected. At that time I didn’t feel it, but now I do. Apart from that this is an ambitious film, there is a growth in characters, relationships between the characters, all that really makes you a true actor. So I have really grown as a person in this film. I am really glad that this film came my way.
Q. You have your first intimate scene in 'Badmaash Company', how was the experience?
A. People might think otherwise, but I can say that this (even though I am doing it for the first time) is the most mechanical thing you can do onscreen. All you are doing is shooting a scene. All of us, the director, the producer, the actors have been honest to the script because it’s a great script. The more honest you are the better film you are going to make. So if the script requires a certain chemistry, or relationship between the actors, we have no option but to do it. And I believe that’s the right approach to it too. I am an actor, I will do everything I need to do to justify a script and justify the character in the script. This particular scene, even though its spoken of as a “kissing scene”, is important to lay down the foundation for these people. The passion that they share, and the relationship they had. When you see the film you will see why it was needed. We had to show a certain degree to which the relationship had progressed.
'Badmaash Company' releases this week on May 7.
Click here to view more movie stills from 'Badmaash Company' in our GALLERY.
