The reel truth

“The book is so warm,it’s like different slices of life. In fact,the story can easily be turned into a film,” she says. If she were given the chance to portray a character,she’d pick the 73-year-old army man who falls in love. “I think as we start aging,our children take us for granted. It’s like the end of life,and almost like junior artistes who are only supposed to do certain things,” she expresses.

Azmi has been on a hiatus post Delhi 6. “I am very picky and choosy about the projects that I am taking up now. I want to work with independent filmmakers and take up different roles,not the run-of-the-mill kinds,” she shares. Unlike the time when she started her career with television,Azmi feels that the sector is now in a slump. “Acting is not just about holding an expression. I think the television content has changed a lot from what it was some 10 years back. Nowadays,one plot is taken and sensationalised beyond belief. It has become generic. The ‘what works category’ is overused. But I shouldn’t be moral policing as it seems like this is what the audience likes,” she feels.

Recalling her days as the doctor in Lifeline,she says,“After my role in Lifeline,doctors came to me and said that they took up the profession as they were inspired by my character! This,for me,was a huge compliment,” she smiles and adds that she would like to continue to do roles that have some depth.

Though television is being handled differently today,Azmi believes that the focus should be on the connection with the audience,as that is most important. “I think it’s essential to know what the audience is looking for. When I did Family Number 1 ,my role was really appreciated,” she says.

Mention theatre and the actor immediately says that the performing arts are a real challenge. “I salute the people who do theatre. It’s a marvel. If I were to do theatre,I would first like to be trained by someone like Vijaya Mehta. The language of theatre and the repute it has is really unbendable and one needs some real skills to deliver well in that arena,” she concludes.