Royal challenge

Tell us about Ira,the character you have portrayed in ‘Chaurahen’.

Like many young confident girls,Ira,the character is unafraid of the future and all its questions. She does not hold onto the past and is fun,impulsive and carefree. I enjoyed playing her then and I will enjoy watching her on screen now. I could relate to her very well.

How do you look back on your interactions with Rajashree Ojha as director,colleague and woman?

Rajashree and I were both very new to feature films when we started the film. We have become friends now and over the course of shooting for ‘Chaurahen’. She is a driven and talented director and one who has deservedly won a student Oscar and we will be seeing much more of her now!

What made you accept the role and the film considering the storyline sounds depressing –– coping with the death of a close one?

I accepted the role because it was one that I could relate to –– a young student on the verge of things.. about to embark on a career,dealing with the confusion that comes with moving on from college to professional life and leaving behind things and people. Her boy-friend is coping with loss and grief but her personality is so full of life and optimism that I felt it would be an interesting juxtaposition.

How did you find working with a comparative newcomer as your romantic interest in the film?

I always enjoyed working with professional actors who come to the set on time,learn their lines and are generous and cooperative… Ankur Khanna and I were equally new to acting during ‘Chaurahen’. In fact,he was an older hand at it having done Amu with Konkona Sen Sharma! We worked well together and were comfortable with each other.

What films are you working in right now and what are your characters in them?

The film I shoot next is ‘Sahib Biwi Aur Gangster 2’. In this,I play a young and tormented bride but there are many levels of deception and intrigue and no one is what they appear to be on the surface. My character will keep you guessing till the end.

Are there any more projects?

‘Midnights Children’ and ‘Chemistry’ are complete and in post-production. These should release later this year.

Did you,at any time,feel any pressure for being the daughter of a legendary actress who is still going strong?

Not really. I think people know I am doing my own thing –– carving out an identity of my own.

What about on the professional front?

Thank heavens Amma (Sharmila Tagore) and I could never compete for the same roles! I am hugely proud of her accomplishments and privileged to be her daughter. On the professional front,our work,our identities and pursuits are completely independent.

You have never been in the cut-throat race for numbers and rankings in the film industry. Why?

Films and acting are primarily linked to art for me and then a business. As long as I feel creatively satisfied with my work,as long as I am being challenged as an actor and getting the opportunity to work with talented directors and co-actors I am happy.