Family Drama

Sharman Joshi: I play Randhirji and Rekhaji‘s grandson who was born and brought up in India. At the age of 10, he shifts abroad and returns after 15-20 years to visit his family. He notices that his nani is not getting the respect that she deserves and hence encourages her to stand up for her rights, her dignity and put the other family members in their place. The film has a lot of drama and comedy, something that Induji (director Indra Kumar) is known for.

Shweta Kumar: Before signing me for the role of Riya, my dad (director Indra Kumar) shot a show reel with me. It was like a screen-test. Only after seeing that I fitted the part, did he decide to cast me in the film.Though I have always wanted to act in films, I was a little sceptical about telling my family about my dream. After dad signed me for Super Nani, I told him that I wanted to make acting my career. I play Sharman’s love interest and Rekhaji‘s neighbour.

Working With Veterans

Indra Kumar: I had Rekhaji in mind when I was writing the script of Super Nani and I was delighted when she agreed to do it. She plays a pivotal role in the film, one where she starts off as an elderly, helpless woman who later transforms into a diva. I consider myself lucky that she did my film. As for Randhirji, it was Rekhaji‘s suggestion that I approach him. I liked the idea as he looks like an authoritative and dominating husband. He also loved the subject.

RK: I have worked with Rekha in almost 18 films earlier and like always, it was a great experience. She is one of our finest actresses and it was a pleasure working with her again after so many years. She has not changed a bit as a person, and still has a child-like quality in her.

SJ: I am working with Rekhaji, Randhirji and Induji for the first time. I was to do Masti and Dhamaal with Induji, but things did not work out, so with Super Nani, I finally got the chance to work with him. He has been making films for almost 30 years and has an enviable success rate.
The best part is that he is so humble and leaves no stone unturned to make sure his project turns out the way he has visualised it. I got to learn a lot from all of them. Dabooji was the life of the team as he is very forthright and does not mince words. Seeing him interact with Rekhaji was interesting as they have been friends for years. For us, they are legends and their casual banter was great to watch. I must mention that Rekhaji was my first on-screen crush. I loved her in Mr. Natwarlal, Khoobsurat. For that matter, all her films. Even at this age, she’s disciplined and hard working. There’s is a lot to learn from her. Then there was Shweta, she’s not a veteran (laughs) but I had to be careful with what I told her as she is Induji‘s daughter!

SK: I was very fortunate to work with so many talented and versatile actors and got the chance to learn from all of them.

Message for the audience

IK: The film talks about respecting people around us, mainly our mothers and wives. And it also points out that there is always a new beginning for everyone, whatever the age.

RK: Like Indra Kumar says, women folk must be respected and given their rightful due.

SJ: The best thing about the film is that the message is conveyed in an entertaining manner. Super Nani is also futurist in terms of the stance that the nani (Rekha) eventually takes to bring the family in line.

SK: I feel that women are taken for granted even in today’s day and age but if they become independent financially, they can hold their head high, whether it is within the confines of their homes or outside it.

Expectations from the project

IK: My distributors convinced me that my film is a clean family entertainer. That’s why I decided to come on October 31 a week after Shah Rukh Khan’s Happy New Year. Basically the goal is to spread a strong message. The film is not a money making proposition for me.

SJ: I am just fortunate to be a part of this film and this prestigious banner of Induji and Ashokji (Thackeria). I have seen almost all their films, right from Dil, Beta, Ishq to Grand Masti.

Looking Forward To

IK: I shall take a three month sabbatical before I think of making another film. There may be a possibility of making a sequel to Grand Masti in the distant future, but nothing for now.

RK: I am quite excited about Ameesha Patel’s home production Desi Magic.

SJ: I have the play Raju Raja Ram Aur Main. Then there’s Vikram Bhatt’s home production 1920 which releases in March/ April next year.

namita.nivas@expressindia.com