`Each role is a challenge'
Liza George
I'm not an activist or feminist, I'm just happy if my movies can make a difference.
Photo: V. Sreenivasa Murthy
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Seema Biswas prefers to let her roles do the talking.
Seema Biswas hit the limelight with an award-winning performance as Shekar Kapoor's, `Bandit Queen.' She followed it up as a maid in `Bhoot,' a cop in `Ek Hasina Thi' and as a nun in `Kaya Taran.' Roles that showcased her histrionic skills and set her apart as an actress to look out for. An alumni of the National School of Drama, Seema avers that she prefers to pick and choose her roles. She continues to make her presence felt with roles of substance, including the one in Deepa Mehta's `Water.' Seema, who enacted the character that was initially earmarked for Shabana Azmi, plays a no-nonsense widow, Shakunthala, who befriends an eight-year-old child widow who is brought to their ashram.
In Thiruvananthapuram for the premiere screening of `Water' in India, which was the inaugural film of the International Film Festival of Kerala, shy and soft-spoken, Seema Biswas, spoke to Friday Review, in an exclusive interview. Excerpts.
How challenging was the role in `Water'?
Each role is a challenge. I am always nervous before I start a film. My main aim is to do justice to the role, so I concentrate on the character I am playing, and then execute the role. I don't compare my previous work with the new role. Deepa [Mehta] asked me to do the role. Though I was aware of the controversies surrounding the movie, I went ahead. The movie was not targeting anything. If you can make movies on rape, kidnapping and the underworld, then why not this? I'm not an activist or feminist, I'm happy if my movies can make a difference.
How was the experience of working with the unit?
I was lucky to be part of the unit. From the director to the producer, the actors to the technical department, all were full of life, hard working and good at their work. John Abraham (who plays Narayanan in `Water') was great to work with. He has no airs.
You played the role of a nun helping a child cope with the after effects of the anti-Sikh riots in 1984, in Shashi Kumar's, `Kaya Taran.'
It was a character close to my heart. I liked the subject, as it was real. The story was a lot like `Water.' It dealt with human feelings and had no propaganda. I am yet to see the movie, though.
You have done a couple of Malayalam movies.
Yes, I have done two with Jayaraj, `Shantam' and `Bheebalsa'. He is a great director.
Do you watch Malayalam movies?
When there was only DD1 and DD2, my family and I would wait for Sundays to watch the regional movies, especially Malayalam. Malayalam movies have a sensible story line. My favourite is `Shantam.'
You are doing a Tamil movie..?
Yes. It is for Radaan. I found the script interesting. The movie is called `Thalaimagan.' It has a good social message and yet has enough commercial elements. I play a bad cop in the movie. Sharath Kumar is my co-star, Radhika, the producer and the director's Balaji. I'm thrilled about working with Sharath. I have always wanted to work with him.
Do you find doing movies in other languages a problem?
I find Tamil tough. Malayalam is comparatively easy. I was tense while portraying the cop, but then I work best under pressure.
How do you choose your roles?
I go by the script. Some depends on the directors or the co artistes, and others on the role. Most of all, I trust my instinct.
Most of your movies were based on real-life incidents. `Bandit Queen', `Shantam,' `Kaya Taran'...
It's a coincidence. I enjoy doing fiction and non-fictional movies. If the script is interesting and appeals to me, I do it. I prepare the roles according to the script. It's all mental preparation. For instance in `Kaya Taran,' Shashi explained the character to me and I portrayed the role accordingly. In `Bandit Queen' I was not allowed to meet Phoolan Devi and the director said there was no need for it.
Is there any particular director you enjoy working with?
I enjoyed working with all. Jayaraj, Shekar Kapoor, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, all have their unique style of direction.
Your new projects?
Well, I have `Vivaha' under Rajashree production. It is a family drama. I play one of the family members. `Kaaran' directed by Manoj, and of course the Tamil movie by Radaan.
Any role you wish you could have done?
I would have loved to play the role Rani [Mukerjee] played in `Black,' then Shabana's role in `Godmother,' and of course `Mother India.'
Most of the movies today have men playing the lead and women playing second fiddle...
It's sad that there are no women oriented roles. I guess it's because we are living in an age where society is still patriarchal. I was lucky to get `Bandit Queen.'
Yet most of your movies are centred on women.
It was coincidence and not a conscious effort. I read the roles and liked them. When `Water' came to me, I read the script and liked it. I wanted to work with Deepa, so I grabbed it.
You started your career in theatre. Any plays this year?
No. Theatre is my first love and I do try to do at least one play a year, but was unable to this year.
What do you do in your spare time?
I'm a homebound person. I enjoy gardening, doing housework. I also enjoy music. I love Indian classical music. Ghulam Ali, is a favourite. When I am in the mood, I sit back to enjoy instrumental music, especially the saxophone.
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