No greater magic than watch curtains go up

From Aunt Rose in Zubeida to Shabana in Gaddar Ek Prem Katha to Jaswinder ‘Jazz’ Kapoor in Kal Ho Naa Ho, she has always left an indelible impression on viewers with her effortless and impactful performances. And this has not been limited to the silver screen alone. She has enthralled audiences in innumerable plays too, both as an actor and a director. In an exclusive interview, LILLETE DUBEY talks to SAURABH TANKHA about her love for theatre, the status of small screen in India, what she does when not breathing entertainment, her
life and more…

My soul belongs to theatre
I used to participate in stage plays in school and college, but just as a hobby. This experience moved me to Barry John Acting School. When I was in my early 20s, I got a lot of feelers from Mumbai filmmakers due to my powerful performance but dad wasn’t interested in my getting into films. I wasn’t very keen either. Soon, I got married; life changed but I continued with theatre, did some modelling assignments and anchored a few English programmes on All India Radio. And was quite content doing so.
Theatre is a human interaction performance art. The beauty of performing art is a shared experience. There is energy between people who perform or narrate and people who listen or watch – this energy flow binds them together. If you want to watch a play, get to an auditorium. For me, there is no greater magic than watch the curtains go up.
My heart and soul will always belong to theatre. The work and experiments you can do in theatre are unmatched. Now we see it happening in web series as well. I come from a non-filmi family where no one was into theatre and films. Till 10 years of age, I hadn’t seen a single movie. Watching a movie was akin to a big celebration for us.

Theatre is a human interaction performance art. The beauty of performing art is a shared experience. An energy flow binds the people who perform or narrate and people who listen or watch

Things happen when you have a passion for them. I owe it to Barry John who lit that passion in me when I was a teenager. In this profession, you get a chance to perfect yourself not once, but over and over again. You need to aspire for something better with every assignment; you must go a notch higher each time and that’s what I try too. The day I feel I’ve done my best is when I’ll pack my bags and leave the acting world.
I feel one needs to be true to self and not be afraid of experimenting. That’s how you can make your mark and people begin recognising and appreciating your work. A filmmaker saying that a particular subject won’t work is just an excuse. As a filmmaker, it is his/ her duty to ensure the audiences get fully engaged in the work, and understand what is being conveyed. It is my job to make it interesting and engaging.

I go by the script and what that character is about. My way is to crack a scene by rehearsing it out with my co-actors a few times. Also, what my relationships are with other characters in the play or movie

Prepping for a role
I go by the script and what that character is all about. My way is to crack a scene by rehearsing it out with my co-actors a few times. Also, what my relationships are with other characters in the play or movie. Once I’m doing it on stage or giving a shot, I do it spontaneously. I prefer tapping into the emotion rather than the character. I always do it my way and not try to emulate anyone. There have been actresses and their qualities I’ve admired but I’ve never wanted to be someone. The idea is to retain your individuality.

Television, a mediocre medium
The content created on television back then is seas apart from what is being aired these days. Though television gives work to a lot of actors, directors and other technicians – and I’m grateful for it as it keeps the fire in their chulhas burning – I don’t find it interesting. As a medium of content, it is mediocre. Television could have been such a fantastic medium and done what OTT is now doing. Television didn’t realise its potential and, I guess, it is now too late now.

I may be a part of films, theatre or television but I choose to remain isolated in real life. I work, come back and switch off. I love reading though these days I don’t get time to read as much as I want to

When not breathing entertainment…
I may be a part of films, theatre or television but I choose to remain isolated in real life. I work, come back and switch off. It is only recently that I got onto social media as it is a good way to let others know that I’m working and open to new projects. In fact, most posts on my social media are work-related. Otherwise, I’m a private person.
I love reading though these days I don’t get time to read as much as I want to. I’m also fond of playing Bridge, doing crossword puzzles and playing scrabble. I’ve a desire to go back to learning classical music which I learnt for around six years as a youngster.

Memoirs on theatre life
Around three years ago, a publishing house approached and requested me to sign a three book deal with them. Apparently, they had seen a few articles I’d written, including the one on Girish Karnad’s demise. I wasn’t sure as they wanted me to pen an autobiography and a fiction book. It was during lockdown last year that I did a re-think and decided to write a memoir of my theatre journey. I like to challenge myself  by doing different things.

Balancing between professional and personal life
One needs to keep a balance in work and personal life, and work on priorities. I remember the time when Monsoon Wedding won the Golden Lion at Venice. It was a big achievement as an Indian film had won a Golden Lion after over five decades. But I couldn’t go as my daughter, then 17, was joining Yale University. I could either be with her or in Venice. Everyone told me that I should be in Venice, but I chose to be with my daughter. Such times don’t come again.

I’m looking forward to Tryst With Destiny by Prashant Nair (of Umrika fame). It is an interesting take on the three words uttered by Nehru and where we stand almost 75 years later

Looking forward
One of my films, Americanish, releases today (May 23) at the CAAMFest (Centre for American Asian Media Festival). It has been written by an American Muslim girl, directed by an Egyptian American Muslim director and shot by a talented gay White girl. It is based on a very provocatively titled play called Dirty Paki Lingerie.
I’m looking forward to Tryst With Destiny, a film directed by Prashant Nair (of Umrika fame) with Victor Banerjee as my co-actor once again. It is an interesting take on the three words uttered by Jawaharlal Nehru during his midnight speech on the intervening night of August 14-15, and where we stand almost 75 years later. It is about three different classes and aspects of India. The makers are still contemplating on whether to release it online or wait for conditions to normalise as they are keen on a theatrical release.
Then there is a six episode series, Call My Agent, which will be released on an OTT platform soon. I’ve a star appearance in one of the episodes. I’m playing myself, but the part has been dramatised and exaggerated as well.
I’ve just finished shooting, Blind, a thriller feature film based on a Korean movie. Produced by Sujoy Ghosh and directed by Shome Makhija, it has Sonam Kapoor playing a blind cop. I’m also looking forward to the second season of Qubool Hain. Also, the shooting for Divorce Indian Style will begin in September-October.