Anushka Sharma is well aware of her charms — on screen and off it. She is also aware that it will fade one day or the other. But until that happens, she is going to take each day as a gift and each road block as an opportunity to excel. Ahead of her second stint as producer, the multi-tasker talks about being a woman in a man’s world. Excerpts from an interview:
On donning multiple hats
Phillauri is my second film as a producer and actor. As an actor, the only expectations that people have from you are to reach on time and perform to the best of your ability. We just need to put on our costumes, makeup and give our best in acting. However, as a producer, the responsibility is double. It’s teamwork at the end of the day and we all need to be on the same page. Since Karnesh (the co-producer) and I are siblings, the trust factor was definitely more. Also, having known each other since childhood, we think alike. I like to discuss things pertaining to my film with someone outside the industry and Karnesh has always been my go-to person. We do not belong to this industry, so I feel the process has to be different and fresh. I’m the kind of person who becomes more energetic and responsible when I’m given more workload. Undeniably, producing films is challenging indeed.
Being a producer
I had never thought of venturing into production. But I listen to my inner voice. So when the thought of turning producer took shape in my mind, I knew I had to do it and I just decided to take the plunge. I gave it my 100 per cent. In the future too, if I get an idea about dabbling into any other sphere of filmmaking, I shall go ahead with it. I love writing; it gives a creative exhilaration to my thought process. Having said that, I am not planning to turn writer. Ab aage dekhenge — if any good story comes to my mind. Because you never know.
Trials of filmdom
We live in a man’s world where women face challenges at every step. It hasn’t been a cakewalk for me to work in the film industry as a woman. But with the support of my brother Karnesh, we have made it. I think I have made the best use of my popularity in the industry. This was the right time for me to start my own production house because I have established myself as an actor. The corporate producers can trust me. Most of my films have been successful, except Bombay Velvet. So, I could take advantage of the image that I have created in Bollywood.
It’s all in the family
I would have not been here without my family’s support. My parents have supported me but my brother Karnesh has always stood by me. Being in the Merchant Navy, he would keep travelling but still support me in all my decisions. Without him, nothing would have been possible. Family support for me is paramount.
Keeping her head on her shoulders
I entered the film arena when I was just 19. It’s been almost ten years. I am a very simple person and don’t consider any work as low or high. If I am asked to clean a table, I will do it wholeheartedly. I don’t think cleaning a table is beneath my status. I handle stardom the same way. We all know that it’s not permanent. We have achieved it to lose it someday or the other. I think it is great for Salman, Shah Rukh and Aamir Khan to be so grounded. No one in the industry has ever achieved the kind of stardom that these three Khans have. But even today, the dedication and sincerity I see in all of them is incredible. Stardom is transitory and we should know how to handle it. The three Khans still work with the same enthusiasm, dedication and work ethics to be able to make their stardom last. I need to take my craft seriously.
The woman card
I don’t like playing the second fiddle. Nobody needs to play the second fiddle, be it man or woman. Whether in a relationship or at the work place, each person should be treated alike, irrespective of gender.
Dear men, watch and learn
There is no need for a woman of today to be docile and subservient. In fact, there has to be a drastic change in people’s mindset; especially the boys today should think differently. It all depends on their upbringing. My dad and brothers’ upbringing has been such that they consider women to be able to take any decision and pursue any work. If a similar upbringing is given to the modern generation, especially boys, I am sure their mindset will change towards women for good.
