Mishti Chakraborty has big hopes from Begum Jaan

Mishti Chakraborty, who made her debut in Bollywood with Subhash Ghai’s, Kaanchi, will now be seen in Begum Jaan, starring with the likes of Vidya Balan and Ila Arun. For someone whose films including Great Grand Masti have failed to impress the audience, Mishti believes that staying grounded and waiting for the best of opportunities is going to work the best for her. In a long chat, the actress talks more about playing a prostitute on screen and working with Vidya Balan.

Excerpts:

Kaanchi and Great Grand Masti didn’t work, are you banking on Begum Jaan now?
Well, whatever I am doing so far, however little it may be, is definitely because of Kaanchi. I believe one should be well grounded to their roots to touch the sky. I definitely have big hopes from Begum Jaan. It’s the kind of film that I always wanted to do.

Tell us something about your role in the film?
The name of my character is Shabnam. This is a pretty different and secluded character from the rest. I’m there yet detached. My character lends an interesting angle as well as turning point to the film. To know why and how, you will have to wait till 14th April for the release.

Whom did you bond the best  on the sets? Naseer or Vidya?
Vidya has a spectacular bond with all the girls. With me, it was a little more special since we shared scenes where she had to portray great emotions and maternal instinct. She actually cried during the scene in the trailer in which she’s seen slapping me. So, we have shared moments that will remain unforgettable. The closest person to me was Ila Arun ji. Since we had to stay together during major part of the film, we bonded equally well on-screen as well as off-screen.

Weren’t you apprehensive of playing a prostitute on screen?
I don’t understand apprehension. I believe an actor with inhibitions is not an actor at all. When you are focused on perfecting the form of art, you must shed your inhibitions and live the character you are playing. Also, I cannot always expect to play what I am in real life. What shall I act then?

Weren’t you conscious of working in a female ensemble film especially when Vidya Balan is the face of the film?
Begum Jaan is the first film where I have willingly shifted from doing lead characters to a character which is more substantial than many leads. It is definitely in moments like this when you rise above the pettiness of being a heroine and grow as an actor. Director Srijit Mukerjee has chosen the cast very intelligently by allowing everyone to showcase their best and Vidya is one legend of an actress. You can only be inspired by her and fall in love with her.

Despite doing films down south, your Bollywood career seems to be little shaky, what do you think?
Yes, I agree. Despite doing extremely well down south, Bollywood goes a bit slow for me. Bollywood is not a slice of cake and we all know that. Despite several desperate attempts, 95 per cent of the people fail to fetch good projects here. That way, I have been extremely lucky to have the advantage of working with all big names in a short span of two years.

Are you picky or films aren’t coming your way?
Haha... well, I think I am too picky. I reject at least 5 films every month. But in a way, the second statement is correct too. I’m rejecting obviously because I’m not getting the kind of projects that I want and perhaps I’m not getting my kind of projects because of my previous flops. Here people are judged by their success and there’s nothing wrong in that. It is also about business after all, but it is art for me. I don’t want to bind my mind by such shallow thoughts.

What about your other two films with Subhash Ghai?
Well, that you will have to ask Subhash ji himself whether he will make a movie that requires a character that shall suit me. I can just hope that he does and I get to re-live the golden days again.