You have a few projects on OTT? Tell us about it
I call myself a “retired housewife.” (Laughs) and have been blessed to be still getting roles. There are two of them currently and a few more in the pipeline. I have shot a cop drama with Parambrata Chatterjee and there is one with Akshay Khanna that is a corporate story. Then there is KGF 2 and a suspense thriller in Telugu. I have tried to maintain a balance between roles. Much like, I did a Bade Biyan Chhote Miyan to an Aks, a Ghulam Mustafa to a Shool.
Have you found it tough to say no?
No. I am not about political correctness. I am honest about things and back then when people asked me if I was dating someone, I would say yes, if I was. I walked out of a relationship at one point in my life and yes it hurts too since you have invested in it. But you have to get back on your feet and move on. When I see people losing themselves over a man or a woman, I feel bad. If someone is toxic, it is important to recognize that and walk away. A supportive family backing you, is always a boon. But you have to learn to value yourself. Like they say “Duniya Mai Aur Bhi Gham Hai Mohabbat ke siwa.” I have never gone to a temple to complain or bribe, I have always gone there to thank God for what I have and what I have been blessed with. I also teach my daughter to ignore nasty comments on social media. We need to focus on the good at all given points in time.
What about film production?
I am a disaster when it comes to that space. I did two movies Pehchaan and Stumped and ended up getting duped. Anil my husband is the producer. I am happy being the creative soul. In fact, I have written a story with Bani J, that has been with me for a while, that will be onscreen soon. I shall reveal details when the time is right. Around 1999- 2000, I remember discussing a story with Onir and he said it was too forward for its time. Now is the time to experiment with these things with OTT exploding into brilliant content.
You are working in South Indian cinema too?
There is no divide between the south and the north these days with talent migrating always. I acted in many south Indian films and I love to work there. I love the food, its people, its culture and the way they work. KGF – 2 is coming up, then I have a Telugu film with Anand Deverekonda, Vijay Deverekonda brother. In the past I have worked with Kamalahaasan jee in Abhay and with Venky in Taqdeerwala. Also, the Ghazi attack that starred Rana Daggubatti was our film.
The OTT series you have enjoyed watching?
From our Hindi web series stable, I watched Panchayat. It was a little slow initially and then I was hooked and am waiting for season 2. As for Family Man, I messaged Manoj and first apologized that I had watched it pretty late and then told him that I binged watched both seasons back to back! I told him that I have got a hangover now and need Season 3. He laughed so much! The boys who directed the series are really good. I watched Delhi Crime and then Criminal Justice and loved both of them.
So many of your songs have been remixed? How do you see them?
I love it. When each time a song of mine is remixed, be it Mast Mast, Sheher ki ladki or Tip Tip, there is a recall of the original. I like all versions of the songs since they are all tributes to the original. As for Andaz Apna Apna, I have heard that for the past 10 years they are planning a remake!