And Danny Boyle wasn’t just trying to make a statement. A different Ash in each of her ventures — that’s what Aishwarya Rai Bachchan aims for, even if it’s a minuscule role in a Hollywood film.
Your latest Hollywood outing sees you in an avatar which is far from your leading lady image...
It’s not about whether I’m the leading lady in a project or who my co-star is. For me, the film-maker, script and role are deciding factors. And I have always tried to defy the obvious and test myriad characters. That’s why there’s an Iruvar, Josh, Khakee, Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai, Devdas, Raincoat, Chokher Bali and Shabd to name a few. As they have been saying in the West, ‘She is not house-hunting in Hollywood’. In fact, I’ve never done that. I’ve not gone to them looking for work.
Could you be explicit about your character, Sonia, in the Hollywood flick?
The role is in keeping with the film’s genre. It is a Clouseau vehicle and not an acting piece. Sonia is pivotal to the drama. But if you ask if the story revolves around her, the answer would be in the negative. In fact, all the other members of the cast other than Clouseau, are character actors here. The ensemble cast is fantastic. It’s like a Chaplin or a Laurel Hardy comedy.
What will be your response to detractors calling your role in the film a blink-and-miss one?
It would be a ridiculous response from those who know about the Pink Panther series. And for those who don’t, I would say that if they’ve accepted me in a Khakee and a Mohabbatein and weren’t so myopic then, why do they have to do it now? It’s just cinema.
Is it pressurising for you to choose the right project?
We, actors are very greedy. We’d love to do it all. Variety excites us. I’m blessed that I’m spoilt for choice in terms of projects. Time, schedule, the combo of script, role, film-maker and sometimes, my instinct, determine whether or not I’ll give my nod to a project.
What’s your take on Abhishek’s Delhi 6 and his on your next international release?
I enjoyed the latest from his stable. It speaks of an issue without being too heavy. We keep discussing how both films have a fantastic ensemble cast.
So, who do you think Abhishek rocks with on screen?
I’ve never got down to looking at it that way. Come to think of it, we both have been paired the maximum together. You know, apart from many factors, availability also becomes a criterion in such cases.
And what do you have to say about the Slumdog Millionaire bashing?
I haven’t yet watched SM, thanks to my schedule. But I’d say, it’s just a movie. Danny Boyle wasn’t trying to make a statement. It’s an international film after all, and you have to acknowledge Danny. And we are happy about Rahman, Resul and Gulzar saab. It’s time we applaud and appreciate an accomplishment.
What about Bengali ventures?
Well, Rituda has been trying to meet me during my stay here. In fact, I’m always open to working with him. He keeps talking about his ideas with me and there’s an idea that we are discussing.
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