Nothing less than a ‘meaty role’ will do for Kirron

One of the most popular on-screen mothers in Bollywood, Kirron Kher hasn’t acted in films for almost three years now. A Member of Parliament from Chandigarh, Kirron says, “I’ve been very busy with my commitment to my constituency and to the Parliament. So, I don’t have time to work in films.”

But her time away from the big screen isn’t stopping filmmakers from approaching her with roles. “I have not only read scripts, but said no to two films in the last three years. I know one of them Shabana [Azmi] has done. It’s a film called Idgah, which is an adaptation of Premchand’s short story. I was asked to be a part of it. The makers needed dates at a time when I could not do that,” says Kirron, adding that “kuch itna exciting nahi aaya (but nothing extremely exciting has come my way).”

The actor-politician hasn’t given up the idea of acting altogether, and says that if “something substantial” comes her way, she would definitely try taking it up. “If a very meaty and major role, which I’d love to do, [is offered] then, of course, one can make time for that. But it should be something extraordinary at this point for me to say yes to do it,” she asserts.

Besides films, Kirron has also spread her magic on the small screen as a judge on realty show, India’s Got Talent (IGT). Sharing an innate love for television, she says, “I started with TV before I did films. So for me, they (TV and films) are both different [media] but a part of the same industry. And, I’m equally close to both.”

About judging the show, she says that she “truly loves” it. “It requires less time for me to do that — only 21 days spread over four months. So, it’s easier than a film, which demands [at least] 25-30 days at a stretch. And that takes me away from Parliament and my constituency and that’s difficult to manage. But IGT lets me connect with the people of India — youngsters, participants from remote areas — and I enjoy seeing the wonderful talent,” says Kirron.

ActorMP Kirron Kher says she’s keeping busy with her commitment to her constituency Chandigarh and to the Parliament, but if an extraordinary film role is offered, one can make time for that