>> TWINKLE NEVER WANTED TO BECOME AN ACTOR,

How do you see Akshay’s transformation — as an actor — in the last few years?

It may sound strange but I think it’s in his genes because I have noticed that he as well as his sister are very quick learners. I have seen both of them evolving completely — from their comfort zone to being the people that they were meant to be. So I think he is blessed that way as it’s also to do with one’s upbringing.

Pad Man’s topic is very taboo. What was your reaction when it came to making a film on it?

We decided to take up this topic primarily because it’s such a taboo. We hide sanitary pads in newspapers, put it in black plastic bags and even hide it from our spouses. If you ask Indian men how much do they really know about what their sister, wife and mother use, they won’t know much. Even women don’t bring this up. Over the years, we have been conditioned to feel that this is something that we should be embarrassed about, when it is just a simple biological function. So I didn’t have any hesitation.

Akshay has a very macho image. Was there any apprehension about him taking up such a film?

It is very surprising that we didn’t even have a discussion or any apprehension. Once we connected to the project, there was no anxiety about him wearing the sanitary pads or even the pink underwear. In fact, it was a very clear vision right from the beginning when we conceptualised the movie. I don’t think there was any ambiguity about whether we were going to show that or how it was going to affect his image. I don’t think it has. Look at the response. I don’t think it’s been taken in a negative manner of any sort.

Was a film (based on a chapter from her book, The Legend of Lakshmi Prasad) always on your mind, even when you were writing the story?

Definitely! Once I was halfway through, it was clear that if we wanted thi [topic] to travel further, then we would have to use cinema. In India, there are only two mediums that cut across religion and culture — cricket and cinema. Cricketers already have their own pads, so I thought it’s time our movie stars also got some.

You are Rajesh Khanna and Dimple Kapadia’s daughter; and started as an actor. In that sense, is there even an iota of regret that you could have achieved a lot more as an actor?

I would say that since I was their child, I became an actor; it was never my ambition. I wanted to become a chartered account and I was also writing at the same time. Sometimes, a doctor may feel that his child should also become a doctor. The same goes for our business, so our parents also feel that this is the right option. Also, I look like a conventional heroine, so it was easier to get work, but I feel it’s the opposite. I was interested in academics but had to leave college and B.Com midway. So, I regret the fact that I could not finish my degree and become a graduate. My sister (Rinke) got an opportunity to study abroad but I didn’t as I had to work at that point. So, my regrets are the opposite.

After Pad Man, are you planning another film as a producer?

Turning a producer wasn’t part of a plan. I found a compelling story and decided to back it. If I find another compelling story, something that completely enraptures me, then I will produce it. I didn’t plan it as such. It wasn’t a career decision but more of a decision of the heart.

As a debutant producer, what do you want from the film?

One thing that I really looked forward to was the conversation, and that has already started. The other thing that we, of course, want is critical acclaim. Also, we hope it does well too, as then our industry would be interested in making [such] films. Sometimes, people want pure entertainment but there should also be movies that alter mindsets. Right now, more than anything else, what we are looking at is reaching the finish line.

If I find another compelling story tomorrow, something that completely enraptures me, then I will produce it. TWINKLE KHANNA, WRITERPRODUCER