‘I want more variety’

I know I can do more and hope filmmakers think of me for “different kind of roles”. PRACHEE SHAH PAANDYA, ACTOR

Kathak dancer and actor Prachee Shah Paandya is excited about playing a Muslim mother in her upcoming film. She has played a mother in ABCD 2 (2015) and Judwaa 2 (2017), and admits, she has been lucky with the kind of films she has done, but wants more variety in her roles.

She says, “Getting a new aspect to a mother’s role is thrilling. I have never played a Muslim in my entire career. Nine out of 10 roles offered to me are of a mother and when they are in brilliant setups and have stuff for me to do, I take them up. In the last five years, I have done 10 films, so even if I get the role of a mother, why would I not want to be part of a big film? Even if they are cameos or four to five scenes as I have never done a film just to be a part of it. But the problem is that, once you play a mother, the industry doesn’t consider you for other roles. Most actors face this problem. And while I am glad for the roles that I have done, I know I can do more and hope filmmakers think of me for “different kind of roles”. To be able to do something different, one should get those roles too.”

While speaking up, Prachee adds she is happy to be part of TV shows where her role is pivotal to the plot, even if she plays “a mother” in it. “All I am saying is the substance in a role matters. I don’t look 16 or 18 and I don’t want to either. I look up to artistes like Hema Malini, Kirron Kher and the late Reema Lagoo. They always looked so dignified and classy. Today, cinema is progressing and we see films being made on a variety of subjects, but when it comes to casting, there are certain actors people think of. Like I love what Divya Dutta does but even she gets slotted into certain kind of roles. I have been blessed to get good offers, but I wish I get more variety in roles,” she signs off.