‘THE FILM INDUSTRY IS A HUGE LEVELLER’
Anushka Sharma has become ‘more comfortable in her skin’ thanks to her roles so far; says she and husband, Virat Kohli, are very ‘simple and normal’
From the outside, many may feel that Anushka Sharma’s journey in Bollywood has been nothing less than a dreamcome-true. But as she completes a decade in the industry, Anushka maintains that her illustrious journey so far has had several moments of anxiety and self-discovery. “I do feel more confident in front of the camera now, but the biggest thing about creativity is being in the present moment, and that’s how I feel too,” says the actor, as she talks about her life, career, and her new film, Sui Dhaaga — Made In India.
From Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (2008) to Sui Dhaaga, it has been quite a decade for you...
Honestly, I feel you learn from whatever happens in your past and then it becomes a part of your present. So, I don’t think dwelling too much into your past, is a healthy thing. I believe that I have grown into the person that I am today because of the kind of work I have done in the last decade. In fact, I am very grateful for this journey because no place teaches you the way this industry does as it really tests you and your conscience in so many ways. So, to be able to rise above that and maintain your personality, principles as well as beliefs, and create a niche for yourself makes you very happy. This industry is a huge leveller and at the same time, it’s a place where you get what you deserve.
You recently mentioned that you used to be much more anxious when you entered the industry, as compared to now...
I started working very early — at the age of 19 I guess — so I was obviously very anxious. I was starting a new career and
getting into a completely new industry, which is probably the most demanding one in our country. Plus, I entered the industry on my own. When I did, I was still a teenager and I was still growing up. Also, I was actually suffering from anxiety back then, so I would always overcompensate by being talkative and bubbly. Then, I realised it few years ago, ‘This is not actually who I am’, and I realised that I was just trying to compensate for my awkwardness.
How did you then get over that awkwardness and anxiety?
I think I became more and more comfortable in my skin because of the roles that I chose to do. They were so demanding that I had to internalise a lot and that also led me to understand my own personality. I realised that I am not this person. I am not someone who is very social; instead I am a bit of a recluse. But ultimately, that’s my personality. Now, I think my anxiety isn’t there and it’s all because of the deeper understanding I have had of myself through the different roles that I have played.
Talking shop, your new film, Sui Dhaaga seems to have put you in a very unique space...
It was very exciting. For me, as an actor, it’s very important to be able to keep changing the way I am in my films. I think, so far, I have been very fortunate that I have also been given [such] opportunities. If you take out just the thumbnails of my past six to seven films, you will see specifically different characters. That’s such an exciting thing because as an actor, you want people to look at you and be like, ‘isne iss baar kuch alag kiya hai’. I am so happy that I’ve done such a film, which showcases me in a diametrically different avatar from who I am as a person in real life.
So, would your say that this particular film is as challenging or as you say, ‘kuch alag’?
I think Pari and now, Sui Dhaaga have been my most challenging films. Sui Dhaaga has me playing someone who is extremely passive by nature, but that’s not how I am as a person. My personal instincts are very different from those of my character’s. At the same time, Mamta, my character, has to feel everything and she has a very strong voice. But all of it had to be showcased without the crutches of words and dialogues. That’s what made it very challenging for me. Also, Mamta’s personal characteristics go against my basic human instincts.
It goes without saying that people as well as media’s interest in your personal life has always been high, even though you constantly maintain privacy.
You know, even in my private set-up, I don’t discuss my personal life, even with people whom I am really close to. So, there doesn’t have to be a camera, or an interviewer for me to be protective of my personal life. No matter what, I am and will always be that way. Even if I was not an actor, I would not have talked about my personal life. That’s who I am and that’s exactly what reflects in my public image also. I really need to keep some part of my life to myself and that’s the only way it will feel real. The minute you put it out in the public domain, it feels fake. I value the people in my life and the equations that I share with them. So, I’ll never make a big show of things. Some things have to remain sacred. I can’t use everything for my public image because it would feel as if I am using those things.
But is it easier said than done considering there is such intense and constant focus on your life — personal and professional?
I am really private and that’s why I feel creating a work-life balance is important for everybody. Yes, I am an actor who is sincere, hardworking and I am always ‘in the moment’ when I am working but that’s not the be-all and end-all of my existence. I have other facets of my life also which I have to focus on and those are also equally important. I feel the minute you put everything into one basket, you become shortsighted. Then, you can’t see the bigger picture and lose the objective of leading your life. Life has to be a balance of everything. It can’t be about just work, or some other interest. And I try to create that balance, so that I can lead a more meaningful life as ultimately, it’s my life and no one’s supposed to tell me how I am supposed to lead it.
Talking of work, how did you react to the script of Sui Dhaaga? What were your impressions of Sharat Katariya’s Dum Laga Ke Haisha (2015)?
I was very excited by the script; and also happy that they such a film was being made. I knew it’s making a very strong point and so, I felt that it’s good if Adi (Aditya Chopra; film-maker) and Maneesh (Sharma) are making it, and that Sharat (Katariya; director) is helming it. But yes, there was a sense of apprehension whether I will look convincing in this part. But once Sharat explained how he envisions Mamta, I was convinced and then I didn’t have to think twice. I also wanted to work with Sharat because I had watched Dum Laga Ke Haisha and I had really liked his vision because he has a new voice as a filmmaker which was very evident in his first film itself.
Also, how much could you identify with the traits of your character, Mamta, in the film?
See, Mamta isn’t forceful by nature. Instead, she is very subtle. When you first look at her in the film, you won’t see the strength of this character because you don’t attach strength to a person who is so submissive and docile. We usually see things at a very superficial level. But when you get deeper into her psyche – which I had to, in order to play her – you realise the potential this person has in terms of her strength and a sort of quiet confidence. I could relate to these two things and that gave me the impetus to play this character truthfully.