Queen of hearts
put in make the film even funnier.
Q. How has Indra Kumar changed as a filmmaker from Beta to Total Dhamaal? A. He can handle any film and of any genre—be it comedy, tragedy, romance or any other. Beta had all shades. Raja also had all shades. In these films, the portions that were comic were great and the dramatic parts were amazing too. So he is good with all genres of films. His strengths, apart from comedy and other forms, is definitely dramatic movies.
Q. How has the comedy genre evolved in Hindi cinema over the years? A. Comedy movies were made earlier in such a way that they had everything. They had romance, drama and action, along with comedy. They used to be an amalgamation of all the emotions. But now we are seeing out-and-out comedies. When Andaz Apna Apna [1994] came out, it was entirely a comedy film. It A. As an actor it is a different thing. But as a person, it [Sridevi’s death] affected me a lot. She left so suddenly and it has left a void. It is difficult to accept. You realise that life is so short and you have no idea what may happen tomorrow. This is why I always say this: tell your near ones daily that you love them and hold them close.
Q. You also have an English pop album coming up. Tell us about that. And why not a Hindi music album?
A. I am more comfortable singing in English. I completed my studies from a convent school and we used to sing English songs there. So I decided that I will begin by singing in English and if it will be appreciated and accepted, I may attempt to sing in Hindi too.
Q. You have also produced a film for Netflix. How was that experience?
A. I have produced a Marathi movie. I didn’t produce it for Netflix, we had kept it open. I just wanted to make a good film. It was a wonderful
“Back in the day, the Hindi film industry had great writers and directors, such as Guru Dutt and K. Asif. And they made many women-oriented films. Nutan Ji, Meena [Kumari] Ji and Madhubala Ji have done some very empowering roles.”