Took one day at a time: Nushrat on her depression
Nushrat Bharucha feels blessed to be part of her last hit Dream Girl for the sheer response it received. After two back-to-back hits, the actor says she is glad that these films came her way and that filmmakers are now seeing her fit into different roles. “For me, it’s about experiencing the whole gamut of emotions on screen,” says the actor who doesn’t want to limit her creative choices. Excerpts from an interview:
After the success of Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety (2018) and Dream Girl, what’s next? Do you like to chalk out a plan?
My next is Turram Khan. I don’t think I tried to chalk out my path. Thankfully, there was a greater plan laid out for me. I just followed the voice inside me, and did my work with utmost dedication. So, if a film does well then everyone benefits from it, and if doesn’t do well then you are happy that it came from a place of absolute purity when you made it.
Do you read reviews, and consider suggestions mentioned in the reviews?
Of course! Not all but some I do. I like reading and listening to people, and what they are saying about me. It gives me scope to see what better I can do, because eventually, films are for people. I want to see what works for them and what doesn’t.
Going forward, will your focus remain on commercial entertainers or would you try your hand at indie cinema as well?
I won’t differentiate between the two. For me, the job is the same as an actor. I like to do roles which are interesting and challenge me. I love to work with people who love to work, and if that vibe is there then I enjoy the process even more.
Do you now feel ready to do a solo lead film?
A film is the responsibility of everyone involved in the making. For me, the film and the story will always be bigger than me. As an actor, my responsibility is to make the best contribution from my side so that the film achieves its results. I look at it differently than other people do.
You spoke about going through depression recently. How did you deal with that phase?
I dealt with the low phase by taking one day at a time. It was about accepting to yourself that you are down and out. Once you accept it, you are able to put everything in place and approach it better. I also had the realisation and the knowledge that this will change and it’s just the way my life is right now, whether it is work or personal — that is bringing me down. But it’s about the understanding that it’s [the phase] temporary, and I will get through it. I started each day knowing the day will end and tomorrow will be a new day. I had hope that something will change, and I will get out of this, and that kept me going. One should speak about these things if not to the whole world, just one person. You don’t have to share your deepest, darkest emotions but just talk about your day. Being in touch helps.