When was your first brush with films?
My aunt and uncle had a video library in Jamshedpur and it all started with VHS tapes.
You’ve worked with big names early in your career. How did that help?
I was very fortunate. Such directors comfort you.
What are the challenges of working with production houses from around the world?
It is challenging to work with different energies but that is the fun of it.
What did you make of the experience of playing Manto’s wife?
What Nandita Das (the director) told me about Manto is that he was a doting husband. It’s a very amusing side to him that we do not know of. The role does run the risk of a stereotype but that is the challenge.
As a process: cinema or theatre?
Filmmaking, it has been my first love.
Any films from Bollywood that caught your eye this year?
Neerja and Udta Punjab caught my eye.
Do you think actors should be voicing their opinions on issues?
There’s a difference between being a star and an actor. If you feed off from being in the public eye, this is the unfortunate flipside to it.
How many languages do you know?
English, Hindi, Punjabi, Portuguese and I’m learning Urdu. While shooting for a Malayalam film, I had no clue of what was going on.
Any foreign directors you want to work with?
Christopher Nolan and Darren Aronofsky.
If you wanted to be a part of a film from the past?
I would love to be in Sahib, Bibi Aur Ghulam, starring opposite Guru Dutt.
