“When Bhojpuri films run in Bihar, no one even looks at Hindi actors!” - Jackie Shroff 
By IndiaFM News Bureau, October 28, 2005 - 06:09 IST
To put it in Jackie Shroff's words, Rituparno Ghosh's style of working is like dum biryani! The actor never ceases to entertain the audience whether it is with his performances, or his grace and style or just his colorful personality! After being a part of the industry for more than 20 years, the 'bindaas bhidu' is looking forward to yet another release, Rituparno Ghosh's Antar Mahal.
First and foremost, the title of the movie Antar Mahal is something different. What does it mean?
It means inner chamber or andar ka mahal. In the movie, it refers to the turmoil within. People feel differently inside, from what they portray on the outside. This movie is about what happens inside the mahal.
What is this movie all about?
I can speak about my role. I play a zamindar in a time when the Britishers are ruling. The females are the oppressed sex. At that time, there was complete male supremacy. The ladies in the film are just there for my pleasure. My character wants a son so that my dynasty goes forward. I don't have a son from my wife so the pandits suggest that I get a younger woman. So I get Soha.
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The ladies in the film are just there for my pleasure.
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So is it a negative character?
I don't think that he is a negative character. It is just that he is stuck in such a time that it makes him do such things. He does not do anything negative.
You have played a Bengali character in a period film, Devdas, Did that make it easier to play this character?
In Devdas, I just had one or two Bengali words to say. But here, it is full-on Bong! There are just one or two Hindi words when I talk to Abhishek who plays a Bihari.
Didn't you find it difficult, talking in Bengali?
I find Hindi difficult! Apun Bombaywala hai! Striling aur Pulling main lafda ho jata hai! (I am a Bombay-ite. While speaking, I often end up jumbling between the male and the female genders).
Rituparno Ghosh is a very sensitive director. What is your take on him?
I have realized that there is a lot of intensity within the soft façade of that man. He may look easy, but there is a deep current in that human being. He unleashed that through his characters in the film. He is also a very strong writer. I like the pace, he works on. He does not push his actors. He is very patient, something which is rare in today's times. I think his style of working is like dum biryani. He makes the film, aaram se! After very long, I have worked in a film where the pace was easy.
In all of Rituparno's previous films, the characters have a very distinct look. What can you tell us about your look in the film?
He just wanted me to look as I am. Of course, I was in the traditional Bengali attire. He made me play the character in a soft way. There was not a lot of aggression. There were a lot of emotions happening within this regressed character. That generally happens when a person is so held back.
What was your experience with your co-actors?
It was beautiful.
How would you rate Abhishek and Soha as actors?
I think they are fantastic in the film. When you watch the film, you will realize!
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The days of tabela like theatres of 1000 seats are gone!
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Rituparno's previous films have appealed to a niche audience. So how well do you think this film will do commercially?
I don't think most of the films made today, do well commercially. It happens with a lot of difficulty. Devdas and Baghban were few of such films. It is a big thing if a film runs for even three days! Nowadays, films are made for the classes, the elite. Everyone talks about multiplexes. That is where the money is. When you take such films abroad, the international market is huge. Today, the rural market is not so big. The days of tabela like theatres of 1000 seats are gone! Now theatres have about 300 seats. So you can imagine how much the price has increased. Unfortunately, only the elite can afford to go to these multiplexes. Now there are different sections. Bhojpuri films have their own raj! When Bhojpuri films run in Bihar, no one even looks at Hindi actors!
Lastly, tell us the USP of this film.
I think everything is the USP! I think people have liked all of Ritu's previous films. The audience who go to see his kind of films will like it. At the same time, the film has Abhishek Bachchan, who is the heart throb of the nation. Not to forget Soha Ali Khan and Rupa Ganguly.
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Jackie nominated as the Best Actor
