“I was happy to see Big B dance at my wedding” – Anjana Sukhani

May 16, 2012 - 11:20 AM IST

Anjana Sukhani is a name that brings in three words to one's mind - glamorous, cute and sexy. Even though she has been making her presence felt down south during the last one year, it would be after a hiatus that she would be returning in a Hindi film with Ram Gopal Varma's Department. Playing a simple and strong Maharashtrian girl, she is happy to be back to her first love - Bollywood. Over to Anjana.

“I was happy to see Big B dance at my wedding” – Anjana Sukhani

A film with Ram Gopal Varma - It can't get bigger than that, right?

Absolutely. It is big in every sense, whether it's the subject, starcast, director or the sheer magnanimity of the canvas. The casting is stupendous because it isn't every day when Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt and Rana Duggubati come together. Each character has been thought of well, whether it's the male leads or me and other girls. Moreover, RGV is consumed by the product that he is involved with. Also, the movie belongs to a niche genre which is his speciality. It deals with underworld v/s cops, something which is a familiar territory for him and he excels in. He is a genius.

You seem to be quite awed by your director.

You can't help it, right? Ram Gopal Varma is responsible for cult movies like Rangeela, Satya, Company or for that matter even Sarkar. These are the movies that he is known for and people look up to him. This movie is no less; it's a typical RGV movie.

It has been a while though since you were seen on the big screen. I am sure a lot of thought must have been put behind you picking up Department?
Of course there has been a time gap between 'Allah Ke Banday' and Department. In between I had done a couple of South movies as I was not happy with the Hindi offers that I was getting. I did not want to compromise and accept any role that was mediocre. After that I met Ramu sir for the sequel to Bhoot but unfortunately that did not work out. At that time he was casting for Department as well while I was working with him on a song for his Telugu production. I asked him if there was any opportunity for me to be cast in Department since Bhoot sequel was not working out.

That seems quite straightforwardâ€¦

Well, it wasn't as straight forward (smiles). He offered me a choice to play the role of a gangster (which is now being enacted by Madhu Shalini) or the love interest of Rana. Though the gangster role indeed carries quite some edge and is rough, I chose to play the latter. See, these are those times for me to be in the box instead of being out of the box. I wanted to play a heroine to a hero; it's as simple as that. I told Ramu Sir that I wouldn't have been able to relate to the character of the female gangster and would be more convincing as Rana's wife. He agreed and hence here I am.

Now you are playing a simple Maharashtrian girl in the film. That must have been a different experience for you, isn't it? Also, for someone who carries a glam image, this one is an altogether different set up for you.

(Smiles) Yes, I have never played a simple girl next door who wears 'salwar-kameez' and all. I have always played a glamorous part in my films. Right from Salaam-e-Ishq to Golmaal Returns to Jai Veeru, I have been offered roles which are very close to how I am in real life. However, Ramu sir knew exactly what he wanted in my character, I didn't have to work really hard. Since he was so precise in making everyone understand the requirements, it was easy for everyone to get in the skin of the character. In any case, I have studied Marathi in school and have lived in Maharashtra, so it was easy for me to catch the character nuances. I have used a lot of Marathi in my dialogues to give it a colloquial touch.

You seem to be enjoying your Marathi wedding in the film as well. After all, none other than Big B is jiving to the tune.
(Laughs) I love the song 'Kammo' which by the way is targeted at me. Ever since the time the song has been released, my friends have been teasing me and calling me 'Kammo'. Yes, for me there are personal reasons to be excited about the song. I am happy because now I can say that at least in reel life, Mr. Bachchan danced on my wedding. I don't think many can get an opportunity to say that, right?

Watch Song Promo: Kammo (Department)