Published: August 17, 2020 6:19:19 AM
Ayesha Raza Mishra’s Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl Streams On Netflix. (Photo: Netflix)
Ayesha Raza Mishra’s latest film Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl has the actor back in the role of a mother. She has previously played a mother in films such as Bharat, Veere Di Wedding, Sonu Ki Titu Ki Sweety among others. In an interview with indianexpress.com, Ayesha opened up about being a typecast, collaborating with Janhvi Kapoor and Pankaj Tripathi, and much more.
Here are excerpts from the interview:
You have become the favorite mother of Bollywood. How do you feel about it?
I think if the audience gives you love and acceptance, what else would you want as an actor? Every actor struggles to be accepted. If you play an unusual role but the audience does not connect with it, what’s the point? Yes, slotting is a double-edged sword because you, as an actor, want to do a variety of jobs. That, there is a pro and con in getting typecast.
Most actors express their concerns about typecast. How do you maintain control when bringing some variation to your roles?
In the sector, there are typically two types of mothers, whether Punjabi or UP / middle class. Luckily I merge both, but at the same time you have to try to find something new for the character. Many times the director does not even know more than ‘you are the mother.’ That, for me, it is important to know with whom I share screen space. It helps your role to develop better.
But we see men your age or above getting meaty roles. What would you say about that?
Writing changes. Now we see women leading movies. As for the female character, the last one I saw was a brilliant script for a mother was Dil Dhadakne Do where Shefali Shah played the role. Such a meaty character with a great graphic. It’s even worse (writing for actors for female characters). In the sector, there is a big difference in writing for female character actors. It’s a little tricky, but I think it’s going to change soon.
There used to be days when mothers would just cut apples or jam on a loaf of bread. That, compared to those times, there is a lot of change. Today, the public recognizes character artists.
How much of your real self have you placed on the character?
It was not me at all. I’m not the kind of mom the movie suggests. However, it was important for the film. I was scared after a while because I (as a character) kept screaming at Janhvi Kapoor (in most of the scenes.) Even Pankaj Tripathi pointed me the same. I would feel so bad because Janhvi’s face is so innocent. That, it was honestly tricky.
Pankaj Tripathi and Ayesha Raza Mishra in a scene from Gunjan Saxena The Kargil Girl. (Photo: Netflix)
What were Gunjan Saxena’s tips for you?
I did not meet Gunjan, but I met her father. He looked at me and said, “Lagti toh ho tum unki mummy ki jaisi. Jab woh jonge thi, wo aisi hi dikhti thi. “I was happy. Also, a lot of credit should go to the director. He was so clear and knew exactly what he wanted.
You have the most scenes with Pankaj Tripathi. People praise him. In fact, we’ll keep that bedroom conversation between the two of you. Tell us how you both bonded.
What an actor he is. Kumud and Pankaj have known each other for a long time, but I had not met him. We met for the first time on the sets. He is a very gifted actor, very easy to work with. The bedroom scene was the first scene we did together. We did not know how it would turn out. It happened automatically and organically.
Also, I think I’ve been lucky with men, whether it’s in real life or in real life. Apart from Pankaj, I enjoyed working with Gajraj Rao in Band Baaja Baraat. We are looking for another opportunity to work together. Manoj Pahwa is one of the best actors I have worked with.
Ayesha Raza Mishra said she had a wonderful experience working with Janhvi Kapoor. (Photo: Netflix)
How was your relationship with Janhvi?
Amazing. From the day I met her, I loved her. She is loving, friendly, intelligent and beautiful girl. One of the nicest people I worked with. She is very happy to learn, to grow. I think she proved it in the movie. She has come a long way. You may not like the movie if it did not do a good job. If it does not work, the movie will not work.
What do you think of Janhvi as an actor?
I like her. I think no one is perfect. We all have the space to grow. If you remember this as an actor, you will always be better. Janhvi has a lot of room to grow, but the seeds of a very good performer are already in it.
What did you talk about the shoot?
I shot two weeks. Off-screen, we would play dumb charades and what not. She’s an old soul. She has so much knowledge of black and white movies, you will be shocked.
If you met the 20-year-old, what advice would you give her?
I would tell her to be more confident, happier with who she is, and not be afraid of what other people are saying. I wish I had understood this then.
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