Nushrat: On the ride of her life

BHARUCHA TALKS ABOUT HER GLOBAL HIT FILM, EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS AND WHAT CINEMA MEANS TO HER

ONE of the biggest global Bollywood hits of the year has been Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety, which has out performed much higher-profile releases and clocked up huge numbers at the box office.

The success of the colourful comedy was another big win for one of Indian cinema’s best kept secrets, Nushrat Bharucha. The Bollywood bombshell de­livered a knockout performance in the smash hit film and not surprisingly, all eyes have been on her since its release. She is looking forward to challenging herself further in more unique films and show off her impressive range as a performer.

I caught up with Nushrat to talk about the Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety success, future plans, cinema and more.

What first connected you to acting?

I think it’s the fact that stories affected me a lot from an early age. I would watch films and completely get lost in their worlds. Then I would come back home, imagine myself in those situations and act out the scene with a vase, curtain or a blank wall as my co-actor. At that time it was all for fun, but I guess I fell in love with the craft the more I indulged in it.

You said you have never been to act­ing school, but how have you managed to become so good?

(Smiles) One can say I learned it on the job. I didn’t have the resources to put myself through a proper course, so I went to every audition I could, whether it was for television shows, adver­tisements or films, and acted out anything given to me. I took directions from all different sorts of peo­ple and by doing so, I kind of understood how to mould myself to what was required or to what the vision is, as I would like to call it.

You have played some interesting characters, but which has challenged you the most?

Most definitely, Vani of Akaash Vani, which was a film about marital rape and it was very difficult putting myself in that space. I had left the comforts of my house and family, shut off my phone so that I didn’t get distracted by friends or other work and lived alone for a month to prep for the role.

You must be proud of the fact you have been in so many films that have surprised audiences and exceeded all expectations?

I do believe that I am very lucky I got the chance to be a part of such different films, from Love Sex Aur Dhokha and Pyaar Ka Punchnama to Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety. I am very thankful that these films and filmmakers chose me as their actor. And after all of this, I am proud to have been able to deliver an impactful performance in each one.

Did you imagine Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety would be so successful?

(Smiles) No, honestly I don’t think any of us imag­ined it. We just made an honest film that we had fun making and are proud of what it has achieved.

Why do you think the film did so incredibly well?

I have always believed in all our films and con­tent has always been the hero. It’s what our audience has connected to and loved us for.

What has been your favour­ite moment since the movie was released?

Every moment has been special for its own reasons, so I can’t really pick one. It’s all been amazing.

You said the industry has started treating you differ­ently after the success of the film. What did you mean by that?

I think they have become more accepting of me. With a box-office success like this, one becomes a ‘dependable’ actor. So I am suddenly being considered for films that I wasn’t even in a conversa­tion for before.

What can we expect from you next?

I have always wanted to do something different from what I have already done and that’s what I’m looking at doing further. So yes, it will again be a very different character I am look­ing to play and the search is on for that role.

You are a versa­tile actress, but what gen­re do you enjoy acting in the most?

I want to do any and ev­er genre. I don’t ever wanna to restrict myself. I enjoy acting – it is all about acting for me and that is why I want to do all the genres.

What would you consider your dream role?

Oh, there are lots. There are many films and roles that I have loved, from Simran in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge to Jordon in Rockstar and so many more. The list is an endless one.

So is finding great roles the biggest challenge you face as an actress?

Finding like-minded creative people who have a cohesive vision and who are able to enjoy and love the craft as much as you do is the biggest challenge. After that it’s like magic, with great stories and wonderful characters unfolding.

Is finding great work your biggest motivation?

I think telling good stories is my only motivation.

How difficult is it for those who don’t come from famous film families?

Everyone has their own struggle, so it’s not easy for some nor is it more difficult for some. I use my strengths to my advantage, so if being from a famous family was my strength, I would definitely own it.

Can you see yourself working in the west?

Of course I can. They have great stories and won­derful storytellers.

What inspires you?

Everybody I meet and spend some time with in­spires me in some way. I would say inspiration is actually all around me.

Who would you most love to work with?

(Thinks) I honestly can’t pick. I don’t think anyone really can.

Which films do you enjoy watching?

I love drama and admire love stories. I think my fa­vourite film would perhaps be The Notebook.

What are your big passions away from cinema?

I like travelling a lot, exploring places and being a wanderer. I love food, which is a super big passion. I also love playing badminton.

Tell us something not many peo­ple know about you?

(Laughs) I am a horrible singer, but I love singing and I sing out loud, no matter how bad I am. In fact, I won an audition despite singing so badly. They said, ‘you were so bad, but you still sang so confidently.’

Finally, why do you love cinema?

Imagine a child in a huge playground who is super happy, extremely excited and full of pure joy. They are excited all the time about all the rides and then a new rides pop up every Friday [when a new film is released]. That is cinema for me. I just want to be on a ride all the time.