Nushrratt Bharuccha, who has acted in hit films like Dream Girl, Pyaar Ka Punchnama and Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety, will soon be seen in the upcoming Bollywood movie Akelli, which is the directorial debut of Pranay Meshram.
The 38-year-old actor has faced mixed results in her career with many of her 22 movies not doing well. But she has persisted against challenges like not having any family background in films, nor having any formal training in acting.
A self-made actor, she got hooked to film industry due to her home being in proximity to the Prithvi Theatre.
Over a career spanning 10 years, she has managed to bag different roles and establish herself as a bankable actor. After acting debut with a minor role in the 2002 TV series Kittie Party, she came into limelight through Ranjan’s Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2, released in 2015.
This was her first commercial hit, earning over Rs 88 crore worldwide.
Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweetie, which catapulted her to stardom, proved to be a surprise blockbuster at the box-office, earning Rs 150 crore worldwide.
She has also featured in music albums and TV series. In a candid interview, the Nushrratt talked to Patriot about her career and upcoming project.
EXCERPTS:
Q: Talk about your upcoming film, Akelli.
A: Yes, Akelli is a real story and based on facts. In Akelli, I play an ordinary Indian girl trapped in a combat zone who is battling for her life. It is a different kind of role. Initially, I had rejected the offer as I thought Akelli was a very emotional and disturbing film. The role, I thought, was tough for me. I was not ready at that time. Eventually, the director waited for three years before offering me that role again. I accepted it.
Q: Have you read the script?
A: Yes, when the director came with the script again, I liked it and also sorted it out with my friend Vicky Sadana. Besides Sadana, my friend Shashank, the director of Das Kahania, also guided me on this.
Q: Can you recall your initial struggles?
A: I come from a non-film background; nobody in my family is in showbiz. I would go for auditions in several places like Aramnagar and Shrijiwala. But everyone shut the door on me; my slippers got worn out. Luckily, I met a genuine person who saw talent in me. One has to adopt to the film industry. Success depends on you and is in your hands. I never got disheartened. I even got rejected in one audition, but didn’t get upset. Always tried another.
Q: Do you think female actresses get less money compared to male actors?
A: I have not encountered this so I have not really thought about it. I have been fortunate to get good money for my performances in various films till now. But if it’s happening with some other female actors, then it’s not good.
Q: How do you decide on films?
A: I am an actor but I am also an audience, so I look at it from that point of view too. I do not like to categorise films into regional or commercial films. I don’t want to separate them but I am grateful to the film-makers who give me opportunity to act in their films.
Q: Do you think films are successful only due to actors?
A: No, I don’t think so. There are a lot of people involved in the making of a film. As an actress, I go on shoot for certain days. I am not trained in direction, editing or writing and there are specialists for these and they also do a lot of good work to make a film successful.
Q: Which actors are your favorite?
A: I love Aamir Khan, late Irfaan Khan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui among others.
Q: Do you watch your own films?
A: No, I never watch my own film but I always try to see other actors’ films and try to understand and learn from their acting like how a particular actor or actress does a certain role. How to cry in a scene or how to laugh, all these acts are important to learn for an actor.
Q: Don’t you think Bollywood films have only glamour?
A: Yes, but I love glamour. I think people use these labels disparagingly. Who said that if you are glamorous, you can’t be good? Madhuri Dixit was glamorous and acted well. She got more money for her acting than many male actors. Deepika Padukone too charges more money than Ranveer Singh. She is glamorous and acts well.
Q: Do you wish to play the role of a murderer?
A: For me, acting is a profession and if I get a chance to play the role of a murderer, or any other role for that matter, I will do it.
