At least for Raj Kumar Gupta's Ghanchakkar, wherein she plays a vibrant housewife
Vidya Balan and a saree had become synonymous. Be it in films, events, award functions or even Bollywood parties, the actress would drape herself in the nine yards that had more or less become her uniform. And thus, to see the woman in anything but a saree, was refreshing.
Dolled up by her designer Subarna Ray Chaudhari, in a harem salwar, a black and blue distress tee-shirt and rubber sandals, Vidya looked every bit the Punjabi homemaker she plays in Raj Kumar Gupta's next, Ghanchakkar. Add to that, she was in an extremely playful mood when we met her on the sets of the film at Essel Studio, Trombay. Here's what transpired...
While everybody was ready to roll - lead actor Emraan Hashmi even rubbed his hands in glee, proclaiming, "Time to kick off a new venture. Exciting!" - Vidya wasn't too sure. Reason: she saw a cat. . "Cats are indeed scary. I am sure you know of many people who are petrified of cats. Shut the door," she demanded a quick removal of the animal before stepping in.
Interestingly, both the actors, till a couple of years back had to put up with either actors refusing to work with them or scathing articles in the media about their fashion sense.
"It's not easy for actors like Vidya and I, who often swam against the tide. Till date, I don't see myself in the kind of cinema, which is reassuring for certain figures," quipped Emraan. And we understood why The Dirty Picture jodi had instantly clicked.
Director's Cut
While Emraan reflected on their careers, director Rajkumar Gupta, who had thus far made social dramas like Aamir and No One Killed Jessica entered the sets. "Emraan is a brilliant actor and Vidya is an ocean of talent. I am so happy that I am working with those people who I wanted on this project," he told us and surprised us by revealing, "Ghanchakkar is a comedy. It gives me a big kick to get into a space, which neither my two lead actors nor I have really indulged in before. Writer Parvez Sheikh had given me the story of Ghanchakkar much before I completed No One Killed Jessica. But I didn't know whether I would translate it into a film. He has co-written the film and it flowed beautifully."
Emraan, whose last film Shanghai met with mixed response sounded confident about this UTV Motion Pictures venture. "Sections of the trade were very unfair. But I was very happy with Shanghai. Ghanchakkar will be a masala entertainer that you have not witnessed before. I have an aversion for slapstick comedies. Thankfully, Ghanchakkar has comic elements that don't feed you with buffoonery. I would rather see a cartoon instead," said he.
With this, we moved on to the scene that was about to be shot. "This studio houses the home where Vidya and Emraan are staying temporarily," explained the director and Vidya interrupted, "Watch him direct. He sits before the monitor with his hands posing as scissors and then he shouts 'Cut' and does a 'Scissor' sign." As soon as the scene begins, we realise how right the actress was. By this time, we are dying to know whether the 'serial-kisser' Emraan and 'ooh-la-la' Vidya will have some steamy scenes to share this time around. "Of course," Gupta ended the suspense and added, "They have to behave as husband and wife na?"
Colourful Woman
Ghanchakkar is a quirky film that narrates the tale of Emraan, an ex-conman who is laid back and has a taste for finer things in life. And his ambitious Punjabi wife, Vidya, who has her own notions about the world. " She wants a better life. Every woman wants a better life. I play someone jiska sapna hai ki uska pati use kabhi Europe ghumane le jayega.
She is a colourful Punjabi housewife. Colourful in terms of her personality. A mast character," Vidya explains her character with much gutso. "That man has an edge. His sense of humour is quirky. He knows how to tell a story. He is open to improvisations. What better environment you need," she adds about Gupta, who will be directing her for the second time. As we were about to leave the set, we learnt that designer Chaudhary is in hospital. "Her fever is not going down. It would have been great to have her here. I am sure she'll join us soon," added Vidya.
Dolled up by her designer Subarna Ray Chaudhari, in a harem salwar, a black and blue distress tee-shirt and rubber sandals, Vidya looked every bit the Punjabi homemaker she plays in Raj Kumar Gupta's next, Ghanchakkar. Add to that, she was in an extremely playful mood when we met her on the sets of the film at Essel Studio, Trombay. Here's what transpired...
While everybody was ready to roll - lead actor Emraan Hashmi even rubbed his hands in glee, proclaiming, "Time to kick off a new venture. Exciting!" - Vidya wasn't too sure. Reason: she saw a cat. . "Cats are indeed scary. I am sure you know of many people who are petrified of cats. Shut the door," she demanded a quick removal of the animal before stepping in.
Interestingly, both the actors, till a couple of years back had to put up with either actors refusing to work with them or scathing articles in the media about their fashion sense.
"It's not easy for actors like Vidya and I, who often swam against the tide. Till date, I don't see myself in the kind of cinema, which is reassuring for certain figures," quipped Emraan. And we understood why The Dirty Picture jodi had instantly clicked.
Director's Cut
While Emraan reflected on their careers, director Rajkumar Gupta, who had thus far made social dramas like Aamir and No One Killed Jessica entered the sets. "Emraan is a brilliant actor and Vidya is an ocean of talent. I am so happy that I am working with those people who I wanted on this project," he told us and surprised us by revealing, "Ghanchakkar is a comedy. It gives me a big kick to get into a space, which neither my two lead actors nor I have really indulged in before. Writer Parvez Sheikh had given me the story of Ghanchakkar much before I completed No One Killed Jessica. But I didn't know whether I would translate it into a film. He has co-written the film and it flowed beautifully."
Emraan, whose last film Shanghai met with mixed response sounded confident about this UTV Motion Pictures venture. "Sections of the trade were very unfair. But I was very happy with Shanghai. Ghanchakkar will be a masala entertainer that you have not witnessed before. I have an aversion for slapstick comedies. Thankfully, Ghanchakkar has comic elements that don't feed you with buffoonery. I would rather see a cartoon instead," said he.
With this, we moved on to the scene that was about to be shot. "This studio houses the home where Vidya and Emraan are staying temporarily," explained the director and Vidya interrupted, "Watch him direct. He sits before the monitor with his hands posing as scissors and then he shouts 'Cut' and does a 'Scissor' sign." As soon as the scene begins, we realise how right the actress was. By this time, we are dying to know whether the 'serial-kisser' Emraan and 'ooh-la-la' Vidya will have some steamy scenes to share this time around. "Of course," Gupta ended the suspense and added, "They have to behave as husband and wife na?"
Colourful Woman
Ghanchakkar is a quirky film that narrates the tale of Emraan, an ex-conman who is laid back and has a taste for finer things in life. And his ambitious Punjabi wife, Vidya, who has her own notions about the world. " She wants a better life. Every woman wants a better life. I play someone jiska sapna hai ki uska pati use kabhi Europe ghumane le jayega.
She is a colourful Punjabi housewife. Colourful in terms of her personality. A mast character," Vidya explains her character with much gutso. "That man has an edge. His sense of humour is quirky. He knows how to tell a story. He is open to improvisations. What better environment you need," she adds about Gupta, who will be directing her for the second time. As we were about to leave the set, we learnt that designer Chaudhary is in hospital. "Her fever is not going down. It would have been great to have her here. I am sure she'll join us soon," added Vidya.
