Be it films or real life, you have always been a strong woman, when do you feel most empowered?
I feel most empowered when I can empower others. When I can help others, when I can help someone in their studies or career or anything else, then I feel very empowered. When you become a means of earning someone’s livelihood or are able to provide him/her that kind of skill, then there is immense happiness.
What bothers you the most about women?
I have great objection to the attitude of the society towards women. News like dowry system, rape, molestation etc. are very disturbing. Every day you read and see such news around you and I get quite disturbed. I believe that if girls are educated, self-reliant and strong in their thinking, they will be able to fight the society’s attitude. But it will take time to change the patriarchal thinking towards women.
How far can you go for love in real life?
A person cannot decide what he/she will do if such a situation arises in his/her life. This comes to light only when I find myself in that situation, but I don’t think I will be so impractical. I am very practical in this matter, I will not take any such step, but I would like to say that in real life, I am also very lucky that I have got such a good partner (Ali Fazal). I don’t think any such situation will come in my life.
You have also done ‘Goliyon Ki Raasleela: Ramleela’ with Sanjay Leela Bhansali, how much has your relationship evolved over the years? Have you ever had to be scolded by a perfectionist director like him/her?
I always enjoy working with him/her. They always push you to give your best. When he/she takes a shot, nothing is more important to him/her than the shot. At that time he/she does not reveal his/her ego. They work very hard and get it done. In fact, their expectations are so high that they don’t like mediocre work. This is why they sacrifice their lives.
What is the best compliment you have received so far for your role?
I received a lot of love from Rekha ji (famous actress Rekha) after the screening of the series. She was very special to me, because I respect her a lot as an actress. The role he/she did in ‘Umrao Jaan’ is not for everyone, but when he/she praised my work, I was very happy. I was lucky that she was sitting around watching me and she liked my work.
Your work in ‘Hiramandi’ has been appreciated, but your co-star in the series, Sharmin Sehgal, was trolled a lot for her role, what would you like to say?
I think there are more sorrows in this world than these things. If you don’t like a series, you start watching another one. Look at so many things happening in the rest of the world, elections are going on, there was a storm in Mumbai. Why are people so worthless? If you don’t like it, move on. I don’t agree with things like trolling and making memes. Yes, it is the right of the audience to put forward their views whether I liked this thing or not. I think, the audience should also give a logical reaction whether the actor works on his/her voice or body language, then the actor develops from that, trolling does not benefit anyone.
You are going to join the league of motherhood very soon with a good partner, what kind of mother would you like to see yourself as?
I don’t know what kind of mother I will be, (smiles) but I know that I will try to give good values to my child. I will teach my child to respect women. I will teach you to live like a good citizen in the society. These values are very important to both me and Ali.