Interview: Bidita Bag of 'Babumoshai Bandoozbaaz' fame talks about her films

The commercial release of Rabbi is on the cards with the movie hitting screens across India on 15th September. We had the opportunity to get some behind the scenes information from the lead actress herself, Bidita Bag. For Bidita, Rabbi comes as an almost immediate release of her recent Hit movie 'Babumoshai Bandookbaaz' where she stars against the extremely talented Nawazuddin Siddiqui. Bidita's talent is being recognized across the world for her bold acting in "Babumoshai Bandookbaaz". She has always had an inclination towards socio-political films and Rabbi is one such film addressing social beliefs.

1. How are you feeling after the recent success of 'Babumoshai Bandookbaaz'? How was the experience acting opposite Nawazuddin Siddiqui?
Answer - It has been a couple of years since I started, and finally my work has been recognised by the wider audience with this movie. Nawaz is a very talented artist and in some ways, I relate to him and his struggle to make it into Bollywood. Of course, for me, the entry came much sooner as compared to him. He is a very nice human and is very grounded
and humble which I think is the reason for his success.

2. Coming to Rabbi, What prompted you to pick up this project?
Answer - From the moment I heard the story I was in love with it. I believe the movie answers some very important questions that are left unanswered in our day to day lives. Is Music forbidden in Islam? Was something that appealed to me. In our society people are made to be God Fearing, whereas actually, we should be God loving. The thinking of the society as a whole is shifting which makes this movie very relatable. I feel it is important to communicate this message.

3. Director Rahat Kazmi is known for being unconventional in his ways, how was your experience working with him?
Answer - One thing different about Rahat is that he is trying to encourage film industry in Jammu and Kashmir. He is a pioneer of this in modern times. He ensures that there is local involvement which brings more flavour to his work. He has a knack of recognising a sensible script and Satire is his forte. When Rahat makes a film his entire family is involved from start to end. They see to it that the environment is extremely friendly and comfortable. You almost feel you are on a trip to enjoy and the shooting just happens in-between. Excellent experience working with him.

4. What are your expectations from this movie?
Answer - Iss movie ka Dil bada hai. This movie has a big heart. I'm sure the audience will enjoy this movie. The main reason being this movie looks at contemporary problems. The movie also looks at terrorism. My overall expectation is that the crowd will leave the Movie theatres with a smile.

5. Tell us about your role in the movie
Answer - My character in this movie is called Afia. Afia is a typical Muslim girl covered from head to toe from a very conservative background. However, she is very liberal in her thoughts. She is Rabbi's cousin, friend and support system. She is also Rabbi's biggest critic. She constantly inspires him to achieve more while keeping him grounded and giving him reality checks.

6. How was the crew and how did you fit in considering the diverse amounts of experience spread across?
Answer - I would happily say all the senior members loved me a lot and made me feel at home. Dolly ji, Virendra ji, Raghubir ji were all very supportive. In fact, we gelled very well over music since both Raghubir ji and Virendra Ji enjoy singing and I play the Harmonium we had our own musical sessions.

7. What are some of your future projects?
Answer - I have a few movies in the pipeline such as Daya Bai which is a biopic on Daya bai, T for Taj Mahal is on education and a few more.

8. The music forms an important part of this movie, which is your favourite song and why?
Answer - Yes the music truly brings out the feel of the movie. All the songs are really nice but my favourite is Ama teri lag gayi by Raghubir ji. It is a different song and I could really relate to it very well. When I was growing up my father also always hoped that I would get a government job and I think this is a common story for every middle-class youngster in our country. The song brought back those memories to me.

9. Many youngsters are trying to follow similar footsteps as yours to do more meaningful and mature movies, what is your message to them?
Answer - Every Artist has a unique journey. Along with hard work, even luck plays a part in one's fate. Skill is not the only thing which assures you success in this industry. I would say this industry is one of the most uncertain ones from a career perspective. If you are to make a career in this industry you need to be extremely patient and constantly work on improving your skills. You should never get depressed, give yourself enough time and no number of attempts should be considered a failure. Lastly, I would like to say be practical because this is not the industry people dream about and survival requires a constant struggle for self-improvement.