Secret Superstar mom Meher Vij on preparation she underwent under Aamir's guidance to crack it in her first big role in Bollywood
A popular face in television, Meher Vij began attracting attention after her outing in Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015), and more recently, Secret Superstar. With Aamir Khan's slice-of-life film acquiring attention following positive reviews, Vij, who played mother to Zaira Wasim, suddenly finds herself in the spotlight again. "I am taken aback by the response. It's heartening to see that people have loved my work," Vij tells mid-day.
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Meher Vij
Essaying the role of Najma, an inhibited housewife who fights to fulfil her daughter's dream, was "defining", Vij says. Despite winning accolades for Secret Superstar, a hint of uncertainty about her acting prowess is evident when she says, "I consider myself a mediocre actor. There are many more talented actors out there. But, I give my films my best shot."
Aamir Khan
It isn't surprising then that she was taken aback when the offer came her way. "I got a call from Advait [Chandan, director], and thought a prank was being played on me. Advait had seen my work in Bajrangi Bhaijaan, and watched the film four times to ascertain if I could pull off the character the way he had envisioned."
A still from Secret Superstar
The part eventually landed in her lap, and Vij says working on the film was a "new learning curve". "We would have script reading sessions with Aamir at his office. I felt like I was back in school. The intense preparation helped me understand the nuances of the character. It paid off."
However, with two successive releases that showcased her in the role of a mother, she now wants to experiment with new offerings. "I want to do all types of roles. I think I am good at comedy. I don't want to bask in the glory. I just want to keep acting. The bar has been set high and people's expectations [from me] have skyrocketed. I will have to live up to them," says Vij who was also featured in Tum Bin 2 (2016) besides television shows like Ram Milaayi Jodi, Yeh Hai Aashiqui and Kis Desh Mein Hai Mera Dil.
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