Barkha Bisht finally admits why she hasn't worked with the producer since she launched her on the small screen a decade ago in 'Kitni Mast Hai Zindagi'
Barkha Bisht and Ekta Kapoor
At 35, Barkha Bisht doesn't look a day older than 18 when we meet her to chat about her upcoming show, Mahesh Bhatt's 'Naamkarann' — her fourth mommy role in the last two years. But, the actress insists that she doesn't mind playing an older character as long as it's gratifying. She says, "I am not growing any younger; I cannot do a college girl right now. I might not look like it and can't act like one either." Before starting the interview, she excuses herself to spend a few moments with husband, actor Indraneil Sengupta, who was present only to keep her company. She returns, but keeps stealing glances at hubby dearest as we shoot questions. Excerpts:
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Photos: Mahesh Bhatt and Barkha Bisht at 'Naamkarann' launch event
Barkha Bisht and Ekta Kapoor
Q. Mahesh Bhatt compared you to Smita Patil. How do you feel about that?
A. Deeply humbled. It's one of the best compliments that I will take to my grave.
Q. Everyone has a different story to tell about meeting Mahesh Bhatt. How was yours?
A. I had no make-up on when I met him. He touched my face and said this is what I want in Asha (Naamkarann lead); I need her to be real.
Q. Are there elements in your character that have been borrowed from his mother, Shirin Mohammad Ali?
A. I guess so. We've discussed his mother at length. He proudly talks about her; the strength that she showed even in those times and the love that was in her life and how she lived without regrets. It's an honour to play a character that has been even slightly inspired from a real person — a first for me. There's a lot riding on me and my character because somewhere he has to be able to see his mother in me. But, I am not complaining.
Q. Do you feel any pressure because Pooja Bhatt has played a similar role?
A. No, because Bhatt saab has never tried to compare me with what Pooja did in Zakhm or what anybody else did in any other film. He only told me that I have to bring Barkha into Asha. He is always there to tell me if I go wrong somewhere.
Q. So, did you go wrong?
A. A lot of times and I have been pulled up for it. He also pats my back when I get it right. Recently, he told me, 'Now you are the character and I don't have to tell [guide] you'. It was a compliment.
Q. You have worked with Sanjay Leela Bhansali earlier for 'Goliyon Ki Ras Leela: Ram-Leela'. How is Bhatt's working style different from SLB's?
A. It's not my place to compare such legends. But, what's common is that they both are great story tellers.
Q. You started your career with Ekta Kapoor's 'Kitni Mast Hai Zindagi' in 2004, but haven't worked with her since.
A. She never called me back (laughs). I have never really spoken about this, but Ekta and I had a fall-out over contractual issues. It happened during one of the initial shows, about nine years ago. But, I am humbled that she walked up to me at a party and said 'hi', otherwise we would have never spoken to each other. I was always scared of how she would react [if I tried talking to her]. She was sweet enough to break the ice. Now, we at least acknowledge each other.
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