Nargis Fakhri, the lovely lass who debuted opposite Ranbir Kapoor in Rockstar, has struck it big with her second film. Nargis, who played the dynamic war journalist in 'Madras Cafe' opposite John Abraham, is enjoying the sweet smell of success as her movie is being loved by critics and audience alike. In this interview to Pinkvilla, Nargis talks excitedly about Madras Cafe, John Abraham, Ranbir Kapoor, and the glorious Bollywood career ahead of her. Read on..
From the sweet and vulnerable Heer in Rockstar to the gritty Jaya in Madras cafe. How difficult and different was it to portray this role?
It was totally different, two different characters, situations, story. Jaya is someone I am not. She is very different from Heer as well. Jaya is very stoic, and straight forward. She shows little or no emotion because that's what her job demands - objectivity.
I had to do a lot of research to figure out what a war corespondent is really like. I read articles, watched footage of journalists overseas reporting from an unstable environment, watched documentaries and had workshops with Shoojit on who Jaya really was. We created her to be her own character, we knew the qualities of a war corespondent and I was inspired by a few female war corespondents but Jaya was really her own.
You play a war journalist in the movie. What kind of preparation did you go for?
Tons of research on real life women who are war corespondents, read articles, watched videos of back footage, documentaries and worked with Shoojit on the character. We all watch the news for the content, very few of us will actually watch the journalists, see the situations they put themselves into - fearlessly and selflessly for us. I had to make sure I did justice to what they do in some way at least.
Madras Cafe is a political thriller dealing with a lot of controversial topics (LTTE, Sri Lankan civil War etc). How closely do you follow politics ? Does it interest you?
I never followed politics, just read the news paper to keep my self updated but that's really it. Not a of lack of interest but just that the “ignorance is bliss” stand seems to be much less painful. It wasn't until Madras Cafe that I had to pay closer attention and realized how important it was for us to follow politics.
It doesn't interest me because its a dirty game, I don’t agree with the way most systems work . I see what is happening with the women in this country, and I hear about legislation contemplated. It upsets me because it’s frustrating. Where is the action? At the same time we need to be aware because if we are a democracy, the people should have a say. There's a lot of things happening behind the scenes and it affects the public in various ways.
How was it working with your co-star John Abraham?
It was great. John is very funny, down to earth and easy going. I had a good time with him and the entire crew. This was just my second film, so I looked to John and Shoojit for guidance and they were both very encouraging. They were both always very serious and focused on set.I was the child who was always goofing around. Most of the time I wasn't sure if they were laughing with me or at me.
You seem to be quite picky about your movies. What are the kind of movies you want to be part of?
Well I think I would try everything. I need to feel connected to a film, I need to have a passion for it. I want to do films that I, as an audience, would watch as well.
I am in no hurry, I don’t feel the need to have to do six films a year.I am also learning along the way, so I don’t mind taking my time choosing something that really strikes a chord with me as the audience.
How has your experience in Bollywood been so far?
It’s been quite the journey so far, and it hasn’t all been rosy. I think I have come very far in the past two years. I still have a very very long way to go. I took my time to adjust, learn, adapt- I think I am finally getting comfortable.
Your pairing with Ranbir Kapoor in Rockstar was immensely liked. Are you still in touch with Ranbir?
On and off we are, in this industry, the minute you get into the groove of things and start working, there's no time, its so sad. I have such a hard time keeping up with my day, when I get home I just want to switch off and sleep. But both Ranbir and Imtiaz were like family, so I know that we might not talk everyday or every week, but when we meet or do talk, we’ll pick up exactly where we left off.
A lot has been written about your friendship with Uday Chopra. There were reports recently that you were with the Chopras in Switzerland celebrating Pamela Chopra's birthday. What do you have to say to this and how do you handle these media speculations?
What can I say ? Like you said a lot has been written and people will keep writing. I don’t understand, but I am now learning to ignore it. I just wish people had new things to write about, new questions to ask. I am absolutely new here, isn’t there anything else they want to know about? As long as they ask me the same boring questions, I’ll keep giving the same boring answers.
What's next for Nargis?
Oh living life to the fullest always, experiencing everything that life and the universe offers without fear. The feedback for Madras Cafe has been overwhelming so I am glad that risk paid off.
I have started shooting with Mr. David Dhawan for Main Tera Hero. I have watched a lot of his movies and I am thrilled about working with him at such an early stage of my career, that's got to be crazy right? Seems I might be in here longer than I thought. But all good, I'm enjoying the ride!
source: pinkvilla.com
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