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First of all, let’s just say what a privilege it is to interview you, Meenakshi ma’am. Your name is iconic with being a female superstar in Indian cinema.
Your disappearance from the large screen coincided with a new era in the cinema, where Indian cinema almost lost its footing. Gradually, only, it made a comeback with movies like Lagaan, Munnabhai series, and the recent pan-Indian movies from the South.
1. How do you perceive the role of female stars in present-day Indian cinema? Films like Damini are noticeable with their strong female leads. How do you look at today's Bollywood in terms of female representation?
Today’s female stars are for the most part focused, talented and ambitious. There is so much more of a professional attitude. Subject matter for female roles appears to be more bold. In fact, many subjects, and topics are being tackled, which would never have been addressed in the past. I have found the biggest difference in how the female leads dress on and off screen. Body display and wearing very revealing attire is a pattern that has become the norm and a necessity for the actress to survive amidst competition. Few leading ladies who rule the roost attract meaty parts. Damini was released 30 years back. Between then, and now I would have hoped to have seen a lot more powerful heroine-centric movies with very well-crafted leading roles for the actresses. And it is important too. It’s not just that the woman is the important part of the story, it's also important as to what the woman stands for in the story and in society.
I have seen some movies where we tried to show that an Indian woman has her identity and strength. There are some movies with Rani Mukerji, Vidya Balan, Kangana Ranaut, Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone, Alia Bhatt, and Tabu. Directors like Mahesh Bhatt, Mahesh Manjrekar, Raj Kumar Santoshi, Meghna Gulzar, Zoya Akhtar, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, and Gauri Shinde amongst few others, who have made an impact in the portrayal of the presentation and content of power-packed stories, and roles for women. I think South Indian cinema has more interesting viewpoints for women oriented roles. Even when I acted in Damini in 1992 at the same time I did two South Indian movies. The movie Duet in Tamil directed by K Balachander and the movie Aapadbandhavudu in Telugu directed by K Vishwanath. Both with great directors and a well etched role for me.
My career was marked by the fact that I did commercial roles where I just played the heroine in very glamorous clothes doing dance numbers and also featured in the climax for the end of the movie happy ending photographs. Simultaneously, I also did more meaningful movies. I had several heroine oriented stories, which I started doing right from the third year of my career. Such as Swati which was about a girl who gets her single mom married, Ma Beti, which was about a sister, who has to alone take care of bringing up her younger brother, like a mother would, Bade ghar ki beti, which is about a girl from a poor family, who marries into a big joint family of a rich background. And how she makes a significant contribution to help that family, even with her poor background, Aurat teri yahi kahani which is a story of a woman who is wronged consistently and continuously in her life, but she still fights for herself, and her marriage, Dahleez where a married woman dares to reignite her romance with her once upon a time, sweetheart, Ghar ho to Aisa where a very strong-minded woman helps her pretend husband to correct his dysfunctional family, Damini where she fights for the rights of a wronged woman going against her own husband’s family, Aawargi where she is torn between the loyalty she feels to her saviour and the love she feels towards the love of her life.
2. With a successful and enduring career since your debut in 1983, how has your approach to acting evolved over the years, and what keeps you passionate about your craft?
My approach to acting has been simple. I am a mix of being an artist who is self-driven, and who also looks to be guided by the Director. Whichever director could think like an actor, and could even actively rehearse scenes with me and go over the dialogues I found myself doing better in those movies. I tried, but I don’t think I could rise above a very bad script or poorly narrated story. Whatever craft I had was because of my background as a dancer trained in classical Indian dance ever since my childhood. It has long been seen that classical dancers have made successful actresses as well. In fact, one of the reasons I even thought of a film career was because dance had given me so much of experience to hone my talent and reach out to an audience that I felt I could extend it to my movie career as well. I had to do some unlearning for sure. For example, performing Bharatanatyam on stage would involve louder expressions and movements, but for the screen it had to be toned down much below even the 50% mark. Today after being away for 27 years from the performing arena, I am quite open to doing acting workshops working with an instructor and trying to understand present day requirements towards performing styles.
3. Can you share insights into your journey from winning the Eve's Weekly Miss India contest in 1981 to making your debut in the film industry with Painter Babu in 1983?
After finishing my 12th board exams in 1981 summer, I was taking shorthand typing and tailoring classes. At that time Mom and I saw an ad in the newspaper for the Miss India Beauty Contest, which was being conducted by the famous women’s magazine, called Eve's Weekly. The semi-finals for the contest were going to take place in a few days. Mom and I were always into performance and being seen and appreciated by audiences. So when she asked me if I would like to try entering this contest, I agreed. I wanted to.
On the day of the event, all the contestants met at one place and there was some walking and talking. There were a few judges and it was a little informal because I think they were not doing a full-fledged stage show. We all came back home after that. Soon our home phone rang. I still remember the phone number in Delhi, 694979.
They told me that they had selected me as one of the finalists and two of us would be going from Delhi to Mumbai. But the main contest was just a few days away. They wanted to be sure that I would be available to go on that date.
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| Photo Credits: Meenakshi Seshadri, Photo-Sunil Moravekar. Make up Hair-Make up by Twisya |
Of course, I was available. I had nothing better to do. Oh, we didn’t have much time. We had to figure out what I was going to wear for the contest and stuff. We got this beautiful red Organza Georgette Saree with some silver brocade work. And I got this really cute blouse stitched from the tailor. Mom and I picked up some jewellery, and I was excited because my sister lived in Mumbai, and she was also a Miss Delhi. In the past she had gone to the beauty contest. I was quite inspired and motivated by her example. So the whole thinking was that I would get to see her when I went to Mumbai. I was absolutely sure that the Bombay girls were much smarter and glamorous so I had no chance. All it was was a free trip to Mumbai and the chance of meeting my sister and her family. So then me and another girl from Delhi both reached Mumbai airport. We went all the way to the city, to the Oberoi Hotel, which is where we were staying and the contest was going to take place in the big ball room there. Then, on the day of the show, I got my hair straightened in the salon in that hotel itself. I had thick long hair. They took forever, and we were all doing our makeup ourselves. We all had gotten outfits ourselves. It was not at all like today’s times, and for some reason they decided not to do the three rounds of regional or national costume, swimming costume, and evening dress. They had just one outfit and I think all of us wore sarees. I had a great time on stage. Being on stage and connecting with the audience was child’s play for me. I had been doing it since childhood. At the end I was crowned Miss India, much to my shock. My sister was sitting in the audience and she was jumping up and down and telling her neighbours,” Oh gosh, that’s my sister, that's my sister”. The next day we took photographs for the cover of Eve's Weekly with the crown and the sash and everything following that.
I had an interview with the satellite news production in Mumbai. Every Saturday the news would be a little longer, and they would have a special segment in the end where they would interview somebody. That Saturday, it was my turn, and I spoke about myself and my background.
Manoj Kumar the famous filmmaker saw that interview, he made his office contact the Eve’s Weekly people and get my sister‘s phone number. His office contacted us and said that Manoj sir wants to meet about a film. He is producing the film, in which he is introducing his brother and two new girls. He’s interested in talking about that. My sister, JijaJi, and myself visited Manoj ji in his big bungalow in Juhu. He explained a little about the story and at the end of the meeting he said that if you are ready I will go ahead and cast you in my movie.
I was stunned. I was shocked. I remember blabbering, “don’t you need to take a screen test!” He replied that whatever the camera sees, he could see with his own eyes. He was sure that I could do the job and I would suit the role in his movie. I told him that I needed to consult with my parents in Delhi and we left. Then I had to convince my parents because I wanted to try acting. I thought it was a fantastic offer which I had got without making any effort on my side. My family finally agreed. My mom and dad insisted on a few things. Firstly, I should continue my education. Secondly, I should live with my sister and not alone and thirdly I should never go anywhere alone. So my dad, mom or my sister always accompanied me so that I was home overnight. Thus, my life changed from a 12th class student waiting for her exam results to becoming the heroine of Painter Babu.
4) Tell us about your debut film, Painter Babu, and the turning point in your career with Hero opposite Jackie Shroff.
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| Photo Credits: Meenakshi Seshadri, Photographer- Sunil Moravekar Make up Hair- Make up by Twisya |
The first day of my shooting was in Shimla, North India. I performed in front of the camera for the first time ever in my life. I had to dance in the snow in skimpy outfits like the kind Dimple Kapadia wore in her debut movie, Bobby. All the while I was shivering in my shorts and there was not a question of me wearing complete winter gear. We were shooting for our title song. It was a romantic song with some comedy and glamour as well. As long as the sun was shining, I did not feel the cold. But the moment it became cloudy and windy. I had a tough time. Once after having to do a lot of rolling down the snowy slopes, I fainted. Of course I got better once we were back in my warm hotel room.
Painter Babu was a serious, romantic tragedy. It unfortunately only did well in some areas of India. While I was shooting for my first movie, Subhash ji was looking for a new face to cast in the role of heroine in his movie. Subhash and Manoj ji had a good relationship. So he asked to see my work. After seeing three songs that I had already shot, he decided that he would like to cast me in Hero. I knew of him as a great filmmaker. Moreover, Manoj ji felt I should accept the role. With his blessings and approval, I went ahead and signed Hero. The entire process of shooting Hero was very enjoyable. Subhash ji is truly an actor’s director, and under his guidance Jackie and I could shine in the eyes of the public. Hero launched several talents and gained success all over India, even in the south. All its remakes were mega successes as well. Today I am supremely happy to have enjoyed memories of Hero on its 40th anniversary on December 16, 2023.
5)You've had successful pairings with various actors. Who, among your co-stars like Anil Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor, and Sunny Deol, did you enjoy working with the most?
My favourite co-star is Govinda. We worked together in Teri Payal Mere Gee,Awargi and Admi Khilona he. He is fun-loving,an entertainer as well as very talented. I have amazing experiences with all my other male co-stars. But it is hard to single out anybody as a favourite. Of course I always like to say that there are three actors whose names start with Chi that I like. Chi Chi or Govinda, Chintu or Rishi Kapoor and Chiru or Chiranjeevi
6) Ghayal was a blockbuster. What was it like working with Sunny Deol, and did you anticipate the film's immense success?
I thoroughly enjoyed working with Sunny and the Director Raj ji. The film was beautifully crafted, and although it was Sunny’s vehicle, I got to perform some memorable scenes. My favourite scene is the climax when the character I played quietly hands over a gun to the hero so he can shoot the villain. She therefore willingly becomes an accomplice. I still remember attending the Premier Show and being struck by the audience response. Kudos to the entire team of Ghayal. In this way, my dream of working in Dharam ji’s home production also came true.
7) Hero (1983) played a pivotal role in propelling you to stardom. What was the experience like working on that film, and how did it impact your career?
Working in Hero did a few different things for me. For example, I was working with a very good filmmaker and some experienced actors like Shammi Kapoor, Sanjeev Kumar, Shakti Kapoor, and Madan Puri. It was a romantic musical with scope for me as a dancer. I got a variety of scenes which showcased my talent in comedy and drama. This made Hero a true launching pad for my career. I was flooded with offers from top production houses and working with excellent directors and co-artists. Hero also has become a cult movie which we celebrate even to this date.
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| Photo Credits: Meenakshi Seshadri, Photographer- Sunil Moravekar Make up Hair- Make up by Twisya |
Damini is an author backed role. I give full credit to the Director and writer for my performance. A lot of the background notes I made to understand the character of Damini applied themselves to me personally as well. The values and the belief systems overlap for me and the character of Damini. I remember the shooting of the movie started with the sequences in the mental asylum. There was one scene where I had to show how deranged the female protagonist had become. This was one time where I had to brainstorm with the creative team and my mother, who was my teacher in dance as to how I should improvise for that scene. There were no specific dialogues or instructions. That was a good challenge for me. The outdoor schedule in Mysore and neighbouring areas where we shot two songs was really fun. During the shooting of the song. Jabse Tumko Dekha I had to sit on the front bonnet of a car while Rishi ji was driving it. There was no safety harness or anything for me to hold onto so that I wouldn’t fall off the car. Hats off to Rishi ji. He drove the car so well that I was able to do my shots. The final courtroom scene I am really proud of because my long dialogue was divided into five or six smaller shots. I was able to perform with full passion and commitment, and every shot was OK in the first take itself.
9) Which film or role do you consider the most challenging or personally significant?
I think Hero, and Damini have been challenging. Two movies that are made in the South have also been special to me. Duet in Tamil and Aapathbandhavudu in Telugu.
10) After the release of Ghatak (1996), you chose to leave the film industry to raise your children in the United States. What led to that decision, and how has the transition been for you?
When I was crowned Miss India, 1981 I think contests arranged in India were not exactly on board with their international counterparts.
My decision to quit movies, and leave India to migrate to the USA to raise my family was a practical and an emotional one. I was ready to start my life with my husband, and the person who I wanted to spend the rest of my life with could not come back to India and make a good living. Therefore, it was natural and obvious that I would make the move. I did have a steep learning curve to fit in the American lifestyle. I learned to cook and drive and do other things by myself. I kept in touch with my dance and started teaching classical Indian dance to youngsters and adults. Frankly, I think home is where the heart is. Maybe I will take that a step further and say that you can find and make a home anywhere because true comfort comes from within.
11) Family seems to be an essential part of your life. How has your family, including your spouse Harish Mysore and children Kendra and Josh, influenced your choices and career decisions?
My family has always supported me in all my endeavours. I would state that it was my conscious choice to work or not to work all these years. Today, after leaving India and a hiatus of 27 years, I am ready to come back and re-join the entertainment industry with the full support of my family. My children are grown-up adults, able to take care of themselves. Of course, as parents Harish and I are always there for them. Even though I am in India, my kids know that if they need me, I will be there.
12) Beyond acting, you've been involved in dance and even run the Cherish Dance School in the United States. How has dance remained a significant part of your life, and what inspired you to establish the dance school?
When I started my Cherish Dance School in Dallas, USA. I decided on a few things. I would teach all the dances styles I knew. It’s a tough task, so I decided that I would only teach private one-on-one lessons and not have many general classes with groups of children. I also decided that I would only accept students after they pass an audition. It was important for me because my reason for teaching was to produce the best talent possible. I had grown-up with my mother, a dance teacher, who taught music and dance classes, performances and rehearsals, being part of my daily life. It was but natural that I followed in my mother’s footsteps. There was also the harsh truth that it was easier to be a teacher than a performer because performing opportunities were not that prolific. Another interesting thing I did was to collaborate with other Indian dance teachers, and their students; I also collaborated with non-Indian dancers and teachers to create interesting, cross-cultural productions. Coming from my background of having danced on stage ever since I was a young kid and having been in the movie business for a 15 year-career, I was always keen on mounting bigger productions, which were more challenging and exciting for me as a creative artist. Honestly, I missed the creative atmosphere of India. This was my way of channelizing that passion.
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| Photo Credits: Meenakshi Seshadri, Photographer- Sunil Moravekar Make up Hair- Make up by Twisya |
My mother passed her love for dance and music to me and my siblings. I was the only one who decided to take that up professionally. She and I were like twin souls. We thought and acted alike. Most teachers don’t want their students to learn other forms of classical dance. But because my teacher was my own mother, she supported me when I wanted to learn Odissi, Kuchipudi and Kathak. She was quite an all-arounder in dance. I even got the love for tailoring work, knitting and crochet from her. From my dad I got a love for literature, the English language, and writing. These were the foundation blocks for my life.
14) As a former Miss India, how do you reflect on the beauty standards in the entertainment industry, then and now? Have you observed any positive changes?
When I was crowned Miss India, 1981 I think contests arranged in India were not exactly on board with their international counterparts. In fact, the year I was crowned, we did not have three separate rounds, namely the national dress, the swimming suit, and the evening gown rounds, we had just one round with a national costume. The event was nothing compared to present-day times. Now it is even more complex than a marriage with several days of activities. As I said, now it is presented in tandem with how the final international contest will be conducted. There are big business houses willing to sponsor the events. The budget is bigger. There is much more professionalism. And the outfits... Wow! They are far prettier and more expensive. I also feel that contestants are far more stronger and capable. Just look at the number of international winners we have produced in India in the last 30 years. I think the one big positive change in beauty pageants is that the common audience doesn’t look at it anymore just as physical beauty. They understand that it is all about how complete and unique the person is.
15) What advice would you give to aspiring actors, especially considering the evolving nature of the entertainment industry?
The advice which Manoj Kumar gave me when he signed me for my first movie was “Be of the industry but don’t be of the industry.” Which pretty much means this- give your best totally to your work, and all that it entails and at the same time realise that it is just a temporary part of your life even if you are an actor working for most of your living time on earth.” I would also say that today’s actors are expected to be all rounders. Don’t let that get you down. If dancing or fighting, or having a great body is not your forte just work on honing your talent and your skills.
16) Could you please share any nostalgic memories or anecdotes related to the making of the song “Jab Koi Baat Bigad Jaye” and your experiences working on the film Jurm?
I did two movies with Mahesh Bhatt. Awaargi and Jurm. The extremely popular song jab koi baat has become an anthem for families, couples, friends and is requested in most celebrations. Yes, it is derived from an original English song 500 Miles. Regardless, this version is unique and has touched the hearts of several people for several years and will continue doing so. When Vinod Khanna came back to movies, it was my good fortune to get the opportunity to work with him. Satyamev Jayate, Mahaadev, Humshakal, Police Aur Mujrim, and Jurm were some of the films we acted in together. Getting to waltz with him, for this particular song was a dream come true.
17) What is the secret behind your fitness even today?
For my fitness I continue doing things which I used to do in my 20s… Not as well as I could do it when I was young, but I try to keep up the practice. I like to walk, climb, dance, do aerobics, Yoga, stretching, and strengthening exercises. I am also careful about my nutrition and occasional massage is also helpful.
18) Would you like to write your autobiography some day?
Yes, I would like to write my autobiography. If not, even if it is a work of fiction I am open to becoming a writer. But right now it is my time to use my skills of acting, dancing, speaking and perhaps singing. All these are going to keep me busy enough!
19) How does it feel to receive this kind of warmth and recognition from your fans even after a break from the spotlight?
I have always tried to reach out to my fans. During my acting days in the 80s and 90s I had a dedicated person who would take care of my fan mail and there were several fans to whom I would reply personally with handwritten letters. I also used to send freshly updated photographs with autographs. I think it is the magic and impact of movies, because of which my fans from before still connect with me and relate to me. I am trying to make new fans through my social media posts and find it very rewarding when I receive their congratulatory messages and their positive criticism. I instantly get to know if they like my make-up, my outfit, my hair, my performance, my fitness or not. Sometimes I can’t believe the love I am receiving. I feel that I need to re-introduce myself again in India, and in the entertainment industry. However, it is true in this profession that you are as good as your last movie so I hope to win the hearts of audiences with my work. I am really looking forward to showing them what I can do now
20) Do you have any message for the readers of The Holistic Pine?
I believe in positive self-affirmations. So I strongly encourage the readers of The Holistic Pine to connect to their own positivity and bring their A game to whatever they do.
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