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The actress, who is gearing up to play erstwhile
Gwalior queen Vijayaraje Scindia in the movie "Ek Thi Rani
Aisi Bhi", says she had her first birthday party when she
turned 16.
"I don't remember any birthday party as
a child. Even that 16th birthday party was organised by my producer
Ananthswamy who discovered me for Hindi cinema in 'Sapnon Ka Saudagar'.
It was when he insisted that I have a birthday party I realised,
'My god, you have party on your birthday?'"
Excerpts:
Q: So what makes this birthday so special?
A: You tell me. People like you make it special
for me. Believe it or not, I didn't know what a birthday was until
I was 16 years old. I don't remember any birthday party as a child.
Even that 16th birthday party was organised by my producer Ananthswamy
who discovered me and gave me a chance in "Sapnon Ka Saudagar".
It was when he insisted that I have a birthday party I realised,
'My god, you have party on your birthday?'
Q: What do you mean?
A: My mother never celebrated my or mine or my
brother's birthday. I don't know why! Looking back it seems so
funny. Sad, no? I think birthdays are big in North India, not
so big in the South.
Q: So after 16 you became addicted to
birthday parties?
A: Once you become a star, everyone is eager
to celebrate your birthday. There would be a cake on the sets,
co-artistes singing for me. I started looking forward to my birthdays.
Q: So how are you bringing in your birthday
this year?
A: It started nicely enough two evening earlier
with the 'mahurat' of "Ek Thi Rani Aisi Bhi" where I
play Rajmata Vijayraje Scindia. I met Vinod Khanna, my parliamentarian
colleague who plays my co-star. He's looking so good these days.
We had done one of my favourite films "Meera" together
many years ago. Now we're doing another film in the same Rajasthani
ambience.
Q: You haven't changed at all since "Meera".
A: Neither has Vinod Khanna.
Q: What about the birthday party?
A: I've kept that for Saturday when I'll be back
from Tirupati after my annual birthday visit with all my relatives.
I like to have a birthday party every year for which family and
close friends are invited. Everyone is so busy with their life.
This is one time during the year when I'm able to meet all the
people who matter to me.
Q: And who are they?
A: My close friends are all from outside the
industry, except Rekha. I'll only call her. We're very fond of
each other for years. We've been colleagues and friends for decades.
I've invited her. I hope she comes.
Q: Who's planning the party?
A: Esha and Ahana. Everything is being organised
by them while I'm off to Tirupati with about 15 of my relatives
including the brother.
Q: Will Dharamji be there at the party?
A: Of course, he will. What do you mean? He has
to be there.
Q: And your fans, how do they connect
on your birthday?
A: There're some fans for years who would go
crazy if I don't let them wish me. I make it a point to take their
call on my birthday. There's a lady from Nasik Lata Shirke. She's
so fond of me. She sends all kinds of gifts like perfumes. I truly
value this kind of love. And when you say no one in the industry
speaks badly of me I feel my life is worth it.
Q: When you visited Tirupati on your
birthday what you prayed for?
A: I hardly have anything to ask for. I just
want to be doing the right things in life. And to create new opportunities
for myself. I can feel god with me all the time. Also, I'd like
to produce a film with Esha in the lead. I don't know why that
isn't happening as quickly as I want.
Q; What gift would you like this birthday?
A: Some new level of excitement in my life? Can
you suggest something.
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