FILM INTERVIEW: DEEPIKA PADUKONE

 

For Ms. Padukone, the film appealed to her personally because of the story that was to be told and the players who were involved.

 

“Everything really -- from the subject matter of the film, my role and, of course, the opportunity to work with such a formidable cast and crew -- (was attractive to me),” Ms. Padukone stated. “When choosing a film, I always have to feel a connection with it -- something I would like to be part of, and Aarakshan had all of this for me, and more.”

 

While the film was a no-brainer for her, Ms. Padukone also believes Aarakshan has mass appeal both at home in India, as well as abroad in countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom.

 

“The film is, in essence, a drama which will appeal to the masses. You have the romance, youthfulness, intense (family) drama, entertainment, and so forth,” she said. “From an India perspective, every student and family member would be able to empathize with the characters and connect to the film. Either they or someone they know have experienced discrimination.

 

“Having said that, I think there is a huge global appeal, especially in the Western part of the world, whether UK/USA as the common man, wherever they may be, has been exposed to the issue of reservation and discrimination,” Ms. Padukone stated.

 

The Bollywood actress, who made her Hindi film debut opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Om Shanti Om, further explained why Aarakshan will likely bode well with audiences, stating that the film’s controversial themes combined with the presence of A-list actors is quite the formula for success.

 

“The film is based on one of the most controversial policies of caste-ism and reservation system in government and the education system in India. In essence, the film is about the impact that the issue of reservation has on a multitude of relationships and how this tests each of them,” Ms. Padukone said. “I play the role of Amitabh Bachchan’s daughter, Poorbi Anand, who is also Saif Ali Khan’s love interest in the film. Poorbi’s personality and persona are shaped by the relationships in her life – her daughter, a girlfriend, a friend, and a student.”

 

Speaking of Mr. Bachchan, who is also affectionately known as Big B, Ms. Padukone said it was an absolute honor and privilege to work with one of the leading patriarchs of Hindi cinema.

 

“I have always been in absolute awe of him, so to work with him first-hand is a memory I will cherish for my entire life.  It was incredibly nerve-racking at first, but he is a very humble and kind human being, and I got to learn so much from him,” the actress said. “Amitabh Bachchan plays the legendary and idealistic college principal, and he has single-handedly turned his college into the state’s best. He is a true legend for me.”

 

Ms. Padukone hopes Aarakshan will turn into quite the legendary film. Opening on August 12th, Aarakshan chronicles Prabhakar Anand (Bachchan) -- an idealistic school head who elevates his college into elite status. Along the way, Prabhakar’s loyal student, Deepak (Khan), helps tell the film’s ultimate message of love and friendship amidst a Supreme Court ruling on “aarakshan” -- or “reservation.

 

‘Aarakshan’ is distributed by Reliance Entertainment and opens worldwide on August 12, 2011.