Hema Malini plays the late Vijayaraje Scindia in Gulbahar Singh's Ek Thi Rani Aisi Bhi. Excerpts from an interview
How was it playing a queen-turned-politician?
It was very interesting. Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia was amongst us just a few years back and I knew her, unlike the character from my other biopic, Razia Sultan, who was from a different era.
How did you bag this role?
Maybe they felt that I am the right person for it. I do not go around asking for roles. I have never done that in my life.
The movie is inspired by Mridula Sinha's book Ek Thi Rani Aisi Bhi. Have you read it to gain some insight into Rajmata's life?
I am reading it now.
How did you prepare to get under the skin of the character?
I am learning about Rajmata from various books. I am also trying to understand her relationship with her husband, how she met him, became the queen of Gwalior and then made a foray into politics. In order to get a better understanding of her, I have met a lot of people closely associated with her, including her grandson Jyotiraja Scindia.
You are part of the same political party (Bharatiya Janata Party) as Rajmata…
She is one of the leaders who established the BJP. She was a very powerful woman and that is why it's so interesting to portray her.
How do you manage to juggle your time between dancing, acting and attending to your parliamentary duties?
Because of good time management. I know my priorities.
Tough time
Hema Malini, an actress renowned for her dancing skills, has a tough act to follow as she's cast as an aristocrat
Your comments
Hema need not play an aristocrat. She is no notch-girl, but a classical trained danseuse. She comes from a good family, and has innate aristocratic qualities. Regal, dignified, and beautiful, she can oust the Rajmata herself.
hem, Andorra
Posted: March 08, 2009, 11:36
