If Indian actress Shefali Shah had her way, she'd bring back the Smita Patil era. That "Golden Age", as film historians call it, was when filmmakers took the bold step of breaking away from mainstream song-and-dance films and indulged in realism and naturalism, reflecting the contemporary society of that time.
The late Patil, considered one of the finest actresses of her time, led a generation of strong actresses who would leave an indelible mark on the industry.
But that was the Seventies, and a lot of things have changed since. Indian cinema has even gone on to wholeheartedly adopt the moniker Bollywood (no prizes for guessing where that came from) and many "top actresses" are now back to the more commercially friendly song-and-dance routines.
For real actresses such as Shah, you'd think the options are few and far in between. But the actress, known for her acclaimed roles in films such as Satya, Monsoon Wedding, Gandhi, My Father and Black and White, says she has enough offers to keep her busy.
"I know many people think success is measured by the number of lead roles you play. But what's the use if it only means wearing great make-up and nice clothes and dancing around?
"That is why I'd like to see myself do what great actors like Smita Patil and Shabana Azmi did. That's what I always wanted to do. That's what I want to do."
She doesn't want to dismiss the way the film industry is headed right now either, saying: "I think whatever they are doing, they are doing a pretty good job of it."
To feed her hunger for the art, every once in a while when a strong script comes along Shah dabbles in theatre, a medium she started her career with. And she's bringing her acclaimed Hindi play Bas Itna Sa Khwab (Just a Little Dream) to Dubai tonight for one night only.
The purpose of life
With Shah as lead along with Kiran Karmarkar, and adapted from a Marathi play, Bas Itna Sa Khwab explores the relationship of a middle class Indian couple and the aspirations they have for their son. A socio-psychological thriller, the play delves into questions such as the purpose of life and how illusions and social pressures can threaten relationships and lead to tragic results.
"It's not that dark," Shah insists after explaining the premise of the story. "But it's shocking. Still, it's a world any mother will believe in and relate to.
"Shalini [the title character] is just another mother, an ordinary woman, and her beliefs and aspirations are what any mother would have. Yet she goes into dark places some times and her conviction is so true, it makes you question your own."
Almost carried away, she quickly checks herself: "I can't tell you any more, or it will kill the play."
As a mother-of-two, I ask her if she sees any similarities between herself and the character she is playing. "I'm as sensitive a mother as Shalini, yes," she says. "And also as protective and fussy and slightly obsessed."
‘I've been lazy'
Despite her award-winning performance in Monsoon Wedding, an international hit, Shah says she has never really pursued a career outside of India. "I've been lazy. And I don't have the right contacts. Neither have I tried to get in touch with anyone. I've always just done whatever's come my way."
She met her husband, film director Vipul Shah, 12 years ago on the set of a Gujarati film. He's directed her in the Amitabh Bachchan-starrer Waqt: The Race Against Time and will soon collaborate with her on another film Kuch Love Jaisa (Something Like Love).
"It's a very unconventional love story about two very different people you would never imagine to be together, and how they change each other's lives," Shah, who will play the central character, explains.
"It's very different and I'm glad we're making such films these days."
Starting off with theatre at a very young age, Shah gained popularity as a television actress in the Nineties with Banegi Apni Baat (It Will Be Sorted) before moving to cinema.
While she loves working in the movies, theatre remains close to her heart. "It pushed you to your limit as an actor. It challenges you," she says.
"You can never be complacent. In films, you have your dubbing, and voice-overs and takes and retakes, but in theatre once the curtain is up, you are all on your own."
Shah On Dubai
I've only been to Dubai once, about 10 or 12 years ago. I remember we went to an India-Pakistan cricket match and India won. This time, I'm hoping to do some desert safari and hopefully get some time off to shop in Ikea. I love that store.
Don't miss it!
Tickets to Bas Itna Sa Khwab are available for Dh50, Dh100, Dh200 and Dh300. The show is for one night only tonight at the Shaikh Rashid Auditorium in Oud Metha, Dubai. Curtains up at 8.30pm. Call 055-4945439 or 04-3316488.
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