Tanushree Dutta, the Bollywood siren and former Miss India, appears in her only 2008 film, Saas Bahu Aur Sensex, which also marks Warner Brothers’ foray into Bollywood.
Last year, Dutta tasted success with the comic caper Dhol and won critical acclaim for her negative performance in Raqeeb.
But this year, she has received flak, first, for her shoddy looks, and then because she accused senior actor Nana Patekar of “misbehaving” with her, which incurred the wrath of workers from a local political outfit.
She also later had a spat with Shona Urvashi, director of Saas Bahu Aur Sensex. Dutta talks about these controversies, her latest film and future projects:
How come you were not seen on screen for almost a year despite the success of Dhol?
I was working on many projects and some of these took a while. I should have a handful of releases next year.
Tell us something about Saas Bahu Aur Sensex and your role in the film.
Saas Bahu Aur Sensex is an urban comedy set against the backdrop of Indian financial institutions.
I play the character of Nitya, who stays with her mother, played by Kirron Kher, and shifts from Kolkata to Mumbai.
Nitya starts working at a call centre, where she falls in love with a guy called Ritesh, played by Ankur Khanna.
He, however, is in love with another girl. In the meantime, Nitya’s mother starts investing in the stock market with the help of a broker, played by Farouque Shaikh. This results in a string of hilarious situations.
You apparently had a spat with the film’s director, Shona Urvashi, and were miffed with the way she treated you on the sets.
I had a terrible experience acting under Shona’s direction.
I have no clue why she kept picking on me.
I couldn’t get along with her. I was made to work under stressful conditions as the film’s production details were taken care of by Shona’s parents. I would like to forget the experience.
Warner Brothers was involved in this film’s production. How did you find their approach?
I completed this film only because of Warner Brothers. I found them professional. I would love to work with them again.
What happened on the sets of Horn ‘Ok’ Pleassss that forced you to speak against Nana Patekar’s behaviour and later on Rakhee Sawant, who replaced you in the film and made a scathing remark on your behaviour?
I don’t want to talk about it. I have faced enough trouble speaking against Nana Patekar and Rakhee Sawant.
I haven’t been ever been treated so badly by any actor before. I have been harassed by a local political outfit and it makes me feel insecure in this industry.
Now about your much-hyped super-heroine role in Ramaa: The Saviour with WWF champion Khali.
The film is in its final stages of production and it has shaped up really well.
I play an action heroine in the film and have performed my own stunts. It was amazing to act with Khali, who, despite his towering physique, is a gentle person. I just can’t wait for the film to hit the theatres.
What are your other projects?
Besides Ramaa, I have a comedy film called Do Lucky, which co-stars Govinda and Tusshar Kapoor.
There’s another comedy called Rokda, with Arshad Warsi. I have almost completed a film with Abbas-Mustan, which stars Sanjay Dutt and Ajay Devgan.
How have you decided to overcome the flak you received for your unflattering looks and dresses?
I am still a newcomer in this industry and am still in the process of learning the tricks of the trade.
I do agree that I was on the heavier side and that some of my
dresses weren’t up to the mark. Now I am following a strict fitness regime that includes rigorous workouts and cardio exercises — that should keep me in shape.
In fact, my role in Ramaa required me to slim down. I am also paying special attention to my wardrobe.
I am confident that I will be able to carve a niche for myself in the industry — even without the help of any godfather.
— Abdulla Mahmood is a UAE-based freelance writer
