AMITABH BACHAN AND DEEPIKA PADAKONE ON AARAKSHAN – A movie based on politics of caste based reservations

The debate and discussion will heat up this summer as Reliance Entertainment’s ‘Aarakshan’, a high voltage, socio-political drama based on one of the most controversial Indian government policies of caste-based reservations in government jobs and educational institutions, releases in cinemas in UK and worldwide on 12^th August 2011.

From the makers of ‘Raajneeti’, one of the top grossing Indian films of 2010, and based on real life events, ‘Aarakshan’ is directed by the country’s most fearless and hailed director, Prakash Jha, who exposes the corruption and caste discrimination rife in India’s political and educational system.

Flawless and compelling performances are delivered by the Indian film fraternity’s finest acting talent, spearheaded by veteran of Indian cinema, Amitabh Bachchan (Black, Zanjeer, Sholay).

Appearing alongside the screen icon are major artists from the industry’s younger generation including the formidable Saif Ali Khan (Dil Chata Hai, Omkara, Kurbaan) beguiling starlet Deepika Padukone (Om Shanti Om, Love Aaj Kal, Housefull) and rising star of the Indian screen, Prateik (Dum Maaro Dum, Dhobi Ghat). Delivering exceptional supporting roles are industry veterans Manoj Bajpayee and Hema Malini.

Set against the rural backdrop of India, ‘Aarakshan’s poetic mise-en-scene is enhanced by the award winning music composers Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy’s rich and masterful soundtrack. The soundtrack features six tracks each with an astounding lyrical quality by Parsoon Joshi. Some of the gems of the album include the soulful ‘Kaun Si Dor’, the romantic ‘Achha Lagta Hai’ and the haunting ‘Saans Albeli’.

In lead up to the film’s release, Asian World caught up with Deepika Padakone and Amitabh Bachchan to discuss the film…

DEEPIKA PADAKONE

Can you tell us about the film and the character you play?

The film is based on one if the most controversial policies of casteism and reservation system in government and the education system in India.  Amitabh Bachchan plays the legendary and idealistic college principal and he has single handedly turned his college into the state’s best.  I play the role of Amitabh Bachchan’s daughter, Poorbie Anand, who is also Saif Ali Khan’s love interest in the film.  Poorbi’s personality and persona is shaped by the relationships in her life – her daughter, a girlfriend, a friend and a student.  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.

What was it like working with Mr Bachchan for the first time?
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.  He is a true legend for me.

And what about working with Saif Ali Khan for the second time?
It is always a pleasure working with Saif.  We have a great familiarity and a great comfort level when we are working which always help when you are starting new projects and especially on something as intesnse as this.

What attracted you to the film?
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.  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

Who will the film appeal to?
The film is in a essence a drama which will appeal to the masses – you have the romance, youthfulness, intense (family) drama, entertainment and so forth.  From an India perspective, every student and family member would be able to empathise 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

AMITABH BACHCHAN

What was it that attracted you to ‘Aarakshan’?

For me it’s always the script and then when you pair it with a director like Prakash Jha it’s very difficult to say no.  Prakash is a great director with a very unique vision and I have been keen to work with him for some time and was waiting on the right opportunity to present itself, which has happened with Aarakshan. The subject matter was very appealing to me and the challenge of understanding it equally.  I do think a film like Aarakshan can really help to make a positive change in our society and at the very least, draw attention to a subject matter that needs to be conveyed to the public.

Can you tell us about the character you play?

My character (Prabhakar Anand) is the principal of an institution where the higher class can avail education.  He is an idealistic man and would rather impart education for free to those children who cannot otherwise afford it. Somewhere in his life he tries to bring a balance between the two and believes that every capable person should have the chance to progress in his or her life through education.

How important is it to you to make a film with an important message like this?

I think it is extremely important!  These issues have to be raised and we were lucky to convey this message through the highly powerful medium of film and through this the film has potential of having a global impact through its far–reaching distribution. Yes, film does have to entertain and engage audiences, but I think we also have to take into account the powerful impact that thefilm industry can have on a global scale and use this to our advantage to facilitate positive change.

Do you still find you get challenged as an actor?

Yes all the time and I hope it stays that way. Taking Aarakshan’s script as an example, it really made me address a subject matter that is so inherent in our society but I had previously been oblivious to. It’s very important to experiment as an artist, push the boundaries and step out of your comfort zones.  If you are passionate and enthused by a role, then your audience will feel this too.

5.       Why should the audience watch ‘Aarakshan’?

This is such a poignant film with a strong message that needs to be delivered to the public. Discrimination is a universal phenomenon which the common-person encounters in his or her everyday lives all over the world, so it is a film that can appeal to a mass audience on a global scale.  This films transcends background and divisions based on gender, class, ethnicity and so forth. A must see film!