Tanuja Chandra has not been in news after her film, Sur. Now, the lady is back and currently busy shooting her latest Rockin’ starring Sushmita Sen, Shiney Ahuja, Kim Sharma, Moushumi Chatterjee and others. We caught Tanuja for a brief chat about her film.
What is Rockin’ all about?
Rockin’ is a drama in short! Actually it is a love story between a shy, reclusive doctor played by Shiney Ahuja and a vibrant, sensational rock singer, played by Sushmita Sen. It is an unusual urban tale that becomes very, very dramatic towards the latter half of the story. I guess I have divulged too much about the film for now.
Is Rockin’ based on Sushmita Sen’s real life?
No, no! Rockin’ is not based on Sushmita's life. However, strangely enough there are quite a few parallels between the character and the real person (smiles). I guess that is what attracted Sushmita when I narrated her the story. She seemed to relate to the character and she liked the concept.
What made you to cast Sushmita Sen in your film?
Actually, I like to use people's natural chemistry in their acting, so I have used Sush's energy and her brazen state of mind in Rockin’. However, for most of the part I have tried to get the person out of the role. I like the character to stay distinct from the personality. You will have to see the film to understand what exactly I mean.
What made you to cast Sushmita Sen in your film?
Actually, I like to use people's natural chemistry in their acting, so I have used Sush's energy and her brazen state of mind in Rockin’. However, for most of the part I have tried to get the person out of the role. I like the character to stay distinct from the personality. You will have to see the film to understand what exactly I mean.
What are other interesting things in your film?
Shiney Ahuja is another interesting aspect of the film. He's quite a remarkable actor. He has taken me aback with his totally heartfelt performance. The two of them are fabulous together.
How did you convince Moushumi Chatterjee to play the double role in the film?
Moushumi
ji
is a fabulous actress and her work in this film is exemplary. She is a complete spontaneous actress, which is why I thought of her for this film. She liked the concept of the double character and she has really given the best, more than I had expected or dreamt of. It is for the very first time that Moushumiji is doing a double role in a Hindi film. She has done double role in a Bangla film but I must say I am lucky to cast her for the first time in a double role in a Hindi film (smiles).
What characters is she playing in the film?
Moushumi Chatterjee plays Sushmita's mother. Her twin sister, also played by Moushumiji, is just the opposite of the mother. They both are at constant loggerheads with each other. It's really funny stuff, which also has an underlying emotional tone.
When is the film likely to release?
I will be finishing shoot by early March. Then one two months will go in post-production. So we're looking at a June release.
After Rockin’ any other projects on the pipeline?
I do have other projects in the pipeline. Currently all I can think of is Rockin’. I do have various scripts but I'm not actively working on them at this precise moment. I like to be involved in only one project at a time. However, my mind is always wandering with other subjects and they keep germinating in my mind. Maybe by the end of the year, I shall begin my next film.