Success still eludes Soha Ali

She continues to bag plum projects, despite the flops, writes Diganta Guha.

Soha Ali Khan’s films have not met with much success at the box office but she continues to sign plum projects, including Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s Rang DeBasanti. HT City caught up with the ebullient actor on her latest Rang De Basanti.

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What was your reaction to the script?
The script was unique and I thought it was a story that needed to be told. Usually, when you hear a script, you find it to be a version of some foreign film or the other. Rang De Basanti is fresh and has a social message. This film attempts to instill a sense of responsibility in all of us. It is about belief and conviction. The urban youth will definitely identify with the film but the message cuts across generations.

How would you define your character in the film?
Soniya is a girl in her early 20s. She is a tomboy, mixing around with this group of four boys but there is a feminine side to her as well.

Soha Ali Khan’s films have not met with much success at the box office but she continues to sign plum projects, including Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s Rang DeBasanti.

How was it working with Aamir?

His commitment and dedication are exemplary. Despite being such a big star he was so punctual on the sets. He is a perfectionist. He used to rehearse his dialogues and has an energy that is infective.

Rakeysh made the cast work hard, attend workshops…did that help?
The structure of putting the actors into workshop is European. It was of great help, since we practised dialogues and helped us understand the chemistry. We were prepared when we came before the camera.

Your reaction to the response that Antarmahal got…
I knew it would shock people. It was undeniably a dark film with black comedy. But it was not unnecessarily so. It’s set some 200 years back but the story is relevant even today. Women are exploited, isn’t it?

What is next?
I am shooting for Ahista Ahista directed by Shivam Nayar with Abhay Deol. It is a sweet and romantic film. Everyone was telling me that I must do a solo heroine film. I like my role, which gives me a lot of scope to perform. Then there is an Indian film in English — Postcard (directed by Rajshri Ojha).

You are also doing Aparna Sen’s The Jewellery Box with your mother (Sharmila Tagore)…
Yes, I am so scared. She is a veteran and is so particular about make-up and hairstyle. She has an eye for detail. I was dead scared about doing a commercial with her.