With two Filmfare awards, a National award, and a BAFTA, actress Rohini Hattangadi has made a niche in both, theatre and the big screen. Known for her movies like 'Saaransh' across Anupam Kher, and Richard Attenborough's 'Gandhi' opposite Sir Ben Kingsley, she has kept her pace going with challenging roles. After visiting the UK for the first time to audition for 'Gandhi', Rohini returns with her Gujarati drama 'Baa Tane Hu Kyan Rakhu?'. The actress talks to Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice about her stint in the field and her love for theatre.
You play Baa in 'Baa Tane...' Wasn't doing a Gujarati play difficult?
I have done Gujarati plays before and I am doing this after a gap of almost 12 years. I have done 'Jugalbandi' with Shobhna Desai, 'Sarpana' in 1982, and others. This play was offered to me and I quite liked it. I was in the original Marathi version of the play and they told me they are making some changes and all, not to the theme, but to the plot. These changes were totally interesting and totally different to what I did in Marathi. The plot is totally different, the essence stays the same. It is working very nicely.
Who did you learn to speak Gujarati from?
From my plays! My first Gujarati play was 'Sarpana', directed by Arvind Thakkar. I had worked under him for a Marathi play and he said he would cast me in a Gujarati play. I told him I don't speak the language and he said, "Main sikhaunga tumko Gujarati!" and he stuck to his words. It was demanding initially. I would begin a sentence in Gujarati and end it in Hindi. But over the years now, I think I am getting a good grip over the grammar and am getting good at it.
Why don't we see you in a lot of movies any more?You seem to be more inclined towards theatre.
I honestly don't know. There is a lack of good scripts. The slot I was in, like the way they typecast in Hindi movies, it does not exist any more. I once played mother to Amitabh (Bachchan) and Jituji (Jitendra), but now I am not even suitable to play Maa. I am Dadi Maa now. (Laughs) Other reason being, I was busy with Telugu films. I have worked with Mahesh Babu and Venkatesh. Also, Marathi serials. My most recent show ran for two-and-a-half to three years. Then there is always my theatre work. 'Baa Hun Tane..' has been running for more than a year now.
Any projects lined up?
Right now I am only focused on this play. But may be, in near future. I was asked for a Marathi comedy serial by Kedar Shinde. He asked me if I am willing to do it and I said of course, I am willing to do it. Shooting for Hindi television has its cons. The schedules go awry and deadlines are missed. I have decided now that if I work in a Hindi show, it will be on my terms.
You played every body else's dream role in 'Gandhi'. What is yours?
Lady Macbeth. I have done such diverse characters and roles, some of them really challenging. But I believe every theatre person should get a shot at a Shakespearean play at least once.
Organised and Promoted by Yati Events & Raj Limited & NP Promotion, 'Baa Hun Tane Kyan Rakhu' will run in:
Ruislip-26 to 28 August
Potters Bar-29 August
London-31 August
Croydon-3rd September
Leicester-4 September
For details, contact:
Narottam Patel 07539 003083
Bhanu Pandya 07931 708026
PR Patel 07957 555226
Manoj 07940 418585
Brijesh 07883 093017
Jitu Bhatti 07435 962350
Jay Kotak 07809 455101
