Dimple Kapadia, who will be seen next in Gurmeet Singh’s comedy, 'What the Fish', says that this was her dream role. “I wish I had been offered something like this in the beginning of my career. May be for some it would not be a dream role, however, I am very happy that I get to work with a new set of directors who have a lot of energy and come up with fresh and hilarious concepts,” she says
Looking back on a career that has spanned decades, Dimple adds, “I have had the opportunity of working with great directors like Raj Kapoor Saab. I remember when I debuted with "Bobby", I was just 16 and he would narrate the dialogues like a young girl. I just had to copy him exactly. Also working with Gulzar Saab was a great learning experience.
“However, today the new lot is much more prepared and the directors finish their work on time. They know how to get an actor in the right mood. Their energies are great and with technical upgradation, cinema has reached another level.”
“I remember Nana Patekar taught me how to make use of the props around the sets. In the film 'Tum Milo Toh…' for a scene I had to be sitting and knitting while Nana would ask me a few questions. In the end, I exit throwing the knitting needles and the wool on him. Cut to another scene, no sooner did I enter I was aghast to notice him knitting and continuing with the questions. I was so stunned that I did not react… But yes this taught me how to make use of the props that you find on the sets. The scene turned out to be so very natural.”
Talking about her late superstar husband, Rajesh Khanna, Dimple says, “He was fond of antiques. Before our house was renovated, just after my marriage, there were fabulous and stunning antiques. Since I was very young, other people took care of them. Unfortunately, they have been destroyed. A picture of Indira Gandhi with Kaka ji is still there. It was his favourite and always hung in the middle of the drawing room.”
“My mother has brought up my daughters Twinkle and Rinke… I was a kid myself. My mom is strong today too at the age of 75,” says Dimple.
Talking about her grandson, Dimple says, “Aarav (Akshay Kumar and Twinkle’s son) is exactly like Kaka ji, he talks less. Whenever I get dressed to go out he will just pass by, give a glance and with his head turning towards his right and says, ‘Nani you look exquisite!’ and move on.”
Our last question to Dimple is: How is life without Rajesh Khanna? “Do you think he has gone? No, he shall always remain with us.”
