Meghna Gulzar, whose fourth movie Talvar, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival a few days ago, has gathered favourable reviews. in a conversation with Lipika Varma, Gulzar talks about her family, career and the latest directorial venture
Q Talvar is hitting the screens on Friday. Are you tensed?
Yes, I do get the Friday jitters. The work of Talvar has been very exciting and challenging. We looked into every aspect of the reports. This movie is completely diametrically opposite to what I have done all these years. It has been a great experience. I want everyone to watch the film.
Q Why did you choose this theme?
It’s a soft, relationships-based plot. There is no blood or crime. The subject was very challenging and I think, the case somehow does not leave you. There is no sense of closure; there are still questions that need to be answered. The thrill and drama attracted me. Before writing the script, a large amount of research was done. The script by Vishalji is extremely powerful.
Q It’s a shocking incident. Weren’t you disturbed while making this film?
While directing this film, I kept my emotions out of the sets. I have not allowed my emotions to interfere with my career. But one question has always troubled me — where’s our society leading us? The case is revealing real evils. With parents allegedly being involved in the murder of their children. If at all it’s proven, then surely we have to think as to where our society is heading to.
Q Being the daughter of two celebrities — poet-lyricist Gulzar — and actress Rakhee, how was childhood?
My childhood was very much like any other child...I grew up pretty normal. I had friends and participated in many co-curricular activities. Only at a later stage did I realise that my parents were celebrities.
Q What kind of equation do you share with dad and mom?
My mum and I are like friends, but with baba, it’s different. Mom was the one who disciplined me. My bonding with baba is totally on a different level... like sharing stuff and notes...
Q Have you been to film sets with your mum?
I have accompanied her to shooting sets as a kid, but I really don’t remember much. However, my parents were against me attending shoots. They didn’t want me to miss school.
Q What qualities have you inherited from dad and mom?
I think it is creativity. I do write poems sometimes, but whatever I write, I have no intention of publishing it. At times, when I turn a little emotional, I jot down something like baba does. In fact, reading and writing is something my whole family loves to do.
Q Why didn’t you choose acting as a career?
I prefer being behind the camera. I am an introvert who would never like to act. I do not appreciate much scrutiny and I’m nervous in front of the camera. I don’t like to attend parties and get my photos shot unnecessarily... promoting myself without having anything to tell. I like to come out in the open only if I have done something.
Q Tell us about your son. Who is he close to? Is he being spoilt by grandparents?
Actually, my mum is taking care of him. He lives with her most of the time at her farm house. Recently, we went on a holiday to Ranthambore. We love outdoor trips, nature and wildlife. Probably being the beloved of his nana and nani, both tend to spoil him, but we, as his parents, are always there to show him the right path.
Q Would he join the glitz and world of glam one day?
I don’t know that now. Whatever he prefers to do, we will always support him. Right now, he is too little.
