Not the regular filmi mother

She reinvented the idea of the “filmi mom” with her portrayals in Rang De Basanti, Devdas and Dostana, and has showed off her considerable acting prowess in offbeat movies like Sardari Begum. Ask Kirron Kher about her definitive roles, and she says that she doesn’t believe in the term “character actor”. “I’m fine with playing the protagonist’s mother, mother-in-law or friend — as long as my role is well-written,” she says. “I’ve never taken work just to be in the business.”
In fact, Kirron says that she has turned down several big producers who have offered her typical mommy roles in the past. “I’ve hung up the phone on a few filmmakers,” she admits, with a laugh. “Be it Singh Is King or Dostana or my upcoming film Total Siyyapa, I consciously take up films where my role is almost parallel to that of the leading actors.”
And as she has redefined the scope of a “supporting actor”, Kirron has had a chance to show off some great chemistry with co-stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Rishi Kapoor and Dharamendra. Ask her about it, and she says, “I think I’ve been at the right place at the right time. A decade ago, no one could imagine that senior actors could essay romantic roles, parallel to the main leads. Fortunately, I got the scripts and the chance to team up with Amitji, Dharamji and Chintuji. With them, I didn’t really have to put in any effort to work on our chemistry. Because of my husband (Anupam Kher), we’ve all been family friends. The comfort level was always there.  Above all, I’m a very confident person and that reflects in my performance too.”
And now, that confidence is reflected in her appearance as well. A combination of eating right and practising yoga has helped the veteran actress lose a cool 15 kg. Kirron says she has been consulting a dietician. “We’re in an industry where one has to work hard, look good and pay attention to health, so the decision to lose weight was a combination of all that.”
Kirron’s style and desi look has inspired younger actresses like Vidya Balan. “I’m glad that my colleagues like Rekha, Shabana (Azmi) and Vidya have made a strong statement by retaining their Indian look. I think Indian women look most glamorous yet dignified in Indian attire. I don’t know if I’ve inspired anyone but I do admit that I have a passion for styling and putting together the perfect look. People have a totally warped definition of glamour. For me, being comfortable in your clothes and pulling it off with élan is glamour. I share the screen with much younger actresses but I never compete with them. I’m quite secure about my appearance. I can’t think of any instance when I felt overshadowed or threatened by them,” Kirron says.
A star wife, an actress, a reality show judge and a hands-on homemaker and mother, multifaceted Kirron represents the new age woman. “Being married to a successful actor like Anupam is an important part of my life but being fiercely independent and career-oriented is another aspect of it. Why are women expected to retire after a certain age? I’m fortunate that I’m in a profession that allows me to endorse the fact that women at any age can be independent and successful, yet take care of their family.”
And Kirron proves it by being a doting mom to son Sikander Kher. The actress admits that she is now hoping that her son’s not-so-successful career will finally take off with his upcoming film Tere Bin Laden 2. “As a family, we’re critical of each other’s work. But being a mother, I’m aware that my son has to be a bit more successful for me to analyse his work. Yes, I’m a typical protective and nagging mother,” she says. She also admits that the Khers are looking for a suitable bride for their son. “Anupam and I are looking for a suitable bride for Sikander. We want him to settle down at the right age. Maybe I’ll also stop nagging him after his wife takes charge,” Kirron says, with a smile.