Ashwini Iyer Tiwari, wife of noted Bollywood filmmaker Nitesh Tiwari, is making her K’town debut with the film Amma Kanakku, that is being produced by Dhanush’s home banner Wunderbar Films. This will be a remake of her Hindi woman-centric social drama, Nil Battey Sannata, which received critical acclaim in addition to being a box-office success. Ashwini Iyer was in the city, when DC caught up with her for a quick exclusive chat.
“The response from audiences for Nil… has been amazing. More than that, what was gratifying is that the film’s theme of a mother-daughter relationship was expressed so well — many who watched the movie told me that they were able to connect with the characters on screen. I am happy that it is still running in most of the theatres!” she smiles.
Quiz her about the changes she made for the Tamil version, and she answers, “The film is about the relationship between parents and children. I have changed some of the dialogues and the setting of the story. The emotional equation between mother and child never changes, be it Hindi or Tamil. So, the basic premises remain the same.”
While asked to comment on Amala Paul who reprises the role of Swara Bhaskar, Ashwini says, “Both the actresses are very similar in terms of getting into the depth of the character. They were hard-working and stretched beyond what was expected out of them.”
Heaping praise on Dhanush who pitched in as the producer for AK, Ashwini says, “He is an all-rounder and an amazing human being. Our wavelengths matched so well. I was more than happy to take his suggestions and help in terms of screenplay — after all he knows what is important and would go well with Tamil audiences.”
She also admits that it was like a dream come true when veteran Revathi was roped in for a crucial role. “I have been following her work for years, and am a great admirer of her films. In addition, we know she is also a director. What amazed me was that despite being a filmmaker as well, Revathy remained an actress on the sets of AK. That was a great quality. We are thick friends now,” Ashwini smiles.
Having worked as the creative director to all her husband’s directorial ventures, Ashwini is equally thrilled with Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming flick Dangal with Aamir Khan.
“I am really excited. I have been to the sets and watched Aamir working. However, I could not be fully part of Dangal like his earlier projects because of time constraints. Though I couldn’t be physically present during shoots, I am always a supporting wife to all of Nitesh’s endeavours,” she says and bids adieu!
