Priyanka, 3 years have gone by after Gangaajal...
I got married after I had completed all my films. But you see, I had taken up Quantico which was a shoot of 11 months per year for 3 years. Hence, I couldn't take up a full-fledged role for this amount of time. And then, The Sky Is Pink happened (smiles).
Farhan, you are very selective...
Yes, but The Sky Is Pink Is A Very Special Film. It's the story of a very gracious family who dealt with the death of their daughter in the most loving and dignified way, it's a story of extraordinarily people. I am fortunate that Shonali Bose (director) thought of me for this film.
Priyanka, what drew you towards The Sky Is Pink?
This was a challenging role more than anything else because we are playing real people- not stars or sportsmen. I am not a mother, but for that aspect I depended on Aditi (wife in the real-life couple) and Shonali.
You got emotional at the Toronto Film Festival when The Sky Is Pink was screened...
Yes, it was filled with a diverse audience. They had got emotional and I instantly knew that the film had transcended the borders. Hence yes, it was an emotional moment for me.
Farhan & Priyanka, I believe there are several takeaways in this film...
Farhan & Priyanka, I believe there are several takeaways in this film...
Farhan: Absolutely, and even if you're a teenager. The core of the film is the love between the parents for each other and their love for their child. It will be easy to relate to the film.
Moreover, many scenes keep coming in the film which focus on everyday life. The Sky Is Pink brings to the fore that we should show gratitude to the people we have right now around us. At times, we are so driven by our personal goals that we hardly give time to our near and dear ones. All they need is a bit of time to chat and hang out with us, or a phone call from our busy day to ask them how they're feeling.
Priyanka: The Sky Is Pink a very inspirational film. I think it will strengthen family ties.
Priyanka, anything that you miss abroad?
I keep coming to India, so that part is sorted. But when I'm abroad, I certainly remember Indian food a lot. I don't know how to cook aur udhar khaana dabbon mein aata hai.
Priyanka, do you think India has changed a lot in the past few years? Do you see the difference in the last, say, 3 or 4 years?
Tremendously. I remember doing films where I told the people that they should leave their brains at home before coming to the cinema hall. But now, gone are those days. Public wants to use their dil and dimaag both.
The Internet access has broadened far and wide, which in turn has given them access to several options. This, in turn, has evolved their choices.
Is India getting aggressive, Farhan?
Let's take the case of social media. Opinion daaloge toh aapko backlash milega even if it is undue. That's the power of democracy. So develop thick skin and be ready for that, or else don't speak at all.
Priyanka, has life changed for you after marriage?
I wish I had more time for friends and family. But hmmm... I would definitely say that I have become a calmer person, I don't get stressed easily now. Nick has had a calming influence on me.
Priyanka, I remember my first interview with you at Subi Samuel's studio. You were perched high on a stool.
(Laughs) Yes, I too remember. I was 21 then.
Did you feel at any point in your early days that you'll come this far in terms of success?
Well, female actresses never thought then that they would travel too far. But now, it's changing. We have had some wonderful performances from Deepika, Kangana and Anushka in the recent past, so much so that they are bringing in the audience on their own strength.
Farhan: It has all changed behind the camera as well. We get to see so many female directors, DOPs, writers. And let me tell you, women experience things first hand every day. Their stories are better. They have a different take of life, it's become so refreshing.
Farhan, what are the chances of your sister Zoya's film Gully Boy winning the Oscar?
I don't know but we are very happy. I am imagining 250 films to be out there and it is not easy to come down top the last 5. We have made a blueprint of how we plan to take it ahead and will try to achieve that.
Image Source:- instagram/team_kangana_ranaut/deepikapadukone/anushkasharma/faroutakhtar