I Wanted To Make 'Sex In The Village', Village Belles Talk Openly About Sex
Parched director Leena Yadav talks about her dream, Ajay Devgn, and of course, Radhika Apte
Leena Yadav's Parched is about to hit theatres. The film has been the talk of town ever since its actress Radhika Apte's sex scene video went viral. Excerpts from a conversation with the director:
How did it all begin on Parched?
It started with a conversation which I was having with Tannishtha Chatterjee quite sometime ago.
What was the conversation about?
She told me that she used to converse with women in village when she was shooting for Jal, and those women were quite open about sex. I found that the conversation she had with those women was so honest. So I said 'Chal, let's make a film called Sex In The Village'.
Sex In The Village?
Yeah, a film where women talk very openly about sex.
And then?
I realised over the next few days that similar stories were happening in my backyard as well. Why do humans have a tendency to believe that 'Oh, this can't happen around me or to me'. It's such a matter of convenience isn't it?
Anyway, so my main question was, and in fact is, that why have we created such a brouhaha about sex? I know of generations who were told that your birth happened because you were at a temple.
Around the subject of sex, I realised that there were other aspects like domestic violence, child marriage etc which too need to be addressed in a story involving women. With Parched, I am showing that life can be celebrated in adversity too.
How did Ajay Devgn (producer) get into the picture?
Ajay was a part of the Parched journey from the beginning. My husband Aseem Bajaj and I have a certain association with him. He immediately came on board and even gave us money to start the project, This, in turn, gave us credibility to get finance from investors who believed in not just the film's box-office but its resonance as well. And then, Aseem and I invested all our savings.
Why take such a risk?
Some of out biggest dreams are our biggest risks.
How did you do the casting?
As I said Tannishththa was a part of the film from the word 'Go'.
But before I went into production, I happened to meet Radhika. She had impressed me in Shor In The City and I called her home. I had a very informal audition of Tannishththa and Radhika together.Radhika is bold, brave and path-breaking. She is one of the most natural actresses we have in today's times.
Then Mukesh Chhabra (Casting Director and now also a Director) came on board. Getting an actress for Surveen Chawla's character. I was at my wits' end--- when Mukesh's team walked in with Surveen's audition- and I was just bowled over.
What's so difficult about Surveen's role?
All characters are breaking socio norms. There is nudity in the film. That cut off many actresses who were not ready to take that leap. Plus, I wanted someone who understands that character from inside, Surveen's role is not an external performance.
Do all three girls have nude scenes?
Kind of yes.
How did you react when Radhika's sex scene went viral?
I was not afraid because it is a part of my film. But let me tell you that the film is much more than just that.
Did Radhika do the nude scene with ease and comfort?
I think you need to ask her that. But tell me, isn't it that brilliant actors don't question the script? Remember Kate Winslet in Titanic? Is it anything to be ashamed of? Why are some of us still in the age of flowers and flasks touching each other, when a couple makes love?
Was it tough to shoot that scene?
It was not tough. Right down to the spotboy, our entire team has been very sensitive towards the film. We did what was needed, I mean we had a closed set. That's about it. I get really upset by the Oohs and the Aahs over a sex scene.Time we change.
Did Ajay say anything about that scene to you?
Ajay saw the film as a film. He didn't say anything about the sex scene to me.
Why have you titled it as Parched?
Parched means thirst, and I am showing the thirst for sexuality, freedom, love and laughter.
Is the language used also bold?
It's how everyone speaks nowadays. There is a scene between the three girls which talks about expletives.
The Censor Board has become very strict...
We got an A certificate. We had to blur a few nude shots and delete a few expletives.
What's next after Parched?
I am going to make a very sweet father-son story, which I hopefully plan to start next year.
Image Source: Indiafrum, Pvrl & Rooferunion
How did it all begin on Parched?
It started with a conversation which I was having with Tannishtha Chatterjee quite sometime ago.
What was the conversation about?
She told me that she used to converse with women in village when she was shooting for Jal, and those women were quite open about sex. I found that the conversation she had with those women was so honest. So I said 'Chal, let's make a film called Sex In The Village'.
Sex In The Village?
Yeah, a film where women talk very openly about sex.
And then?
I realised over the next few days that similar stories were happening in my backyard as well. Why do humans have a tendency to believe that 'Oh, this can't happen around me or to me'. It's such a matter of convenience isn't it?
Anyway, so my main question was, and in fact is, that why have we created such a brouhaha about sex? I know of generations who were told that your birth happened because you were at a temple.
Around the subject of sex, I realised that there were other aspects like domestic violence, child marriage etc which too need to be addressed in a story involving women. With Parched, I am showing that life can be celebrated in adversity too.
How did Ajay Devgn (producer) get into the picture?
Ajay was a part of the Parched journey from the beginning. My husband Aseem Bajaj and I have a certain association with him. He immediately came on board and even gave us money to start the project, This, in turn, gave us credibility to get finance from investors who believed in not just the film's box-office but its resonance as well. And then, Aseem and I invested all our savings.
Why take such a risk?
Some of out biggest dreams are our biggest risks.
How did you do the casting?
As I said Tannishththa was a part of the film from the word 'Go'.
But before I went into production, I happened to meet Radhika. She had impressed me in Shor In The City and I called her home. I had a very informal audition of Tannishththa and Radhika together.Radhika is bold, brave and path-breaking. She is one of the most natural actresses we have in today's times.
Then Mukesh Chhabra (Casting Director and now also a Director) came on board. Getting an actress for Surveen Chawla's character. I was at my wits' end--- when Mukesh's team walked in with Surveen's audition- and I was just bowled over.
What's so difficult about Surveen's role?
All characters are breaking socio norms. There is nudity in the film. That cut off many actresses who were not ready to take that leap. Plus, I wanted someone who understands that character from inside, Surveen's role is not an external performance.
Do all three girls have nude scenes?
Kind of yes.
How did you react when Radhika's sex scene went viral?
I was not afraid because it is a part of my film. But let me tell you that the film is much more than just that.
Did Radhika do the nude scene with ease and comfort?
I think you need to ask her that. But tell me, isn't it that brilliant actors don't question the script? Remember Kate Winslet in Titanic? Is it anything to be ashamed of? Why are some of us still in the age of flowers and flasks touching each other, when a couple makes love?
Was it tough to shoot that scene?
It was not tough. Right down to the spotboy, our entire team has been very sensitive towards the film. We did what was needed, I mean we had a closed set. That's about it. I get really upset by the Oohs and the Aahs over a sex scene.Time we change.
Did Ajay say anything about that scene to you?
Ajay saw the film as a film. He didn't say anything about the sex scene to me.
Why have you titled it as Parched?
Parched means thirst, and I am showing the thirst for sexuality, freedom, love and laughter.
Is the language used also bold?
It's how everyone speaks nowadays. There is a scene between the three girls which talks about expletives.
The Censor Board has become very strict...
We got an A certificate. We had to blur a few nude shots and delete a few expletives.
What's next after Parched?
I am going to make a very sweet father-son story, which I hopefully plan to start next year.
Image Source: Indiafrum, Pvrl & Rooferunion
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