By Neeru Saluja
Writer-director Sandeep Kumar has created history with his film Mehrunisa by casting an 88-year-old actress in the lead role; for Farrukh Jaffar also, the lead role was a first in her 40-year film career, which has included movies like Umrao Jaan and Gulabo Sitabo. The film traces the journey of a family matriarch who finds personal and professional liberation after the death of her dominant husband, ultimately serving as a role model for women of all ages across the country.
An Austrian production shot in the historic city of Lucknow, India, Mehrunisa is the story of three generations of Indian women fighting the deep-rooted patriarchy in the Indian film industry. Starring legendary octogenarian Farrukh Jaffar in the lead role (for the first time in her 40-year-career), the film traces the journey of a family matriarch who finds personal and professional liberation after the death of her dominant husband, ultimately serving as a role model for women of all ages across
the country.
Excerpts from the interviews with actor Farrukh Jaffar and director Sandeep Kumar:
Actress Farrukh Jaffar
Q: When you received the script, what were your first thoughts?
I found the script really good because in the showbiz industry, the focus is on the youth, beauty and glamour of the female actress. But the director Sandeep’s script is about an 88-year-old’s dreams and emotions. This was contrary to how today’s society behaves, as you are forgotten once you become frail and slow. Also, I did see myself in the story and so I signed up.
Q: This film was shot in 25 days. Did you face any challenges?
No, it was very well planned. I had an attendant who accompanied me for the shooting and looked after my requirements. The crew also looked after me.
Q: You are said to be in love with the camera.
I have always been glamour struck and in love with the movies. I used to love dressing up and being photographed. At times I used to watch back to back movies. In my dreams I never imagined I would appear on the silver screen.
Q: People loved you in Gulabo Sitabo. In real life are you full of life and have your own will?
Yes, I don’t listen to anyone and do what I feel like doing. I remember when I was shooting with Rekha for Umrao Jaan, I changed the script and our dialogues. I told her if you have any objection, let me know! I met Rekha a few years ago at the screening for ‘Secret Superstar’ where she lovingly called herself as my daughter.
Q: What would you like to say to your fans?
Don’t ever be disappointed with your life. You should always have hope. Work hard and it will always bear fruit.
Director Sandeep Kumar
Q: What inspired you to make this film?
I used to wonder what happened to all the actresses of yesteryears. They were seen as mothers or aunties, but not in a lead role as in European films. It made me realize how male dominated our Indian film industry is. That’s how the idea came up to make a woman-centric film and from the senior age group.
Q: Having an octogenarian in the lead role, did you find it hard to get finance?
When I took the film to Indian production houses, everyone asked who is the ‘lead male actor’? So, we went ahead with an Austrian film production with no commercial angle.
Q: Did you always have Farrukh in mind as the lead?
Yes, I have been a great admirer of her work. She’s been in the Indian film industry for four decades and I was surprised that she has never been offered a lead role. When she is in front of the camera, you don’t want to say ‘cut’ as she will continue interacting with her co-actors. Her acting is organic and flows naturally. There were many scenes where we had no retakes.
Q: What change would you like to see in the film industry after people watch your film?
I hope that Mehrunisa becomes a game changer in the film industry. Filmmakers become bold in taking up stories that are not only women centric but also from the angle and perspective of elderly women.
