Deepa Mehta’s film ‘ Anatomy of Violence’ features Kolkata-based celebrated actor Ramanjit Kaur

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India

21 Oct 2016, 03:42 pm

Award winning theatre and film actor/director, Ramanjit Kaur, speaks about her experience of working with the internationally renowned filmmaker Deepa Mehta in 'Anatomy of Violence' in an exclusive interview with IBNS correspondent Souvik Ghosh.

What is the film 'Anatomy of Violence' about?

The film is based on the Nirbhaya case [Delhi gang rape incident that occurred in 2012]. It makes an attempt at recreating the lives of the six boys who were involved in this gruesome incident. It portrays their backgrounds and tries to explore the reasons behind their motives and monstrous incident in which they were involved.

We have also tried to recreate the life of Janaki [based on Nirbhaya, the victim] as well – her aspirations, dreams and upbringing.

Intensive research and fact finding was done before the film was made.

Each actor plays multiple characters in the film.

What is your role in the film?

Each actor plays multiple characters in the film. I play three characters, which includes Janaki's colleague in the bank, her mother and a young pregnant lady who is the mother of a 10-year old child.

Does the film try to delve into the psychology of the rapists?

Yes. It is not only their psychological make-up but also their backgrounds and upbringing which have been taken into account.

How was your experience of working with Deepa Mehta again?

This is my third film with Deepa Mehta.

The earlier films were also very meaningful but this film is completely different.

She is quite a perfectionist yet gentle and subtle. She interacts constantly with the actors and tries to understand their views and analysis about a particular character. Working with her is indeed a learning experience.

This time, the experience was much more intense because the film emerged out of a rigorous theatre workshop.

What convinced you to say yes to this role?

It was not a yes to the character but to the project. I believe a good character always comes with good films.

When Padmashree Neelam Mansingh Chowdhry, my guru, called me up and said Deepa Mehta wanted to conduct workshops with the actors for this film, I thought it was a great opportunity for me to work with two of my favourite directors—Neelam Mansingh Chowdhry and Deepa Mehta.

So nothing could have been better than that. At the same time I felt that it was an opportunity for me to delve deeply into the case and analyse the human psychology that leads to the development of criminal leanings.

How did you feel when 'Anatomy of Violence' premiered at the Toronto Film Festival?

I could not be present there because of commitments. But my co-actors who attended it said they were given a red carpet treatment.

I will be attending the Mumbai Film Festival which shall be my first attendance at any film festival ever. So I am very excited.

Like we do in a theatre, I would be able to get a first-hand experience of people's reaction to the film.

It has been a long gap since you featured in the film 'Heaven on Earth'…are you looking for quality films only?

I do look for good films. There has been a long gap since 'Heaven on Earth'. I couldn't say yes to many projects such as 'Mouth of Hell' which was released in 2014.

Tell me about 'all-women's theatre group' of which you are a part?

I run an organisation called 'Creative Arts' where we give training to children and adults. We explore different genre in theatre like theatre science and theatre as therapy.

Theatre as therapy is the department under which I created an 'all-women's theatre group' about five years ago, and it has already received a national award.

This journey began with homemakers and people who never acted in a theatre before. But now various working women are signing up for the course. It aims at wholesome development and works on relationship building apart from acting.

So is it an effort from your side towards the development of women in theatre?

It was a conscious decision. I was holding these random workshops for women, when I realised that women go through a lot of pain about which no one talks. I saw many women's lives going to waste and dreams lost.

I feel it is an effort to make women understand their own self and their dreams and aspirations.

Do you think quality films often remain unrecognised in our country?

If we consider our population at large, the majority prefers films that entertain. At the end of a hard day's labour, they would like to relax though an entertaining film and not force themselves to think about serious issues often dealt in films that appeal to the intellect.

Since you are also involved with directing, does it help you in your acting too?

Yes, of course. Wearing these two hats does help me. My directorship has, subconsciously, honed my acting skills. I have also become more creative over the years. But I don't act while directing since I feel there must be a third eye to judge.

Are you interested to work in Tollywood and can we see you in Bengali films?

A friend is giving me lessons in Bengali language. I am really hoping that a Bengali director would offer me a film since I live here. I am really eager to work for a Bengali film.

Any dream character you would like to play on screen?

Yes..the main character of Choker Bali and Tagore's Charulata. These characters generated a lot of interest in me.

Pakistani actors have been banned in Bollywood after the Uri attack. Do you think it is a good move or artists should be spared?

I personally feel that everyone should work towards bringing peace. Propagation of art has helped during the time of war many times. I feel people should get together for more creative endeavours.

I have been to Lahore for theatre festivals and got great acceptance despite the political hue and cry.

Steps must be taken to keep art thriving, especially during times of war.

#Deepa Mehta #Anatomy of Violence #Ramanjit Kaur #Nirbhaya #Toronto Film Festival

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