The Hindu : New Delhi News : Mandira hits another ‘boundary’

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Monday, Aug 04, 2008
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Mandira hits another ‘boundary’

After making a name for herself on the small screen Mandira Bedi, best known for adding glamour to Cricket, is all set to conquer the silver screen. The actor talks to Madhur Tankha about her childhood memories and future projects.

“It is high time the film-loving public accepted me as an actor who can carry a film on her shoulders. I am pinning a lot of hope on my two upcoming Bollywood projects,” says Mandira Bedi, who was here in the Capital this past week to inaugurate a coffee outlet.

Mandira’s upcoming film “Meerabai Not Out,” revolves around the life of Mira Achrekar, an avid cricket fan. “I play the role of a mathematics teacher who gives lessons on complex numerical sums by recounting cricket-related events. It is not that my character is caught in the wrong job, but like scores of cricket-crazy fans she is obsessed with players’ exploits on the cricket field,” says the actor.

Indian Test cricket captain, Anil Kumble, will also make an appearance in the film. “It will be a pleasant surprise to see Anil on the big screen.” She adds that the film also stars veterans like Anupam Kher and Mahesh Manjrekar.

Revealing that the script is her husband’s brainchild, Mandira says, “ My husband Raj Kaushal went to Pritish Nandy Communications with the script. It was a gratifying experience for me to act in the film that has been directed by award winning Marathi director Chandrakant Kulkarni.”

The actor, however, says she is an out and out television personality and admits that she owes her success to the small screen. “Offers in television serials keep pouring in even now, but unless something on the lines of my debut serial ‘Shanti’ comes my way I am in no hurry. Actually a lot of Shanti has rubbed off on me. It is a pity we don’t see such women characters on the small screen nowadays.”

Socially relevant role

The actor is visibly excited about playing the role of a woman who runs a non-government organisation in her upcoming film “Mumbai Chaka Chak.” “The character I am portraying is quite active. Even though she has her hands in too many pies, her heart is at the right place. It is a socially relevant film.” Mandira is also lending support to Saksham School for visually impaired children. “They are doing wonderful work for children. I am also involved with a non-government organisation Om Creation where women make chocolates and gift bags.”

Reinventing oneself

However, being in the show business has its compulsions and Mandira says that she tries to constantly re-invent herself by changing her hair style. “Outward appearance is definitely important in showbiz and I get bored sporting the same hair style all the time.”

Describing herself as a coffee addict, Mandira says that she loves Cappuccino with a shot of caramel in it. “As for food, I binge on vegetarian stuff as I gave up chicken in 1992. It was a personal choice and didn’t have anything to do with PETA,” adds the actor.

Taking a trip down memory lane, Mandira says she has fond memories of Delhi. “I am a Delhiite and my parents live in Panchsheel Enclave. As a child I used to accompany my mother to Chandni Chowk where I used to savour ‘jalebis’ and ‘chaat.’ The place is steeped in culture and I miss it.”

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