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`Don't remind me of my item number'

Mandira Bedi and Sameer Soni chat about TV, theatre and films

PHOTO: SHAJU JOHN

Actor Sameer Soni's career was progressing steadily until he landed the role of a lifetime. Purab ("Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin") made him the superstar of the small screen. This success has led to many opportunities on the big screen. Thanks to plays such as "Dance Like A Man" and "Anything But Love", greater recognition has come his way in theatre, a medium that is closest to his heart. Since the famous spaghetti straps, Mandira Bedi has come a long way. There has always been a childish side to her character that comes through in her naïve idealism. When her role as a cricket pundit drew a barrage of criticism, she was cut to the quick. The new Mandira displays more poise and seems able to take criticism in her stride. And, she has a lot to cheer about on the career front. With a string of television programmes under her belt, she seems to have morphed into a television anchor, and a successful one at that. Her recent success as theatre actor is the icing on the cake. Few things are as lively as a conversation between two friends who are riding the crest of success, as Prince Frederick found out.

Mandira: (Referring to the film "Baghban") How was it working with Amitji?

Sameer: It's very difficult to keep a straight face, when he is around. His sharp mind always comes up with a funny comment. He was constantly pulling Hemaji's leg, making the entire team burst into laughter. When one shot was dragging on, Amitji decided to don the director's role. He told Hemaji, `Look into the camera, slowly turn and walk towards the door, get into your car and go home.' This directorial effort was greeted with peals of laughter. The sets of Baghban were a laugh riot, partly because we were a bunch of Librans out there. Amitji, Hemaji, Aman Varma, Divya Dutta, Ravi Chopra and I are Librans. Probably because of this natal affinity, we were at ease with one another. Hemaji is such a sweetheart. She talks to you as if she is your friend's mother. Hey, I can see you are enjoying your new role as anchor of "Deal Ya No Deal."

Mandira: Absolutely. Maddy and I go back a long way. I got to know him during his Ghar Jamai days. It was then that he took time off to appear for a screen test for Mani Ratnam's Alai Payuthey. When Maddy learnt that I was stepping into his shoes in "Deal... ", he congratulated me. When you are superstar down South, your priorities naturally lie there.

Sameer: (with a naughty smile) Why don't you tell me about the Tamil film you acted in?

Mandira: (Rolling her eyes heavenwards) Sameer, I've told you about it.

Sameer: Why don't you tell the readers and get it off your mind once and for all?

Mandira: Don't remind me of it. But okay. In Manmathan, I did one for the time. Whoever has seen this song, sees me in a different light. I shrank from the idea of watching it myself. I knew what they shot. I knew where the cameras were. I died a million deaths, picturing the movements in my mind. As I had simulated the movements of a panther, my husband calls it "The Panther Song." I had buried the song in the back of my mind till someone dug it up. Last month, I was in Bangalore in connection with a music video, when this kind-hearted woman ferreted a DVD out of an unruly pile and played the song. I could have died of embarrassment. But, it was not bad at all. It had been edited well.

Sameer: See, didn't I tell you it would not be as bad as you think?

Mandira: You are gifted with amazing powers of patience. You pass up roles and wait quietly for the good ones to come along. How can you do it?

Sameer: Probably because it is not in my nature to settle for a less-than- ideal working environment. I would rather sit at home a whole year reading books than get into a project that does not enthuse me. I think there is virtue in picking and choosing your roles. I took up the Baghban offer only after I was assured that out of the four actors who play sons to Amitji, I would get the most number of scenes with him. In "Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin," I was convinced Purab had to undergo a few character changes. When my suggestion faced resistance, I stood my ground. I threatened to walk out of the serial three times. By the way, where is cricket in Mandira's scheme of things?

Mandira: Exactly where it was. I still support the Indian women's cricket team. They call me their brand ambassador and ask me to join them towards the end of a series.

Sameer: Can we expect expert comments from you?

Mandira: Of course! I expect to be in the thick of action in October when the Champions Trophy will be on. Kunal Das Gupta (of Sony) told me the other day that the company would be sending me to Milan for a new hairdo and a new look.

Sameer: I can't wait to see the new-look Mandira!

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