Interview With Bollywood star Juhi Chawla

Juhi Chawla stars in I Am, a controversial Indian drama from director Onir. It is the opening film at the Indian Film Festival 2011, which begins tonight at Syliva Park cinema in Auckland. More information on the festival here.

FLICKS: I Am features stories about gay rights, child abuse, sperm donation and Kashmir pandits – controversial subject material for Indian film. What attracted you to the project?

JUHI CHAWLA: The director, Onir, makes very truthful films that hold a mirror up to Indian society in interesting ways so I was very drawn to the honesty and integrity. My character, Megha, returns to the Kashmir region where I come from and I just couldn’t resist going on that journey too.

Controversial subject matter has required funding to be sourced from hundreds of people around the world. Has the reception towards the film been difficult in India, or have people welcomed it?

I Am isn’t released in India until April 22nd but they’re eagerly awaiting the film because it’s directed by Onir, so they know it will tackle important subjects that India needs, and wants, to talk about but that mainstream Hinda cinema isn’t addressing. Until then we’ve been showing the film at festivals around the world where it has already won big several awards so the anticipation is really growing at home. It will divide opinion because these are important stories for us but I think overall it will be welcomed as such.

You play a Kashmir Pandit in the film, returning to her home town that holds bitter memories. How do you relate to this role?

Onir’s screenplays are always based on true stories and my story in the film is loosely based on (co-producer) Sanjay Suri’s mother’s life but it is also about coming to terms with your past. Every person, whether they have left Kashmir or not, can identify with that.

You are known for both your dramatic and comedic roles. Which do you prefer to perform?

In the 90s I became very successful in comedies but I don’t really have that image anymore. I have two children now so I think I’ve outgrown those roles perhaps. Now I’m more interested in performance-oriented roles that are more challenging and suit my age and personality. I want to take chances and groundbreaking directors like Onir allow me to do that.

What do you like to do when you’re not acting?

I love music. I practice every morning. That’s my hobby. My children are at that stage in life though when they need me so I’m busy raising them. I still find some time for my production company somehow and I own a share in the Kolkata Knight Riders cricket team so I follow them avidly. Indians love cinema and cricket and I am no different!