Actor Hazel Crowney got more than she bargained for when she took on therole of Ravi Kissen’s love interest in Aparna Hoshing’s Jeena Hai Toh ThokDaal, directed by Manish Vatsalya, butthat didn’t stop the actor from enjoying the film in the heartlands of Bihar. Atete-a-tete...
Howwas it shooting for Jeena Hai Toh Thok Daal?
It was a different experience for me altogether. I saw a differentside of Indian people when I went to Bihar. It was interesting
Whatinterested you at script level?
The setting of the film. It was showing the underworld of Indiaand it was kind of fascinating for me.
Howabout your character?
There is nothing dramatic about my character, but gets linked tothe Bihari people who come to work in her house and their underworld links... Ilike the element about her interaction with them... The storyline is verydramatic and I chose the film for the same. The story is different, dramaticand exciting.
Howis Ravi Kissen as a co-star and director Manish Vatsalya and producer AparnaHoshing?
The entire cast and crew went an extra mile to ensure comfort andit was really sweet of them to do that. When we shot in Bihar, it was not easy.We shot in actual traditional villages in real settings unlike most films thatare shot in sets.
We had an experience with a snake, lots of guns, over 5000 peoplevisiting us on the sets everyday with cows, donkeys and camels... Ravi Kissen Imust say was really sweet, nice and helpful even though he is a superstar thereand the crowd was coming in droves just to get a glimpse of him.
Whatwas most exciting about the film?
The songs. They were beautiful, amazing, you need to experienceand feel the songs...
Fromhome to Mumbai and the Bihar... it hasbeen a long journey for you. Do you miss your family?
Yes, I sure do. We love India so most vacations are spent here,but I go home to England when I get a time. I hail from Morocco but we aresettled in England. I cannot force my family to come and settle here. So I alsogo home to be with them... And yes, itis very very different from Bihar. (smiles)
Whatnext to expect from Hazel Crowney?
Currently, I am shooting for an exciting item song for a film Icannot name, and there is lots of work in the pipeline...