The
commercial release of Rabbi is on the cards with the movie hitting screens
across India on 15th September, 2017. For Bidita Bag, Rabbi comes as an almost
immediate release after her recent hit, Babumoshai Bandookbaaz where she stars
against the extremely talented Nawazuddin Siddiqui. Bidita’s talent is being
recognized across the globe for her bold acting in Babumoshai Bandookbaaz. She
has always had an inclination towards socio-political films and Rabbi is one
such film addressing social beliefs. Excerpts from an interview with the
actor...
1. How are you feeling after the recent
success of Babumoshai Bandookbaaz? How was the experience of working with
Nawazuddin Siddiqui?
Answer
– It has been a couple of years since I started, and finally my work has been
recognized by the wider audience with this movie. Nawaz is a very talented
artiste and in some ways I relate to him and his struggle to make it into
Bollywood. Of course, for me the entry came much sooner as compared to him. He
is a very nice human being and is very grounded and humble which I think is the
reason for his success.
2. Coming to Rabbi, what prompted you to
choose this project?
Answer
– From the moment I heard the story, I was in love with it. I believe the movie
answers some important questions that are left unanswered in our day to day
lives. Is Music forbidden in Islam was something that appealed to me... In our
society people are made to be God-fearing, whereas actually we should be
God-loving. I feel it is important to communicate this message.
3. Director Rahat Kazmi is known for being
unconventional in his ways... how was your experience working with him?
Answer
–Rahat is trying to encourage the film industry in his hometown Jammu and
Kashmir. He ensures that there is local involvement in his films which brings
more flavour to his works. He has a knack of recognizing a sensible script and
atire is his forte. And when Rahat makes a film his entire family is involved
in it from start to end. They see to it that the work setting is extremely
friendly and comfortable. You almost feel that
you are on a trip to enjoy and the shooting just happens in between!
Excellent experience working with him (smiles).
4. What are your expectations from Rabbi?
Answer
– Is movie ka dil bada hai (This movie has a big heart). I’m sure the audience
will enjoy it, the main reason being that the film looks at contemporary
problems. Rabbi also addresses at terrorism.
5. Tell us about your role in the movie...
Answer
– My character in this movie is called Afia, a typical Muslim girl, belonging
to a conservative family, covered from head to toe. However, she is very
liberal in her thoughts and outlook. She is Rabbi’s cousin, friend and support
system. At the same time, she is also his biggest critic. She constantly
inspires him to achieve more while keeping him grounded and giving him reality
checks.
6. How was the crew and how did you fit in
considering the diverse amounts of experience spread across?
Answer
– I would happily say all the senior members loved me a lot and made me feel at
home. Dolly ji, Virendra ji, Raghubir ji were all very supportive. In fact we
gelled very well over music since both Raghubir ji and Virendra ji enjoy
singing and I play the harmonium, we had our own musical sessions that I
cherish even today.
7. Your future projects?
Answer
– I have a few movies in the pipeline such as Daya Bai which is biopic on Daya
Bai, T for Taj Mahal, a film on education among others.
8. The music forms an important part of this
movie, which is your favourite song and why?
Answer
– Yes, the music truly brings out the feel of the film. All the songs are
really nice but my favourite is Amma Teri Lag Gayi, sung by Raghubir ji. For
me, the song was relatable to an extent as when I was growing up my father also
always hoped that I would get a Government job and I think this is a common
story for every middle class youngster in our country.
9. Many youngsters are trying to follow
similar footsteps as yours, to do more meaningful and mature cinema, what is
your message to them?
Answer
– Every Artist has a unique journey. Along with hard work, even luck plays a
part in one’s fate. I would say this industry is uncertain from a career
perspective. If you are to make a career in this industry, you need to be
extremely patient and constantly work on improving your skills. You should give
yourself enough time and failures should not stop you.
