A fortnight from now, audiences will see actor Raj and theatre personality Nadira Babbar's daughter Juhi make her screen debut in Kaash... Aap Hamare Hote.
Is she nervous? Absolutely not. For a girl barely out of her teens, Juhi Babbar is remarkably mature and self-confident.
Words flow in a well-coordinated stream rather than giggly fits, as Subhash K Jha finds out:
What kind of storyline does Kaash Aap Hamare Hote follow?
It is a love story. But it isn't a teeny-bopper college campus kind of fluffy love story. It is a maturely handled subject. Actually the catchline, When Love Comes Your Way Don't Let Go, says it all.
The film isn't about just [lead actor] Sonu Nigam and me. It goes into all kinds of human relationships. It sweeps into the entire gamut of family ties.
Are you getting more offers?
Yes they are coming with decent roles now. Earlier, the kind of roles I got made me happy doing just theatre. I had to go further with my film career. Otherwise what is the point of getting into another medium?
Even now, if I don't get the kind of films I want, I will go right back to theatre. I am not a stranger to showbiz or its accompanying trappings.
I believe you were to be launched in another film a year ago.
Yes. Talking about it is like digging up a grave. I started getting offers from the time I was doing theatre.
My father didn't want me to get into films. My brother [Arya] and I have been bought up with Indian values where we can't go against our parents' wishes. To me, my father's decisions are always pretty much final.
Besides, I wasn't too keen on a film career at that time. The roles weren't too exciting. Then I got an offer to do Aroona Irani's Yeh Dil Aashiqana. Aroonaji was very keen I do the film. My mother was in hospital then, recovering after surgery. I didn't give myself time to think straight. I decided to go ahead with it.
What happened then?
I think they weren't too organised. The minute I said yes, they told me to get ready within 10 days to leave for London. I found that weird. I reluctantly agreed.
But I objected a bit to the clothes I had to wear. Aroonaji must have thought I was too conservative to be in her film. I said, "Auntyji, I'm sorry, I won't be comfortable smooching on screen."
Still, I said I'd do it if it was essential. But it was essential not once but several times over in their film. That was when I said bye-bye.
Strangely, your father launched you instead of your brother.
Actually, Papa wasn't keen on launching either of us. We all wanted Arya to wait.
As for me, I did four plays and designed clothes for about ten before doing a film. I am a fashion design graduate. So I'm a padhi-likhi (educated) heroine. *laughs*
My Dad's offer to do Kaash Aap Hamare Hote came as a complete surprise. I was doing a play called Beghum Jaan, where I played my mother's granddaughter.
After I returned from the show, my father suddenly announced he wanted to make a film for me. I was shocked. At 6 in the evening he saw the show. By 9 he had called up the director (Ravindra Peepat). This was in December 2000.
I believe Kaash was devised for your father and Smita Patil.
Yes. Papa and Peepat Uncle hunted for a script for me, until Peepat Uncle reminded him of this long-forgotten script. It is a very challenging role.
For the world to know the character was designed for one of the best actresses in the country made it doubly stressful for me. Fortunately, it didn't make me self-conscious. My director was so sensitive and responsive he didn't want me to rehearse for the role.
He said Amrita was a character quite like me. Of course, she goes through strange experiences.
That is where my training in theatre helped.
What was your dad's role in the making of Kaash
He was there throughout. He helped both me and my costar Sonuji with our performances. He is the film's designer. He was the biggest motivation on the sets.
As for Sonuji he wanted this to be his first release. I call him Sonuji because career-wise, he is 10 years senior to me. I enjoyed working with him. He is so hardworking.
He will surprise people in Kaash. In his debut film Jaani Dushman he had nothing to do. People will see him as an actor only in Kaash
Are you more nervous about your debut than you were for your brother?
Ha, that's a tough one. Lekin main main zyada Arya ke liye nervous thi [I was more nervous for my brother Arya]. I'm a very protective Didi.
I just want acceptance as an actress. All of us are so emotionally attached to Kaash Aap Hamare Hote. I have put in my best.
I don't want to be given special treatment because I am a newcomer. I want to be judged dispassionately and, if required, harshly.
