Earlier we used to enjoy films for 25 weeks, Silver jubilee, and Golden jubilee; but now it takes only 3 days to recover the cost.
The most challenging part of being an actor is that every time you play a character, you have to start from ground zero.
Serials are for money, movies are for eternity and theatre is for self- satisfaction.
I think an actor should look for a good role irrespective of its length.
Maybe at some point, I will come out with my #MeToo story. Very well known and important people have tried to take advantage of me or have misbehaved. They are still around. When I want to name them, I will name them. It will not be one name, there will be quite a few names.
In the West, they have morality. We pretend to be moral people but we are not. We do not have a moral code.
I used to think that Bollywood is a place where actresses are required to expose. I didn't want to act in films.
As an actor my job is to deliver the best so that the audience not only likes my roles but also remembers them.
Life in Dehradun is far more relaxing and pleasant than life in Mumbai.
I completely believe in the leadership and vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and it is because of this that I have joined the BJP.
I take it as a compliment when people want to click photos with us. But at times, it is pretty intrusive. People think that because we come on the big screen or on television, they have a right over us.
I was one of the good-looking, educated actors, and that is like a disadvantage in theatre!
In theatre, the uglier you are, the better actor you are.
I was pretty good at studies and when I had come to NSD for my interview, I'd lied that I have got a scholarship to study abroad. I told my family that I had a visa interview, but I was actually here for the interview at NSD.
No matter how creatively satisfying theatre might be, it is a poorly-paid medium, which is sad.
I get offers where I'm either asked to play the villainous saas or the maa who just wants to get her daughters married.
Normally, people would spend thousands to watch a trashy film in a multiplex, but not shell out a few bucks to watch a play. But in bigger cities, we are more likely to find a bigger section of people who would want to watch a play.
Theatre offers live interaction with the audience, unlike in movies and TV serials.
I always keep planning to go back to theatre but I am waiting for a challenging and meaningful role. I want it to be something that has not been done before and excite me enough to do it.
If your role in a movie is appreciated, it is remembered for a long time.
It makes me very happy to see the enthusiasm that youngsters have these days to pursue acting.
'Bandhan' is easily one of my favorites as the title itself talks of eternal bonds. It is an excellent example of a movie that shows truth always prevails.
I was complimented for looking young and yet was offered roles of aunts, sister-in-law and very soon grandma too!
Theatre is an actor's medium though behind the stage there is a playwright, director and perhaps in some, a music composer too, yet the actor is the one who ultimately tells the story to the viewers.
As an actor, the whole process of shooting for movie or television is so artificial though the final product may be extremely realistic to the viewer.
Playing Hamidabai was an eyeopener to how much we've lost in the evolution of our culture and society. In many ways, she mirrors my personal life journey, as a woman fighting to stay true to her passion despite all odds.
It's a challenge to stay true to oneself and celebrate our stories. I do so by continuing to be what I am, continuing to be myself.
Look at films like 'Raazi,' 'Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi' and 'Padmaavat'... women in our film industry have changed the whole scenario. They are no less than our male actors.
It is good that in our TV industry, stories revolve around female characters more than male characters but there should be no sex war.
A story should be good and characters should be well-rounded.
If I like the story, I will not shy away from stepping into any medium.
I joined the National School of Drama in the 1980s and for anyone who joins the NSD, they eat, sleep and breathe theatre for three years.
I am a shopaholic and Delhi is a Mecca for me.
Whenever I am in Delhi, I must visit Nathu's for its chaat. I love shopping at Lajpat Nagar and Khan Market.
I have acted in over 50 films and 15 daily soaps, but the thrill I feel while performing for my home audience is unparalleled.
I enjoy working with Doon's talented, young actors and also get to learn from them.
Now when one goes to Dubai, one does shop a lot. I bought a lot of exotic food like Tofu and smoked salmon, which are generally not available in Mumbai.
I have touched all genres, be it comedy, tragedy or negative roles.
While touring in and outside Mumbai to do theatre, I got some good offers to act in films, which brought me success and I continued to do movies.
They want younger girls, not old ones like me, as heroines. This is the tragedy of Bollywood. It is male dominated.
Television has always been better for actresses.
I was a flamboyant girl who participated in debates and all.
Theatre is my passion and first love for it is in this medium that I get to feel human-to-human contact.