The dancer-turned-actress is all set to make her Bollywood debut in P Se PM Tak
Dancer-turned-actress Meenakshi Dixit is all set to make her Bollywood debut in Kundan Shah’s P Se PM Tak. Meenakshi, who has previously starred in Telugu, Tamil and Kannada cinema, is happy with the final look of the film and feels she has done justice to the role of Kasturi, a “'200-prostitute” on the run, who ends up becoming chief minister of a state. We caught up with the actress, who spoke about her exciting debut, her hobbies and her upcoming projects.
What made you sign this film?
To be honest, I just went for an audition for the film and I was given three scenes. Those three scenes seemed like three different films. That’s the kind of range those three scenes had. So I wondered what the film could be, what the story about that would piece these three scenes together. I was very interested. Even the casting director told me Kundanji is looking for a heroine like Madhuri. I was told the Indian look suits me. Actually, when I read the script, it was unbelievable — it had a lot of potential. I was lucky because I auditioned at a time when they were ready to lock someone.
Did you have workshops to prep for the role?
Yes, I went for an intense workshop. Kundan sir told me the reason he selected me was because he thought I didn’t fit in the character, so I had to work really hard. We started off with theatre exercises as I have no background in theatres. I also watched old Hindi classics to study the mannerisms of these actresses. The second part of the workshop involved visiting NGOs located in red light areas in the city. We also visited sex workers, and interacted with them to learn about their back story.
Was it difficult to portray a sex-worker on screen?
It was a challenge. I never identified with them until I actually visited them and learnt about their past. Some of them were sold by their own family members, some were just trying to make a decent living as the sole bread winner of their family. I never felt that kind of pain being brought up in a pampered environment.
There were stories that Kundan had initially approached Madhuri Dixit for the role, however she declined as she is now a mother of two. Did you feel any pressure knowing you had big shoes to fill?
I only got to know later. It felt really amazing that Kundan sir saw that kind of potential in me. I have been dancing since childhood, but there is absolutely no one who can compare to her. Even if the audience sees even 10 per cent of her in me, I will be beyond happy.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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