'I have just one life, and if I can be amazing, why should I be normal?'

Neeyat, directed by Anu Menon, marks Vidya Balan’s return to theatres after her successful stint on the digital platform with three super-hits. Vidya is definitely choosy. Though theatrical films are failing left, right and centre, she feels Neeyat has to be watched on the big screen. She answers DC’s questions on a variety of subjects.

Why did you decide to sign on for Neeyat?

I liked the idea of a classic murder mystery. I have watched so many films over the years but I never imagined such a film would be made here. It is set in a Scottish castle. Anu Menon and I shared a great working relationship in Shakuntala. She offered it to me and I agreed to do it.

How are you feeling, coming back to the big screen after a long time?

I am excited and nervous. I am just praying that people should come to theatres. Nowadays you cannot predict anything. Let’s hope it does well. I feel this film should be seen on the big screen. Some of the sweeping shots of the castle won’t be as effective on mobile phones and the small screen.

What are the ingredients you look for in a thriller film?

Unpredictability, and when there are a lot of red herrings, it becomes more interesting. You try to figure out what exactly is going to happen. The joy of it is when the storytelling outsmarts you.

Were you involved with the script?

As we know, various drafts are written before the script is finalised. We like to work on the script together. Sometimes the energies of everyone involved in the filmmaking come together for its betterment, but at times we turn blind to the flaws. So that’s the process which keeps us going.

Tell us about the gap in your theatrical films

There has been no gap. Shakuntala and Sherni released one after the other. Neeyat also has VFX etc., so it took some time. Anu [Menon] resides in London. So post-pro- duction work was shifted to London. She was also busy doing an International show, Killing Me, hence the little gap.

You are shown as a keen observer in the film. Are you one in real life too?

Yes, I am a keen observer. As an actor, my job is to observe and absorb. I trained for it. Basically I am interested in watching people on the sets and other places also. I like to know people and their stories, so I love talking to people. I am curious and inquisitive.

Do you see yourself in competition with anyone?

I have never compared my work to anyone else’s. My journey is mine, I learn as I experience it. When I turn down a film and it does well, many ask me how I feel. I tell them if I had been in the film, it wouldn’t have been successful, or vice-versa. It can work both ways.

How do you feel when you get a film which was first offered to someone else?

I guess, Daane Daane par likha hai khane wale ka naam. I remember reading that Rekhaji was the first choice for Namkeen, though Sharmilaji ended up doing it. That’s luck.

Ishqiya came to you after it was offered to others

Yes, that’s true. It was my luck, I guess. It was an excellent opportunity. Whatever is destined for you will come to you.

What are the challenges you face when you take up a role?

I just challenge myself, and try to do it to the best of my abilities. I am well aware that sometimes it goes well, and at other times it may not. The only thing I do is follow my instinct. I am meant to go through a film for whatever reason. Sometimes it may be a roaring success and sometimes it may be a heart breaking failure. I am constantly looking for challenging roles. But I have done 20-odd films, so it’s tough. I have had the for- tune of doing a variety of roles. At times the scripts don’t have novelty, which is why I have not said yes.

Have you ever carried away anything from any of your roles?

I think every character has given me something or the other. With Dirty Picture I started becoming comfortable with my body. In Shakuntala Devi there is a line — Jab amazing ho sakti hoon toh normal kyun banun? These things leave an impact on you. It often crosses my mind that as women we are scared of our own power, and all that it’s possible for us to do. So I feel, I have just one life; if I can be amazing, why should I be normal?