Dimple Kapadia talks about her latest film Finding Fanny, standing by her choices, her rapport with son-in-law Akshay Kumar and grandson Aarav's starry future, among other things. Excerpts from an interview: (Also Read: When Naseeruddin Shah, Dimple Kapadia, Pankaj Kapur Shook Their Bootiya)
Ques: Filmmaker Homi Adajania says you forced him to cast you in his film, Finding Fanny.
Dimple: True, I am not his favourite artiste. I threatened him, saying that I'll write his name in the suicide note if he didn't remedy this right away. But seriously, I simply love him and his talent. He is fantabulous. I did a brilliant film with him called Being Cyrus, and since then I've been a fan. I think he brings out the best in me.
Ques: How did Finding Fanny happen?
Dimple: He narrated the film's story during the making of Cocktail and I told him that I'd rather do this film than that. After the success of Cocktail, I thought that he wouldn't come back to me. But I am glad he did - I got to work with stalwarts like Naseer saab and Pankaj Kapoor and talented youngsters such as Deepika (Padukone) and Arjun (Kapoor). I felt rusty among them, but Homi looked out for me.
Ques: How would you describe this phase of your career?
Dimple: It is a very interesting phase and I am getting some lovely offers. Sometimes I don't feel like working anymore and then suddenly a role like this comes along and I feel trapped. After doing a film like Finding Fanny, I definitely want to do more work but it has to be interesting.
Ques: You play Rosie in the film and your look has been carefully put together
Dimple: Yes, we have even used a prosthetic since it was needed for the character that I play. Then again, it is not the first time that I have worn one in a film; I also did it for Rudaali (1992). The point is that it doesn't matter how you look, what matters is you look the character and try your best to play the part.
Ques: The Censor Board has edited one of your scenes in the film; the one with the butt
Dimple: I think they wanted to see me in a bikini, but since I had a skirt on, they decided to cut the scene.
Ques: What was it like to work with your son-in-law Akshay Kumar?
Dimple: I did one film with him, Patiala House. He is very keen that I work and keeps telling me, "Maa, kaam karo - he knows that I'm very laidback. If he has something interesting to offer, he tells me about it, but my first answer is no. Javed Akhtar jokes that if there is a bowl that has four chits with 'yes' written on them and one with a 'no', then Dimple will pick up the 'no' in a heartbeat.
I have done a lot of mistakes, but I have no regrets - be it in films or personal life. I am an introvert and like to be left alone.
Ques: Do you think your daughters Twinkle and Rinkie should've continued acting?
Dimple: No, I think they are doing a good job of whatever they have chosen to do - they have a good life and good children.
Ques: Do you think Aarav has a starry streak in him?
Dimple: I don't know about that, but I know that Kakaji (Rajesh Khanna) had predicted that he'll be the next superstar. When Kakaji predicts something, it comes true. He had seen me at a party once and said the same about me.
Ques: Don't you think Aashirwaad should be declared a heritage structure?
Dimple: It belongs to my children now, and it's their birthright. That's all I have to say about this.
