Shabana Azmi on Vidya Balan: If 'Arth' is remade, there’s no one better to do my part
| Oct 23, 2017, 15:01 IST
It looks like now is the season of remakes in Bollywood. Films and songs are being remade and revisited and well, they are working at the box-office so it doesn't look like this trend is going to fade out anytime soon. Recently, actress Shabana Azmi was asked to name a film of hers that could be remade in today’s times. To this, she replied, “I believe 'Arth' can be made in contemporary times. It is a mature love story that will suit the market, too.” As for her choice of actress to play her character, she wants Vidya Balan. She asserted, “Vidya’s a fine actor and has made some brave, amazing choices. Look at her career and you will be stunned with the varied roles she has done. Personally, I love and adore her.”
Shabana further explained that it isn't just her fondness for Vidya that has prompted her to name the actress. “She has a beautiful voice. Also, among all her contemporaries, her diction is the most flawless. Vidya has the ability to shift herself down to the barest emotion. She can sacrifice her vanity for a part and look great, as an actor. The role in 'Arth' needs a certain amount of strength and vulnerability at the same time and Vidya can pull it off easily. I have always been fond of her work and if 'Arth' is remade, there’s no one better to do my part,” she stated.
Of course, Vidya was humbled by Shabana's opinion. The 'Tumhari Sulu' actress stated, overjoyed, “That’s such a huge compliment. 'Arth' is one of those films which is like Bible to me. Shabanaji in 'Arth' had the most profound influence on me. I used to drive (Mahesh) Bhatt saab mad talking about little things from the film. Now that I know Shabanaji well, there are things that I tell her and she has this expression thinking, ‘Oh, my God, how passionately does this girl talk about the film!’ Recently, at the MAMI mela, when someone asked me about my favourite characters, I mentioned Pooja from 'Arth' as one of them because of the way the character had been written, as well as the way Shabanaji performed it.” But Vidya also has something else in mind. “This compliment coming from her is humbling. But I would dare not touch 'Arth'. Those are classics which should be left untouched,” the actress conclued.
Shabana further explained that it isn't just her fondness for Vidya that has prompted her to name the actress. “She has a beautiful voice. Also, among all her contemporaries, her diction is the most flawless. Vidya has the ability to shift herself down to the barest emotion. She can sacrifice her vanity for a part and look great, as an actor. The role in 'Arth' needs a certain amount of strength and vulnerability at the same time and Vidya can pull it off easily. I have always been fond of her work and if 'Arth' is remade, there’s no one better to do my part,” she stated.
Of course, Vidya was humbled by Shabana's opinion. The 'Tumhari Sulu' actress stated, overjoyed, “That’s such a huge compliment. 'Arth' is one of those films which is like Bible to me. Shabanaji in 'Arth' had the most profound influence on me. I used to drive (Mahesh) Bhatt saab mad talking about little things from the film. Now that I know Shabanaji well, there are things that I tell her and she has this expression thinking, ‘Oh, my God, how passionately does this girl talk about the film!’ Recently, at the MAMI mela, when someone asked me about my favourite characters, I mentioned Pooja from 'Arth' as one of them because of the way the character had been written, as well as the way Shabanaji performed it.” But Vidya also has something else in mind. “This compliment coming from her is humbling. But I would dare not touch 'Arth'. Those are classics which should be left untouched,” the actress conclued.