Although Swaroop Sampat hasn't been seen in a film for the longest time ("I keep saying 28 years, but might have been more," she says candidly), the actress has been actively involved in the production company she runs with hubby Paresh Rawal.
And even her work in the field of education involves enhancing life skills in children using drama. Swaroop finally gave her nod to a Gujarati film, where her character is actually inspired by her own life. The lady lets CS in on her thoughts about regional cinema and working with Paresh:
Who: Swaroop Sampat
What: On working in a film after a long gap
PIC/ Pradeep Dhivar
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Regional tales
This is my first regional film and I realised that I should be doing more regional films. That’s where there are roles for people my age. The other thing about me that I joke about is the weird reactions I get from people about myself. When I’m working in Maharashtra, people think I’m a Maharashtrian married to a Gujarati. In Gujarat, they say ‘Oh you’re a Gujarati, we thought you were a Maharashtrian or South Indian’. So I can go for Marathi, Gujarati and South Indian cinema! Then some people think I look like a Bengali and when I’m in Delhi, they think I’m a sardarni. So I think I’ll fit in every region! (laughs)
Quality cinema
Gujarati films aren’t thriving and I wish that perception changes soon. It’s about time we made some good films. The urban Gujarati wants to see good Gujarati films. Gujarat has such a beautiful culture and fantastic literature. So I don’t know why it should not happen.
Never away
Acting is the love of my life. I was born in theatre. My dad was the chief producer of Indian national theatre. I used to be backstage all the time, when I was a kid. Being in the make-up room, going for press shows, premiers, photography sessions was all there for me since I was a kid. It’s not easy for me to leave it. I may not have been onscreen but I was there all the time. Paresh and I have a company, we made a film recently. So I’ve always been there, acting and theatre are a part of me.
Rocking chemistry
I would love to work with Paresh. The first play we did in our production was a play called Maharathi where I was paired opposite him. Then we did another play called Shaadi@Barbaadi.com. Everybody thought seeing us together was real fun. Even I think we really work well together, specially in comedy. u00a0
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