“TV Gives More Importance to Saas-Bahu Dramas” : Gulfam Khan 2014

Few actresses can manage to do justice to both, films as well as television at the same time but Gulfam Khan has managed to maintain the balance quite neatly. She will now be seen in Nagesh Kukunoor’s forthcoming movie Lakshmi after a series of shows on TV. We chat with the versatile actress...

Congratulations on bagging an important role in Nagesh Kukunoor’s Lakshmi. What was the experience like?

I play a politician in this movie. Working with Nagesh Kukunoor and the rest of the cast was mind-blowing. Nagesh is very clear about what he wants from his actors.

Your film Lakshmi has been sent for various international film fests...?

Yes, it feels great because I want people to watch good cinema. Lakshmi may not be a conventional film but it’s hard-hitting and very bold. It actually shows you what happens to girls, both in the interiors and in urban areas. Nagesh Kukunoor has taken up a subject which people usually shy away from.

Tell us something about you that nobody is aware of.

I can pick up accents very fast! From Hyderabadi Hindi to Punjabi and a Tamilian accent, I can imitate anyone if I listen to them for a few minutes. I have done 20 projects in my career so far and have played 16 different characters, each of which had different accents and looks.

Of all the characters you have portrayed, which is your favourite?

It’s a character called Tabbasum Pasha, a loud Hyderabadi Muslim lady, which I played in a show named Hi! Padosi Kaun Hai Doshi. The character is always trying to encourage a couple to fight. She does this because her husband is a real estate agent and if the couple leaves their home and goes away, she can sell the house.

What made you take up the cameo role in the show Madhubala: Ek Ishq Ek Junoon?

My role was not a cameo; it was supposed to be a full-fledged role. My character was that of a handicapped choreographer and it was quite lengthy. But unfortunately, the saas-bahu saga was given more importance resulting in my character being sidelined. Television gives more importance to saas-bahu dramas.

You are into screenplay and scriptwriting as well. Do you think you could take up creative writing as an alternate career?

I would not say an alternate career but a parallel career. In fact, I have a couple of scripts ready with me and I am also writing a book called Jalebi.

What is next on your wish list?

I want to buy a penthouse or a farmhouse in 2014. Actually, I intend to buy both!

LAKSHMI TRIVIA

Lakshmi takes a hard look at the issue of human trafficking.
The film was screened at the Palm Springs International Film Festival in California last year where it won the Audience Award.
The film faced Censor problems because of which its release has been delayed.
Nagesh Kukunoor is known for making well-acclaimed movies like Hyderabad Blues, Iqbal and Teen Deewarein.
Gulfam was seen in a small role in Talaash where she played the head of a red-light area.