After playing the dainty village belle in the acclaimed Hindi film, Lagaan; a doctor in Munnabhai MBBS; Gracy Singh is getting ready to kick the bad guys in her new film being shot in the city
Pretty Gracy Singh of ‘Lagaan’ and ‘Munnabhai MBBS’ fame is in the city shooting for her new movie, tentatively titled ‘Desh Drohi’, which is action packed and boasts around 15 villains. ‘It’s my first action role and I’m quite excited,’ she says. ‘Desh Drohi’ co-stars Hrishitaa Bhatt and Kamaal R. Khan, a Dubai-based actor who has also produced the movie. We caught up with her at the Bur Dubai creekside where she had just finished filming a song. Soft-spoken and diplomatic, she dodges controversial questions with ease and refuses to elaborate on her co-stars, except to insist that they’re all ‘good actors’. Smilingly but firmly she stresses that she’s fortunate to be part of cinema today. Despite her conspicuous absence from big-banner films in recent times, she also seems remarkably upbeat and her affable nature is infectious..
Can you tell us about your latest movie and your role in it?
We’ve just started shooting – I’m doing a song right now. Since it’s just the beginning I wouldn’t like to talk too much about it or describe anything in detail, but I can say that it’s an action film. It’s a very different role from anything I’ve done earlier and I’ll be doing a bit of action for the first time so its very exciting. I’m enjoying the experience; the songs are really nice. The movie’s called ‘Desh Drohi’ but that’s a tentative title just now.
Of all the movies you’ve been in, which is your favourite?
My favourite is the movie which is loved by the audience. You can ask the audience which movie of mine they like best; that would be my favourite too.
What is your opinion of Bollywood today – could movies be better in terms of storyline and script?
Bollywood movies are brilliant and I feel very fortunate to be a part of cinema today; I think it’s very innovative that people are coming up with new ideas all the time and making some really inspirational films.
For example?
So many in these past five years. Starting with my debut film – and then some recent films like Rang de Basanti. Actually the truth is I haven’t watched many films lately. Cinema is always reinventing itself. It’s difficult to give particular examples. The new lot of filmmakers are very talented. I’m very happy to be part of this profession and I love it.
Are connections important as far as getting a role is concerned? Do star kids have a better deal in movies?
I don’t have any idea about that so I don’t think I can comment. I have been very fortunate; I never came from a film background and yet had a chance to work with some very talented directors and filmmakers. They look for the right talent to fit their roles and many times it’s the suitability of the role that’s the key issue in casting.
Would you do television again if you had a chance?
I never wanted to leave television. Television is my first love but it’s very difficult to strike a balance between films and TV. Right now I’m concentrating on cinema but someday if I get a really good break on television I would love to do it.
Which actor or actress do you admire the most?
So many… there’s Vjayantimala, who I love the most; I’ve seen all her films. Dilip Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Rishi Kapoor, Kamal Hassan are extremely talented too.
Any favourite co-stars?
All the the people I’ve worked with are really good actors – Aamir, Sanjay Dutt, Ajay Devgan…
What do you think of the second Munnabhai film?
I didn’t get a chance to see the film but I’m sure it was lovely, that’s what I heard at least – that it’s a very good movie.
Is it your first time shooting in Dubai? What’s your impression of the city?
In fact I haven’t seen much of it yet so I won’t be able to comment – I’ll be going sightseeing today and I’m quite excited. The locations wherever I’ve shot till now are beautiful. I haven’t yet got used to the names but we went to a desert locale and a really picturesque resort – it was very impressive.
How long will you be here?