“Indu Sarkar has been challenging physically, emotionally as well as mentally” - Kirti Kulhari

Kirti Kulhari who was last seen in Pink is now all set for Madhur Bhandarkar’s Indu Sarkar which is based on the Emergency. Excerpts from an interview:

What attracted you towards being a part of Indu Sarkar?

It was a film that had a great setup in terms of the background of the emergency 1975. It's a period film. Madur Bhandarkar is directing it. My character Indu Sarkar was the most exciting part of the film. She is somebody who stammers in the film, so that gave a very challenging edge to the whole character. I couldn't have asked a better film post Pink.

Was it challenging to play the lead role?

It has been the most challenging role for me so far. It's been challenging in every which way physically, emotionally as well as mentally. 

How did you prepare yourself for the role?

Stammering was surely the toughest part of the film, which took most of my time and energy. I started watching a lot of videos connected to it to begin with. Then I met a psychologist to understand Indu Sarkar’s background in terms of a child who has suffered the loss of her parents and loses her voice as a result of the trauma. She was brought up in orphanage. What’s her psychological profile, her complexes? The most important part for me was to meet a speech therapist.  I learned how to stammer properly through her help. I got a lot of guidelines in terms of how to go about the character and make it as realistic as authentic as possible.

How was it working with Madhur Bhandarkar?

It was an absolute fun journey that I took with Madhur and the rest of team of Indu Sarkar, considering it’s a serious high drama film. We breezed through the film within 45 days start to finish. Madhur likes to keep it stress free on the sets. He is very open to everything that I had to say.  We had a great and easy time doing the film.

How has your life changed after Pink?

My life has changed a lot professionally. I am getting better films and roles. I am working with bigger and better directors and production houses. My films are having a much larger reach. And people are more receptive more than they were before. So it’s great time professionally.

Which is your next release after Indu Sarkar?

I have done a film with Irrfan Khan called Raita Phail Gaya, which is a black quirky comedy directed by Abhinay Deo. This will release in November or December. I am very excited about the film because it’s a great script. And after Indu Sarkar it was quiet interesting for me to do a genre which is different from the serious films that I’ve been associated with so far. 

How was it working with Irrfan Khan?

Irrfan Khan is a wonderful actor and a down to earth person. We have a strange equation in the film, which you will find out when you will see the film. It’s always an opportunity to learn from someone who is better than you. I really hope that I do another film with Irrfan soon.

What are your other interests besides acting?

I love travelling. Travelling has really taken over my life since last three years and so. I work and travel. I love food. I love trying different kind of stuff. I love watching films. I love music. I love playing sports. I like spending my time with my friends and family. I do cook once in a while. I enjoy reading as well. And I want to work with the UN. I want to take time off acting and want to be a part of something that UN is trying to do all over the world...