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Interview Hindi

Most good lead roles go to the stars, says Seema Pahwa


The Shubh Mangal Saavdhan and Bareilly Ki Barfi actress talks to Cinestaan.com about the pitfalls of the star system in the industry and giving acting lessons to Bhumi Pednekar and Ayushmann Khurrana. 

Suparna Thombare

Actress Seema Pahwa has impressed one and all with her performance as a mother with a sense of humour in her recent films Bareilly Ki Barfi and Shubh Mangal Saavdhan, but not many may know that she was also behind debutant Bhumi Pednekar’s acclaimed performance in Dum Laga Ke Haisha (2015). 

Pahwa had held workshops for Pednekar at the time, as she had no formal training, and helped her get into the psyche of an obese girl from a small town. Speaking about the same, Pahwa said, “Had a lot of fun in the process. She worked really hard and you saw the results showed on screen. She gave a very good performance. Both Bhumi and Ayushmann are very hard working. Bhumi really wants to learn. Ayushmann also takes a lot of suggestions from me.”

INTERVIEW PART 1 - Seema Pahwa: Happy to challenge myself to play relatable mother as it is not easy

When asked about whether she ever felt bitter about the star system in the Hindi film industry, considering not many parts for women her age are written, Pahwa answers in the affirmative. “I am not saying that those stars should not get work. But it's important to have a balance,” she said.

INTERVIEW PART 2 - Women used to land up at my home asking for help during Hum Log: Seema Pahwa

“If you are making films with stars, also make films with actors who can offer you much more detailing in terms of the character. But you use us actors only for supporting parts. And when it comes to playing the lead and when good roles are written, you again take the stars, and that would make any actor sad," she added.

Watch the third and final part of the interview with Pahwa here.