My role is an inspiring character for all the struggling girls of India, says Bhor actress Saveree Gaur

In Kamakhya Narayan Singh’s Bhor (2021), Saveree Gaur plays the protagonist Budhani, a young village girl who strives to rise up against circumstances. The critically acclaimed film, which was screened at the 49th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), is now available on MX Player.

Gaur is the daughter of theatre director Arvind Gaur and has been acting in theatre since childhood. She now teaches as faculty with the Asmita Theatre Group under her father. The actress spoke about the challenges she faced during filming and how her life has changed after Bhor. She felt elated and proud of the response the film has received from audiences.

Bhor review: Authentic and immersive story of an 'untouchable' girl

“People are telling me I have beautifully portrayed Budhani's character on screen and given justice to the story. I am super excited for Bhor and touched that audiences have liked it a lot,” she said of her debut film. “Time is changing, audiences are aware and intelligent towards current issues. For an actor, the best gift is audience's love for their work and the success of their film.”

Explaining that the feature is a powerful one that sheds light on life in villages, Gaur said, “It's a realistic film which depicts the story of a girl who belongs to the Musaahar community from Bihar, who are poor, backward, eat rats, rear pigs and work in the fields. She is fond of studying and is different from the other girls of her community as she is strong and mature at such a young age. Bhor portrays her struggle and strong will.”

Though her character is married off at a young age, with the support of her husband she continues her education. Speaking of her character’s situation in the film, the actress said, “This shows the most important traits of her character that [she] is keen to achieve something in life as education can bring a positive change and growth. After her marriage she faces the hurdle of having no toilet in her new home and finds it very embarrassing to go out at dawn. This leads to her fight for sanitation. Her efforts create a national movement and inspire the whole country. My role is an inspiring character for all the struggling girls of India. It gives voice, power and inner strength to them.”

To get into character, the actress participated in a two-month workshop in the villages of Nawada and Nalanda districts of Bihar, which involved undergoing a physical and mental transformation.

“I lived in villages, learnt the local language, accent and tones,” she recalled. “I have no make-up in the film. [Kamakhya Narayan Singh] asked me to stay in the open sun for almost every day before and during shooting. I used to walk in the heat for hours on the sand of a dry river. Before the shooting day, I almost looked like a Musahar village girl.”

She added, “I have learnt a lot from this film and its process, [from working] under pressure and [staying calm] in tough situations during the shoot, as there were a lot of hurdles during the shoot. Bhor has changed my life and given it a new direction.”