Ranjan Chandel's Grahan (2021) was definitely more than just enjoyable. The web-series, which was released on Disney+ Hotstar earlier this year, got popular acclaim for its production, technical finesse and performances. It also brought Wamiqa Gabbi into the limelight.
Having made a small appearance in Jab We Met (2007), the actress went on a circuitous journey through the Punjabi, Tamil and Telugu film industries before returning to the world of Hindi cinema.
"It just happened, I suppose," she said on the phone. "Everything which happened had to happen in the way it has. I have done so many films, met so many different people who speak different languages."
At the time of this interview, the actress was shooting for Atul Mongia's web-series, Mai, alongside Sakshi Tanwar, Raima Sen, Vivek Mushran and others. Produced by Anushka and Karan Sharma's banner, the web-series is expected to be ready for release by the end of the year.
"I am doing some exciting things this year," said Gabbi, whose Punjabi film Galwakdi is set for release on 31 December and who has been signed up for Vishal Bhardwaj's Khufiya, and emphasized that she is content with life. "I have my pets who are the biggest source of happiness for me. I like being close to nature. These little things are priorities. This gives me contentment." Excerpts:
The praise for Grahan has been coming in. It must have felt good.
It feels a bit overwhelming, sometimes I don't understand how to express.
Tell us about the project. How did you come into the series?
I gave an audition for it and got called during the lockdown. When the lockdown was about to be lifted in July-August 2020, I received a call to speak with the director, Ranjan Chandel. It was my first project after lockdown, but I did not know that the relationship with Manu-Rishi would be captured so beautifully, with such wonderful songs by Amit Trivedi.
The crew included some top people like Maxima [who has designed clothes for Sanjay Leela Bhansali projects], Kamal Negi as DoP [director of photography, Piku (2015)]. Even during the shoot, I didn't realize that this was something special. It was only halfway through that I realized it.
The standard of production was certainly impressive.
It is one of the smoothest shoots I have been in. Every production usually has some issues, but this one went efficiently. JAR Pictures, Ajay [Rai] sir, were too good, too professional. The environment was such that we simply flowed with it.
Ranjan sir often says that 'we did not choose Grahan, Grahan choose us'. In our first meeting with Ranjan sir, I knew this was the right decision. It was [supposed to be] a 15 minute meeting which stretched on for two hours. We kept talking about the book [Chauraasi by Satya Vyas], about Manu and Rishi, their love. It was so exciting.
Manu and Rishi's story is the emotional core. While the story is about a very serious topic, underneath all of that is the story of the two. How did the chemistry between you and Anshuman Pushkar, who plays Rishi, work out?
We had several workshops. I and Anshuman did not become friends or anything over the series, but we gained an understanding of our characters. I think we fell in love with the characters of Manu and Rishi. I know Anshuman was fascinated with Rishi. I knew I was in love with Manu. The rest of the chemistry was an easy process.
We didn't really interact with each other after the shoot. Throughout the shoot, I saw him as Rishi. So, we would only interact on the sets. We would call each other by our character names only.
It has been a long journey since you made a small appearance in Jab We Met (2007), going on to work in Punjabi films, moving to Telugu films down South. Now the journey back to Hindi through a major OTT series. How has the experience been?
It just happened, I suppose. Everything which happened had to happen in the way it has. I have done so many films, met so many different people who speak different languages.
Having experienced all that, I did not think then it was something extraordinary. Now when I think of it, working in Telugu, Malayalam, Punjabi or Hindi, it teaches you a lot. I think that helped me to quiet down within. When I was shooting for Grahan, there was no excitement within me. I am content with my life.
I have my pets who are the biggest source of happiness for me. I like being close to nature. These little things are priorities for me. This gives me contentment. It helped me understand Manu. If you have too many problems in your life, it is very difficult to involve yourself in someone else's problems.
Working in different industries, across languages, can be challenging. Apart from the major challenge of language, were there other factors that were difficult? Has going through this helped you evolve as an artiste?
Yes, definitely. My first film [in the South] was a Tamil film with Selvaraghavan [Maalai Nerathu Mayakkam (2016)]. He is an impressive director. I was very lucky to make my first film with him. I had worked in a film called Sixteen (2013, Hindi) and someone had seen that film. Someone called me and I said no because I had an impression from seeing a lot of commercial masala films from down South. I was a little stupid to believe that.
They called again after a couple of months. They asked me to watch his film and I was floored. There was a screen test and they asked me to come down South. I landed in the evening and did the screen test at midnight and next morning, 7am, I was shooting.
I almost gave up on the first day, I could not deliver the dialogues. I just called Dad and wanted to go back. It was a different language, to understand and express in it was difficult. He asked if there are other Punjabi actresses working down South. I said, "Yes", and he replied, "Which means you cannot do it?" Since then, I have never called home to complain about work or what I cannot do (laughs). I needed that.
He has been my biggest support. He never lets me feel alone or helpless throughout my life. I still ask for money from him if I have to go shopping. It's a little thing between us. He is always with me.
How did you overcome the language barrier?
The language part started getting comfortable after the first film. Now, when I get lines, I don't get scared or hesitant. I often sit down after the shoot, write down my lines, and prepare. That I learned after the first film. I have done 9 (2019) in Malayalam and I said all the lines in Malayalam.
I always have an assistant director who helps me understand the context of the line, the emotions, and the pronunciation. Once I get that, I can incorporate it in my way, find out the right place to stress it. It's a two-hour process after shoot every day. I wanted to put that effort to get that lip synch and characterization right.
It is an interesting transformation, considering that OTT has enabled audiences across languages. People in the North are watching Malayalam films, or even international films...
This had to happen. So many artistes, so many films, everyone wants to work and get noticed. In the beginning, when the film industry was new, people did not rate it as a decent job. Now, there are so many people wanting to work here, who are waiting for the right opportunity. They now know this is also a career opportunity.
There are more avenues opening up. There are so many projects happening. Now, the pandemic is a dangerous thing, but it has also opened our eyes to a new industry.
Also, the A-lister classification has faded away. Who is an A-lister? It is an artiste whose work has moved you, caught your attention. You just have to be honest enough in your craft and your talent, and your passion, and you will be noticed.
Even with Grahan, thinking back, such good technicians and a proficient team. I, Anshuman, we are not exactly newcomers, but for a team like this to come together is a dream come true.
You have a few projects lined up for the year. Mai, a web-series with Atul Mongia alongside Sakshi Tanwar, Vivek Mushran...
I have Mai, which is a unique character, something totally different. I am very excited about that, and once the trailer comes out I can talk about it more.
We are still shooting for that. I think the trailer should be out by later this year.
Atul sir has played a beautiful part in my career. I had a two-day workshop for a different role when I was young. It was just before the pandemic. Later, I auditioned for his show and got selected.
There are a few more projects, but I can't talk about them now. Only when they are finalized can I confirm that. But yeah, I am doing some really exciting things this year.
One of them is the Netflix prequel to Baahubali?
Well, I cannot say anything about it right now.
Regardless, excited for the year ahead?
Yes, I am. It is as though destiny is covering up for all the pauses caused by the pandemic and work is coming my way.