'I must have hammed a bit this time'

Ranjeeta Kaur left Mumbai and Bollywood behind 17 years ago.

She set up home in Pune and still lives there, working as the PR manager of Sharad Pawar International School — her only connection with her past there being the drama classes she holds for students in her school.

But now she’s back. It’s clearly a déjà vu. She’s playing a meaty role in Zindagi Tere Naam with her favourite co-star, Mithun Chakraborty.

Everyone is curious, and saying that you’re back after 20 years.

I’ve lost count. Mithun must have told them it’s been 20 years.

How did you think of returning suddenly?

I didn’t think of it by myself. My first reaction, when the film was offered to me, was to say ‘no’. But the director, Ashu Trikha, was persistent. Then, of course, Mithun was very excited at the idea of us doing a film together.

How did it feel to wear make-up again, after so long?

It felt so much lighter and better than when I used to act. Then, there would be entire inches of pancake on me, with my eyeliner touching my ears. Now, the make-up that’s used actually transforms the face to make it look better!

Did the acting come easy or was it a challenge to get back to it after so long?

Oh, I must have hammed a bit this time. But Mithun was very good. To answer your question, it was pretty easy. I’ve always enjoyed being before the camera, and I still do, I discovered.

What was the strongest memory evoked while you were shooting for this film?

It was while doing a song sequence, actually, that I got most nostalgic. I remember song and dance sequences used to be my bane, while shooting. I’m just not a dancer, could never be. People would say, “Ghodi jaisi nachti hai.”

What do you feel when you watch your old hits now, like Tarana or Suraksha?

(Laughs) At that time, I used to think they were good films. But I do feel embarrassed by them now. When I see myself in a pink mini skirt in Suraksha, with thunder thighs showing, I wonder what was I thinking!

Has your son seen your films?

Yes, my son is in the tenth standard. He has seen many of my films. When he was younger he used to feel embarrassed and ask me why I did all those films. But as he grew up. Now, he’s quite proud of me.

Had you kept in touch with Mithun?

No. But shooting with him again after all these years was so easy.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com