One plays a transvestite, the other is a lesbian. Mumtaz Sorcar and Ushasie slipped into two offbeat roles in Amitava Bhattacharya’s directorial debut Conditions Apply, produced by Vinod Lahoti, which hits screens on March 4. Over Virgin Mojito, Crispy Chilli Chicken and Pan-fried Fish at the restaurant in Eastern Metropolitan Club, Survey Park, the two ladies chatted with t2 about their unusual choices...

Mumtaz, to agree to play a transvestite is a big step....

Mumtaz: Absolutely. For me it was a challenge to play Chitrangada in Conditions Apply, who’s apparently a girl but within that she is a eunuch. There were many layers to the character. Chitrangada is an actress who is at the peak of her career, but this one secret gets leaked and her world comes crumbling down. I know a lot of people in Tollywood will say, Mumtaz is so deprived of work that she is playing a eunuch now! Some will say, yes, she does look like one! I am ready to hear it all and I don’t care. For every artiste, there has to be a step one, step two and three. For me this is my step two. 

Do you think you were offered the role of Chitrangada because your looks are not typically feminine? 

Mumtaz: Possible! That’s a smart move on the director’s part to spot me for this role. I am not a stereotypical heroine. My body structure is not like that. He’s made good use of it! Even in Saala Khadoos (Mumtaz’s Bollywood debut co-starring Madhavan), I had a totally deglam look.

Ushasie, you’ve played a lesbian before...

Ushasie: Yes, and I don’t know why I become a natural choice for directors when it comes to playing a lesbian! Maybe because I am a part of the LGBT movement. Maybe they think I don’t have taboos, and I really don’t. But I have done a few films like Achena Bondhuttyo on lesbianism, which were horrible! So initially, I had said no to Conditions Apply. Then Amitava met me and I felt he was serious. It’s not about playing a lesbian, it’s about how strong the character is despite the gender. 

Playing a lesbian won’t change my sexual preferences, though I know I will be judged. Already after watching the trailer someone asked me how I could play a lesbian after playing Satyabati [in Byomkesh Bakshi]! (Laughs out loud) So far I am straight. But I believe that anyone can change any day. As I am growing older, I feel maybe I might develop a fancy for women too.

Mumtaz: I am full-on straight. Get me a yummy guy and I will jump on him! (Laughs) But yes, girls are way more appealing than the guys these days. We all might suddenly change one day!
Ushasie: The number of interesting men is dwindling. Not only because of that but with age and maturity, I feel emotionally closer to women. I trust women more. For me bisexuality comes normally. I haven’t practised it yet, but that doesn’t mean tomorrow I cannot have a romantic liaison with a woman. I think it can happen.

Do you like hanging out with women more than men?

Ushasie: Yes. After a point, I don’t know how to take a conversation forward with a man.
Mumtaz: I love to hang out with girls and bitch, I love to bitch! Men don’t bitch.
Ushasie: I don’t agree. I know so many guys who bitch more than girls! Monami (Ghosh, actress) and I are very good friends. We go for movies and post pictures on Facebook, and people comment on our photographs asking if we are in a relationship. Imagine! There are so many closet gay people...

But nowadays more people are open about their sexual orientation...

Ushasie: Not really. How many in Tollywood would openly say that they are bisexuals or lesbians? And there are many. How many would agree to play a eunuch? People are ready to play a prostitute on screen but not a eunuch. Hats off to Mumtaz, but she refused to do a lip-lock scene with me! I was very keen because she is so good-looking, but she refused! (Laughs)

Mumtaz: I am not ready for a lip-lock yet. But I want to thank my co-star Anindyada (Pulak), we had a bed scene together and he didn’t even touch me, yet we did so much! With Ushasie, too, there’s a bold moment of course without the kiss, but it was never uncomfortable. There are some who do not give the right vibe and that makes actors very uncomfortable.  

If I woke up as a man/ woman, I would first.... Tell t2@abp.in