Sharmila

When do we see you in a film alongside Saif and Soha?

Well, you never know. It would be great fun to act together, but it cannot be gimmicky. All of us have public lives. My husband is known in his own capacity, I’m known in my own right, Saif and Soha are known for their work, my other daughter (Saba) is a jewellery designer and she too is known in the industry. Ultimately, the film that casts us together has to be good; it shouldn’t be made just to get everybody together.

You were among the first heroines to wear a bikini; and now Soha has been in the news for a bold photo-session. What is your opinion about her pictures?

I think she looked very nice. In my time, I think I was the first one to do it. But we are seeing a lot of these things nowadays; it is not really very unique. We see things like these on Page 3 of newspapers.

Then why the hoopla about Soha’s photographs?

Soha has never done anything like this before. So people were not expecting it. Everybody wants to experiment. She said she wanted to do it because as an actress one is curious about how the audience will react.

Saif Ali Khan

Who do you think is a better actor —Soha or Saif?

Saif has had more exposure and experience and he has proved himself in various roles. He has been given more opportunities. On the other hand, Soha’s major films in which she was very good — Iti Srikanta, Antarmahal — have largely been in Bengali and Hindi-speaking audiences haven’t seen those. In Khoya Khoya Chand too, she was very good as an actor, in fact, I think she was brilliant in the film.

Soha’s beau Siddharth has apparently been given the nod by Mr Pataudi...

Aap Pataudisaab se poonchh lijiye unke approval ke baare mein, aap mujhe mere approval ke baare mein poonchhiye.

Well, do you approve the match?

At the right time, everyone will get to know about it.

How do you bond with Soha?

We have a lot in common like reading, eating, travelling. We solve the crossword together. And we fight over the same things too. Like which book to read, where to go etc.

Any plans of directing Soha sometime soon?

I have thought about making a film many a time; but now I have dropped the idea because it’s too late. Now, I am technically very daunted. I don’t think I can do what Vishal Bhardwaj can. I can make a nuanced film but it will look like a ’60s film; so I don’t want to go there now.

Soha Ali Khan

Are you happy that Soha is an actress or were you happier when she was working in the corporate world?

Earlier, I felt that cinema was a place where your career stops at a certain age — just when you are able to express yourself you are no longer wanted. Also, Soha is a very bright student. But now a lot has changed in films — there is a lot of vitality, opportunities and challenges. And of course in the end, it is my children’s choice what they want to do. But I think Soha is in the right profession.

Your other daughter, Saba, is a jewellery designer. Do you wear her designs?

Yes, I do. She makes really exquisite jewellery in precious and semi precious designs. She makes beautiful earrings for me.

You’re past 60 but still look amazing. What keeps you fit?

Exercise! I think that considering the kind of stressful life we have, we can’t remain fit without exercise. I do minimum 20 minutes of yoga (stretching) and cardio. And diet too is important.

You endorse a tea brand. Do you drink tea at all?

Tea without milk and sugar is good. Tea-time is when our family connects but it is not planned at all. Tea is something we all have at any point of time.

Are you going to be a part of Saif’s home production?

No, I’m not. I spiritually bless Saif but I haven’t been employed by him (laughs). As a mother, people feel that I should be involved but I don’t think that I need to be involved in each and every aspect of Saif’s life.

After Viruddh are you getting any substantial acting roles?

Well, I was getting offers before Viruddh, and now even after Viruddh I have been getting offers. But nothing is exciting me. I’m doing a Marathi film with Amol Palekar.