“I AM 100 PER CENT SURE THAT OTT IS THE PRESENT AS WELL AS THE FUTURE OF ENTERTAINMENT”

Today July 1 is actress Sahila Chaddha’s birthday. To mark her birthday, we at bollyy.com and Mayapuri wish her a happy birthday and carry her exclusive e-mail interview where SAHILA CHADDHA tells JYOTHI VENKATESH that she is very greedy and wants to act with each and every good filmmaker in good and powerful roles.

You played the role of Rita in Hum Apke Hai Kaun. Did you fall out with the Rajshri guys? Why have you not been repeated by them in any film of theirs after Hum Aapke Hai Kaun.

Rajshri Productions is one of the best production houses I have worked with. After doing an Iconic super hit film with one of the major roles enacted by me and remembered by one and all, I felt that somehow the roles offered weren't as good to be enacted but we will definitely work together whenever something good crops up asap.

Why did you opt for making your debut with a horror film like Veerana, instead of waiting for a big banner to propel you towards stardom?

My debut films made simultaneously were Sheela, Veerana & Naasamajh My film Veerana has been one of the biggest blockbusters ever. And it had broken every record possible. There isn't a single person who hasn't seen It for at least a minimum 10 to 100 times. In fact it had even started a new trend, after which, believe it or not, I did over 50 successful films.

You were the daughter of Vimal Chaddha. Didn’t you benefit by way of nepotism like today’s girls do?

It was my misfortune to have lost both my parents too early, to have actually benefited by any such favoritism.  If only I wanted to exploit I would have taken advantage of my paternal uncle Dev Anand & his name too but I am proud to say that I am self made. Of course my entire family was in film business. It is also like every business where the children take over the family business. I have worked for years to achieve all and I have no regrets.

What is the main reason that you have not been able to inch your way through your career in a big way?

My last film One Two Ka Four was with Shah Rukh Khan after which it was my choice to get married as I always wanted to spend time with a sweet daughter with whom I was blessed with after marriage.

Is it true that you are the sister in law of Sanjay Dutt, as he is your husband Nimay Bali’s cousin brother?

I have known Sanjay Dutt all my life and also worked with dear Sanju in two films together before my marriage. I have always been Sanju's family.

Though you played the sexy heroine in the multilingual film in Tamil and Telugu called Africavil Sheela and stole the hearts of people, why didn’t you cash in on your glamorous quotient?

I had lost both my parents during this unforeseen time and then I did do some glamorous roles, besides many varieties of roles, including glamorous ones. It is all just a question of one’s destiny probably.

What is your approach to acting?

Acting, I feel, is the brilliance of creation along with sheer dedication and hard work and also the capability to send good messages via your roles.

Is it true that you preoccupation with activities of the film bodies affect your career from blossoming in a big way?

The offers have always been there for me as an actress. I have always wanted to & will always continue to do good for my film fraternity, which is like my family.

Do you think your potential as an actress is yet to be exploited by the film industry?

Yes. I definitely want more meaningful and good roles. I am ready to take on one and all kinds of roles. I will always be a learner and definitely feel that I can do much better in many roles than some others.

Which are the filmmakers who are in your wish list even today?

Actually I am very greedy. Each and every good filmmaker is in my wish list today but I want to do only good and powerful roles.

Which are your five best films in your career till date?

Sheela, Veerana, Dharam Sankat, Nache Nagin Gali Gali and the last but not the least Hum Aapke Hain Kaun

You set out to act in short films before others even thought of it. How and why?

I had always wanted to start a new trend for small albeit message oriented films. So When Kapil Sharma approached me and asked me if I could help out a girl like Priyanka Raina stand on her own feet as a director in a main role with a message of hardships in life, I immediately agreed to act in her short film Zindagi.

How are you spending your time during the lockdown?

I kept myself preoccupied with several things during the lockout. I heard scripts to act or as a producer. I renovated my house. I worked on my plans to start an acting institute as well as starting a restaurant & food delivery system. I also kept aside time to help the needy. I also watched films on OTT.  To be healthy and safe, I also did a lot of exercises, did a lot of gardening, cooking and also bonded a lot of time with my daughter Princess.

The film industry is gearing towards transition to OTT platform in a big way. Do you think it is a boon or bane for the industry?

I am 100 per cent sure that OTT is the present as well as the future of entertainment especially with all that is happening right now. Definitely, I feel that it is a big boon for the entertainment trade on the whole, though it's a bane for the theaters and cinema halls.

Are you planning to induct your pretty daughter into films as a leading lady soon?

Princess is studying right now but as Cinema has been our family business for generations, if only she wants to, I will not stop her from pursuing her choice of work in whatever field she decides.

To what extent are you ready to take up playing character roles in films or TV serials or web series?

I am ready to portray all the good and meaningful and meaty powers packed roles. I am game to be a part of web series if I am offered challenging roles in them though I have done only feature films and one short film till date.

Name the five favorite actors and actresses –five each of yours in Bollywood as well as Hollywood?

Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Brad Pitt, Salman Khan and Hrithik Roshan are my favorite actors whereas Marilyn Monroe, Julia Roberts, Penelope Cruz, Rekha and last but not the least Hema Malini are my five favorite actresses

How will you evaluate your growth as an actress as a person in the film industry from your debut film till date?

I have been loved and also respected by everyone as an actress to reckon with and as a family member too. If I hadn't quit for marriage, I would have given quite a few a run for their money.

Is it easy or tough for an actress to manage to strike the right balance between her family and a career in Bollywood?

It isn't difficult because women have the will power to balance both and of course it’s more beneficial along with a supportive family too.

What is the current status of your marital life, especially since you and your husband Nimay are not seen together socially?

Mostly everyone knows why. It has been such a long time since we have been separated but we both are still on amicable terms, especially because I do not want my Princess to feel the absence of a parent as I lost mine too early in life.