“Though I am game for glamour, as I am vying for substance and not just titillation, I abhor doing explicit roles”

Jyothi Venkatesh

VEDITA PRATAP SINGH, who is playing the leading lady in ‘The Hidden Strike’ which is being released today on ShemarooMe Box Office, tells JYOTHI VENKATESH in this exclusive telephonic interview that her work will always speak for myself, no matter how big or small her role is.

 Would you call ‘The Hidden Strike’ a feminist film?
I wouldn’t say that it is feminist in that sense, as I am just a vital cog in the ensemble wheel but yes I am the only female in the team. More than a feminist my character has a strong personality and we are trying to express that women are equal when it comes to duty and loyalty towards the country. I also have a sensitive side in the film with a daughter who I leave behind to protect the nation, and ironically, I fight the enemies alongside my ex husband, played by Sanjay Singh who is also a part of the same mission.
 How tough was the role for you as a performer?
I consider no role to be tough; I mould my mind according to the story. I play a deglamorized and positive part in the film, which is frankly a welcome change from my earlier roles where I had shades of grey and was more dolled up on screen.  I also get to essay the role of a mother, which I haven’t attempted earlier.

What made you accept a part that is not quintessentially “glamorous”?
The script of The Hidden Strike was gripping, touching and motivating. The way my character was written really won me over. Besides, this film was based on the army so I didn’t think about the rest. As luck would have it our movie also arrives on the week of Independence Day, but this wasn’t the way things were planned but is a wonderful coincidence. I’m really looking forward to the 14^th when my film will be released.

What do you think about the concept of ‘The Hidden Strike’?
I found it to be very interesting. I even mentioned the same to Deepraj dada (Deepraj Rana), my co actor in the film. The story of a small troupe setting out to do great things for India where I was the only female really pulled me towards this project.

While shooting for the film, you had to face very deadly shooting conditions. How was that experience?
To be honest, I wasn’t totally prepared for what was in store. I did face a lot of hurdles, but stood toe to toe with the rest of the cast and crew when it came to taking risks, although now that I think of it, a simple slip of my leg and I would’ve had it! We also shot a few scenes sans any harness or security gear. It was quite a thrill ride! I had almost made up my mind to not do those stunts, but in the end work is work and I am a thorough professional. My co actors also helped in assuring me that I was in safe hands.

What is your designated post in ‘The Hidden Strike’ battalion?
I am the captain amongst a group of 12 soldiers who cross the border, going through hell and back to accomplish a very top secret hidden mission. It will also remind one of the surgical strike where India gave a loud and clear reply.

Does the film share any similarities with Raazi?
Raazi was more the story of a single character while ‘The Hidden Strike’ narrates the tale of a number of brave hearts.

How sceptical were you about getting lost amidst the huge cast?
I am very confident that Vedita Pratap Singh can stand tall anywhere. My work will always speak for myself, no matter how big or small the role.

Which was the last released film of yours?
I did a web project called Kera directed by Amol Shetge. It seems my chemistry with the digital space is really blooming, as ‘The Hidden Strike’ is also releasing on an online platform.

Would you say that taking up unconventional roles has kept you away from mainstream Bollywood?
These things don’t matter to me, as long as I am getting good work that allows me to pay the bills, the rest of it is just white noise. I always look for roles where I can fully showcase my acting chops may it be Bhindi Bazaar, Mumbai 125KM or the upcoming Danger starring Faisal Khan.

It’s been a long while since you’ve faced the limelight. Why are you so choosy and extra selective about the films you work on?
Firstly, I was studying theatre in America for a year and working there as well. And secondly, after the success of Bhindi Bazaar, I was offered numerous roles that were in a similar “bold zone”, but I didn’t want to get typecast like a lot of my contemporaries are. I feel I am a class apart and hence am very choosy about the kind of films I am associated with. I would rather opt for television than take up work in cinema that doesn’t offer quality. This is why I am sure that my work in The Hidden Strike is sure to grab eyeballs, because the film is so different.

How many television serials have you worked on till now?
I began my journey on television with Simply Sapne on Zee Next; I was a part of Shapath: Supercops Vs Super Villians for about two years and also Trideviyaan on Sony. I’ve even appeared in Savdhaan India many times in about 15 different episodes.

Do you find any difference between performing for TV as opposed to films?
I don’t think there is any difference in the way the actors work but there is a contrast in the craft, the way these two mediums are shot. While TV follows a somewhat fixed pattern, cinema has a more “out of the box” approach.

How would you evaluate your growth as an actor from the time that you had made your debut with Bhindi Bazaar?
It’s been a voyage filled with nervy unknowns and pleasant surprises. I was on the sets of Bhindi Bazaar literally a day after I got selected when Swara Bhaskar backed out of the film. I was told that it was a scheduling issue that led to her exit. My very first shot was a lovemaking scene with Pawan Malhotra ji. It was a complete deep dive into intense territory. There is a gigantic difference between my art in those days and my art today. I now understand the entire process and thoroughly explore my characters before going on floors. In hindsight, I feel I was too naïve when I began, I have gained wisdom as the years passed.

In how many films, web series and TV series have you acted till date?
To my credit, I have about six films, two or three web series and lots and lots of work in television.

Can you name five filmmakers who are on your wish list?
I don’t chase names as much as pure talent that a director possesses; I’d say that Rajkumar Hirani and Sanjay Leela Bhansali are among the directors in my wish list as they have left a mark in this industry.

How did you manage to break out of the “ultra glamorous image” after Bhindi Bazaar?
I had to make some tough decisions, reject many offers, some of which even went on to become super hits like The Hate Story series. I get such explicit roles till today, but I am vying for substance and not just titillation.

Despite being a young and courageous actress, why do you say no to bold roles?
Once you repeat certain types of roles, inevitably you will get slotted and typecast in that frame. I don’t have to expose for the heck of it, and would rather be recognized as a wholesome actor.  If you notice what is happening around, with so many platforms taking this controversial route, all I need to say is a simple yes to them, but I’m in it for the long haul and not to accrue cheap fame.

What are your upcoming projects?
As I said, Danger with Faisal Khan will be out soon and I am also the official host of an online gaming show. I’m pretty engaged through the day during lockdown.

How was your experience working with the director?
Suzad sir has an expansive knowledge of the defence forces, right from their decorum, their uniform, their rules and their other nitty-gritty’s. The way he has envisioned every character with such lovely backstories shows how much of a perfectionist he is. My individual track, where my husband and I are separated but still harbour feelings though there are misunderstandings and ego problems, have been penned very beautifully.

Which are your five best films till date?
I think I have done just about five till now! Bhindi Bazaar, Mumbai 125 KM and The Past are all very close to me.

Five years from today, where do you see yourself? Any plans to direct?
I don’t want to venture into direction, but coaching is a field I veer towards, as I am interested in mentoring budding actors and aspiring models. I often conduct personality development seminars for youngsters in Lucknow.

Would you call yourself a thinking actress?
I know my talent and I am aware of my strengths, so I do contemplate before accepting any movie. I can always feature on television but when it comes to cinema, the project should be supreme. I look up to Shabana Azmi, Divya Dutta, Vidya Balan, Kangana Ranaut, Deepika Padukone and Alia Bhatt and would like to mirror the path taken by them.

Has nepotism proved to be a roadblock in your career?
Nepotism does exist, but it is present everywhere so I do not pay heed to such non issues. My father is a businessman and my elder sister has inherited his business. Why would any parent want their children to suffer after working so hard to reach somewhere? The nepotism angle is more for debate than actual positive change at present. Everyone has his or her own struggles and the star kids also have their own pressures. We should just make sure nepotism doesn’t take a life since nobody is allowed to lead someone to death, film industry or no. The recent Sushant Singh Rajput case is quite depressing.