Friday

Entertainment

Up-Close & Personal: Freida Pinto

If you ever thought that a game show couldn’t help you fall in love, then you were wrong. Directors Danny Boyle (28 Days Later) and Loveleen Tandan (Brick Lane, Vanity Fair, and Monsoon Wedding) have brought it upon themselves that love is possible in anyway which you desire. Slumdog Millionaire is the story of how impoverished Indian teen Jamal Malik (Dev Patel) became a contestant on the Hindi version of “Who Wants to be A Millionaire?” It becomes an attempt made without prize money in mind, rather, an effort to prove his love for his friend Latika (Frieda Pinto), who is an ardent fan of the show.

Frieda Pinto is beautiful and charismatic as she takes on the screen and personifies love. In between press conferences at the Toronto International Film Festival and promotions for her new film, I had a chance to sit down with this up-coming actress and I have two words for the rest of Hollywood: Watch Out!

Frieda, it’s a pleasure to sit down and chat with you. For those who are unfamiliar with who you are and what you do, give us a quick one-liner!
It’s a pleasure to be chatting with you too. Well I am an upcoming actor who recently got a brilliant opportunity to start in director Danny Boyle’s new film Slumdog Millionaire. In one line I am “an over-enthusiastic go getter.”

You recently starred in the film Slumdog Millionaire. Tell us a little bit about the story-line.
Slumdog Millionaire is an underdog story of a trio who witness ups and downs in the fantastic city of Mumbai. At the heart of it is a gritty love story. The story is centered on a street kid Jamal who is looking to reunite with his love, Latika, and is brilliantly held together by the Indian version of ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire.”

How did you get cast in the movie?
The old school way – a casting call that came to me in 2007. I first auditioned for Loveleen Tandan the casting director and co-director of Slumdog Millionaire. That was followed by six rigorous months of screen testing for Danny Boyle. I was on tenterhooks until the very end, and it was only after the entire process which was fun, yet grueling at the same time, that I got finalized as Latika.

What was is like working with directors Danny Boyle (28 Days Later) and Loveleen Tandan (Brick Lane, Vanity Fair, and Monsoon Wedding)?
It was an experience unlike any other. The being my first international film, Danny and Loveleen both made my feel very comfortable. It’s their professionalism and warmth that has truly brought out the best of me in this film. Danny’s passion for the subject and his new found love for Mumbai were translated in the matter in which he would explain the scenes to me. He was theatrical at times and that was exactly what gripped my attention. Loveleen was the perfect mother, teacher, and guide. She took care of us like we were her own. I remember her coaching me throughout difficult scenes just before auditioning for Danny and that always helped. I am not aware of too many casting directors who invest so much time and energy into people who come in just for an audition.

What was it like working alongside one of Bollywood’s most respected actors, Anil Kapoor?
I had no scenes with him as such but I did see him in action and it was fascinating to watch a seasoned actor perform. There is a lot you can learn from just observing. This held true while performing my scenes with Mahesh Manhrekar and watching Dev perform with Irfan Khan and Surabh Shukla.

Was acting something you were always passionate about as a child or was it something that you fell into later in your life?
I fell in love with it as a child. Though I think it became an obsession only after I reached a degree college. As a child my sister would catch me standing in front of the mirror performing all kinds of roles I had seen on television with the added Frieda flavour or sometimes even dancing to Bollywood tunes. I took part in ever possible dramatic event in school and college. My fledging childhood dream is turning into reality.

How supportive was your family in regards to pursing acting as a career?
My family has been most supportive through my career. They are my strength and have backed me through some of my toughest times.

If you could work with any Hollywood actor who would it be and why? What if you were offered a role in a Bollywood movie…who would you want to play the lead male role?
Wow! This is a difficult question! Jack Nicholson has been my all time favourite. He is one actor who can make me laugh, cry, and scare the living daylights out of me. I’d love to work with him. This is really not an easy question! If a Bollywood movie came my way and I liked the script, I would definitely take it up. Again I admire so many of our Indian actors – Aamir Khan tops my list! I’d love to be cast opposite Imran Khan if he had to choose my lead actor.

What other projects do you currently have lined up? When can we expect to see you in another film?
As of right now, I am doing promotions for Slumdog Millionaire which opens in theaters this winter. I hope Slumdog Millionaire will be my break at tapping into the film industry. My dream is for you to see me in more films in the near future, and to develop and mature as an actor and an artist.

What advice do you have for young girls who want to pursue acting as a career but are holding themselves back?
If you have a dream then don’t just stop at dreaming it. A little bit of patience, confidence, handwork, devotion, and a strong will can take you a long way. I dared to dream and believed it would come true someday!

Do you have any last words for the readers of Bravura Artist?
It’s been lovely sharing the very start of my journey with you Tirusha and the readers of Bravura. I hope you get a chance to see Danny Boyle’s beautiful film. I shall only ask for your blessing and good wishes to see me through and last me till the very end.

Dev Patel and Freida Pinto in SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE

Dev Patel and Anil Kapoor in SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE

Director Danny Boyle with Freida Pinto on the set

Dev Patel and Freida Pinto in SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE