Straight Answers

<div class="section1"><div class="Normal">Film star, <span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">Manisha Koirala</span> on the controversy surrounding her being cast as Indira Gandhi in a film.<br /><br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">What is the objection raised by Congressmen about the film on Indira Gandhi, which stars you?</span><br /><br />I really don''t know.I know only what was reported by the media. A Congressman has filed a petition in the Mumbai High Court against the film. They seem to feel that I am not suitable to be cast in the lead role as Indira Gandhi. The film''s producer, Nitin Keni, should be able to tell you more. As far as I am concerned, we are going through with the film''s narration and pre-production work. The film''s been delayed for a couple of months because of the impending elections.<br /><br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">Do you expect more such protests once you start shooting?</span><br /><br />Actually, I don''t. I was surprised at the last protest. One just doesn''t expect people to react in such a way to a film. After all, there have been a number of instances in Hollywood of actors playing all kinds of character and then playing a political figure. People have to remember that it''s just acting.<br /><br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">Do you think it''s justified for people to object just because of the kind of characters you have played in the past?</span><br /><br />I don''t really care. I expect people to be wise enough to know the difference between reel and real life. If they don''t, there isn''t much one can do.<br /><br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">What kind of homework are you doing to prepare for the role?</span><br /><br />Well, I am reading a few books on her. Also, the producer has sent a couple of videos of her public appearances, which I have been studying. I am trying to learn her body language and mannerisms.<br /><br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">There have been reports of some very steamy scenes with Karan Nath in another film you''re doing</span><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="" font-style:="" italic="">, Tum</span><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">. Will this fuel the controversy?</span><br /><br />I don''t think so. To be on the safe side, I would rather not talk about it. People should see the film before judging it as ‘steamy''. I don''t want people to start imagining what the scene looks like because there is no limit to what people can imagine.</div> </div>