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Sharmila Tagore: Royal Tigress
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Dressed in casual slacks, cosy socks and a sleek pullover amidst rich background music piping classical overtures, the legendary "La Tagore" looks just that - simply "royal".
The understated, coy and sultry actress is on location during a hectic one-month schedule in Canada for award-winning Director Nagesh Kukanoor's forthcoming thriller 8/10.
During the course of our conversation and the day we spend together, I am mesmerized by her joie de vivre, her no nonsense approach to life, and her knowledge extending from current events, sports and arts.
Shaaditimes catches up with Sharmila Tagore...
In a courageous step "older" Indian woman are now being depicted on screen in a manner where chronology does not imply the withering away of usefulness. Where stereotypes can be shrugged off and older woman can celebrate their femininity without apology. What do you think of it?
We are making strides in showing real women in real situations on screen, but we have a long way to go. Stereotypes are hard to resist and the Hindi film industry still limits the opportunities for older actresses as it is still a youth based industry where roles for women are regulated to mothers or courtesans.
The Indian media has traditionally centred on main themes related to family. As a result, the probing inquisition of the cameras doesn't stop in theatres?
Being a public figure in India has many privileges but it can also be invasive. We are a media dominated society. Hungry for news. Happy families are boring. And in a way unhappy is an aberration that the media celebrates.
Although many celebrities reach iconic status in India there almost seems to be a microscopic obligation to place your valued priorities to the public. And that seems to be an obligation of celebrity these days. Plus most people would rather believe the worst of you anyways (she laughs).
How have you maintained your private life in a fishbowl for so many years?
Well, you have to have a private and a public face. You have to mould your behaviour to public expectations and at the same time you have to live your life.
Marriage is like people; each one is different. We are lucky... I know ours worked out. Both my husband and I share the same interests. It has not been perfect. We've had our ups and downs. We're together.
Has it been difficult to raise a family in the public eye?
I think the children are prepared. I think we have brought them up with an awareness to lead a life of dignity. With self-esteem nothing to hide, and no need to expose too much of themselves. I believe I've given them options in their life, security and love.
Are your children like you?
My children are different than me. I was brought up in an educated middle-class background, while my children have been brought up with privileges that in many ways they take for granted. Servants...air-conditioning. They are good children. But they aren't like me.
What would be the main difference in your mind?
They're not as hungry as me. I am extremely competitive and ambitious. Even now, I am still a perfectionist. My daughter Soha told me recently, 'I don't want to conquer the world'.
I have never forced my children to enter in the film world. That was their choice. Soha is different from me. She has yet to show her potential although she has done some good films like Rang De Basanti and Ahista Ahista. She has very beautiful eyes and is a sensitive person.
On Saif:
Saif I think has proved himself especially of late with his performance in Omkara.
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