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The world still remembers
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The long-forgotten Rukhsar returns with Ram Gopal Varma's "D"
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It's more of a speciality number rather than an item number because I have a full-fledged role in the movie RUKHSAR
THE MOLL Rukhsar in "D", Ram Gopal Varma's new film releasing this May
The year was 1992; the place was Rampur, a nondescript town in Uttar Pradesh. A doe-eyed, mint fresh beauty emerged. She was suitably called Rukhsar. Bollywood duly offered her a film Yaad Rakhegi Duniya. Unfortunately fame was not to be hers. She could not adjust to the ways of the industry and returned to her dust bowl. Now, 13 years hence, she is back with Ram Gopal Varma's D and asserts this time she is going to stay. Let's rewind with Rukhsar.
"Most people don't know I was first offered Sanam Bewafaa. I was 13 and studying in the ninth standard when one of my father's friends who used to publish Shama and Sushma magazines showed my pictures to Sawan Kumar. But Sawanji wanted me to sign a contract, which my father refused. In the meantime I was offered Yaad ... The film didn't do well but I got appreciation." She still remembers critics called her the cute new face. That Sanam Bewafaa became a blockbuster didn't rankle her? "No, where is the heroine Chandni today? I always look at the positive side."
After a pause, she continues, "Soon I was paired with Rishi Kapoor in Inteha Pyaar Ki. At the same time I started facing problems - she doesn't want to share the specifics - in the industry. Coming from a small town and an orthodox family I could not adjust. My parents decided to go back."
How did Rampur react? "People were happy that I made the place famous. I got occupied in garment business. I was successful but somewhere the artist in the mean was not satisfied. My parents also realised this." So she came to Mumbai got her portfolio done and left the pictures at Factory's office.
Perceptible change
"This time I felt I am more mature to handle situations. Soon I was called for Sarkar." Sarkar? "Yes, I was first signed for Sarkar - the Ram Gopal Varma film inspired by The Godfather with Amitabh Bachchan in the lead - for the role of Bachchanji's daughter-in-law. I am playing Kay Kay Menon' wife. Within two schedules I was offered D - said to be based on the life of a notorious gangster - where I am playing D's love interest."
She agrees with Varma who has recently said now there is a space for actresses in the age group of 25-30 years and Rukhsar fits well in that bracket.
"I think we have been copying Hollywood for years but when it comes to female artistes, we haven't taken any cue from them. There, actresses do all kind of roles, including glamorous ones, well into their 30s. However, I am finding a perceptible change in Bollywood. There is much more respect for female actors. They are no longer just cute faces."
Still her comeback is being promoted through her item number? "No, it's more of a speciality number rather than an item number because I have a full-fledged role in the movie. It's not meant to shock people, but yes people back home are feeling a bit shocked."
ANUJ KUMAR
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