Actress Mamta Kulkarni, who stepped away from Bollywood years ago, remains etched in public memory through iconic films like 'Karan Arjun', 'Sabse Bada Khiladi', and 'Waqt Hamara Hai'. In a recent candid interview, she took a nostalgic journey back to the 1990s, painting a vivid picture of an era marked by genuine warmth and intimate camaraderie within the Hindi film industry.
A Simpler Time Without Vanity Vans
Reflecting on her experiences, Mamta highlighted the stark contrast between film sets then and now. She emphasized how the absence of modern facilities like vanity vans fostered a unique sense of trust and closeness among co-stars. "We would enter each other's homes, get ready there, and then go straight for the shoot," she recalled, describing it as the norm of that time.
Personal Memories with Aamir Khan
Sharing specific anecdotes from her time working with Aamir Khan in the 1995 film 'Baazi', Mamta revealed intimate details that underscore the era's simplicity. "Aamir Khan used to come to my house. When we were shooting 'Baazi', he would come and sit at my place," she said. Many times during shoots, he would go into my bedroom to change because back then, there were no vanity vans. If Aamir was shooting in Lokhandwala, he would directly come to my house and change in my bedroom.
She further elaborated on post-shoot rituals, adding, "During 'Baazi's shoot, after pack-up, Aamir Khan and I would come straight to my house, and he would go into my kitchen and make tea." These gestures, she noted, reflected a more trusting and uncomplicated period in Bollywood.
Unity Beyond Religion and Modern Changes
Mamta also addressed broader themes of unity in the industry, particularly in light of recent discussions. Speaking about AR Rahman's 'communal' remark, she expressed gratitude for her 1990s career. "Look, I feel extremely fortunate that I worked in the 1990s. Believe me, I never thought in those terms. I worked with Aamir Khan, I worked with Shah Rukh Khan… we never looked at each other's religion," she stated in an interview with IANS.
World Tours and Togetherness
Expanding on the spirit of togetherness, Mamta recalled international tours with Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan. "When we went on a world tour with Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan, we would sit in each other's homes, someone would be making tea, someone else would be cooking. We never thought about such things," she shared. However, she lamented that this openness has diminished today, urging, "An artist is an artist. Please don't bring discrimination here."
Thoughts on AR Rahman and the Music Industry
Turning to the evolving music landscape, Mamta shared her perspective on AR Rahman, suggesting that creative phases naturally shift over time. "And when you ask about AR Rahman, everything has its time. Maybe your kind of music is no longer relevant. Today, so many very good singers are sitting at home without work," she concluded, hinting at the industry's changing dynamics and challenges for artists.
Through her reflections, Mamta Kulkarni offers a heartfelt glimpse into a bygone era of Bollywood, where simplicity, trust, and personal connections defined the working environment, contrasting sharply with today's more structured and perhaps less intimate film sets.
