Veteran actor Sharmila Tagore, in a candid 2022 reflection, outlined her philosophy for a selective return to cinema, choosing only projects that felt creatively organic while maintaining a comfortable pace. Her comments, made in an exclusive throwback interview with ETimes, highlighted a thoughtful and deliberate approach to her illustrious career.
The Allure of 'Gulmohar': A Script Beyond Labels
Tagore spoke at length about what drew her to the film 'Gulmohar', which was subsequently released in 2023. She was captivated by the script's resistance to a simple genre classification. Tagore described it as a family drama interwoven with elements of mystery, noting how it explored the idea that "everybody has a secret and at the same time, they are all close together." The narrative brought together a vibrant ensemble cast including Manoj Bajpayee, Amol Palekar, Suraj Sharma, and Simran Bagga, portraying different branches of an extended family.
A Seamless Return and Collaborative Joy
Recalling her transition back to a busy film set, Tagore found the experience remarkably smooth. "I was like a duck to the water. It was painless and it felt so good," she remarked. She appreciated that the production was shot inside real homes, which infused the shoot with an authentic and warm atmosphere. Working closely with her co-stars was a highlight, with Tagore offering special praise for Simran Bagga, calling her a "very accomplished actress." She also valued the positive energy brought by the younger actors on set, who were consistently appreciative and cheerful.
On a Potential Family Project: Story is Supreme
When the conversation turned to the possibility of sharing the screen with her son, Saif Ali Khan, and daughter-in-law, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Tagore emphasized that narrative must take precedence over star power. She pointed out that the audience ultimately desires a compelling film, and a star-studded combination alone cannot guarantee a meaningful project. "If the collaboration happens organically then that is a good thing, but nobody can force these things," she stated, underscoring her measured perspective. For any film uniting the three of them, she insisted it would need to emerge from the right script and circumstances.
Through these insights, Sharmila Tagore painted a picture of an artist in a graceful chapter of her career, one defined by intentionality, creative fulfillment, and an unwavering respect for the craft of storytelling.
