Tisca reaches for the sky

Actor Tisca Chopra talks about her soon-to-be-released film Firaaq and all things close to her heart...

Can you tell a little bit about your childhood?

I grew up in Kabul, Afghanistan. I come from a family of educationists and writers, so the natural choice of profession for me would have been to teach or a write. In fact, my dad wanted me to become a war reporter. But life had its own plan. I came to Mumbai to study advertising and marketing at St Xavier's College. Since my classes were in the evening, I was free during the day. I started modeling to earn some quick pocket money.

How did you get a break in films?

I did ads for leading brands and that got me film offers. I kept turning them down because I could not see myself as an actor. Then one day I said, "What the hell?" and that's how films happened. Some where on the way I truly fell in love with acting!

How did it feel to be associated with Taare Zameen Par, a blockbuster that highlighted a socially relevant subject?

I heard such diverse reactions from every single person. I think the film worked differently for different people! Everyone was reminded of their childhood and how those few precious years must not be spoiled by the burden of adult expectations.

Having acted in television serials, films and plays, what has been your favourite medium?

Theatre requires vast reserves of physical energy; you perform a whole film at a stretch that would take many months to shoot. Television is providing so many actors a stable livelihood. If one really wants, one can gain a lot of experience in front of the camera. Cinema is more finely nuanced than television and one can do more detailed work. Also the possibility of exploring different subjects is better. I like all of them as I have had the opportunity to connect with the audiences on all three mediums.

What are your future projects?

I'm acting in Nandita Das's directorial debut, Firaaq. It's a beautiful script and has a fabulous ensemble cast. My own role is complex and quite different from TZP. I'm sure the film will leave a mark.

What's your dream project?

Firaaq has been the closest to my dream project. On a different note, I would love to play some of the roles Nargis Dutt did, like in Raat Aur Din or Sharmila Tagore's role in Amar Prem.

Is there any medium that you still want to explore?

I'd love to do a Broadway play or work on multi-ethnic film with a worldwide cast and crew.

According to you, what does it take to be a successful actor?

What it takes to be a successful professional anywhere - love of your work, focus, hard work and people skills.

Freudian slip:

*Favourite film - Gone With The Wind

Favourite play- Mahatma vs. Gandhi

Indulgence - Chocolate/holidays

Love to you means - Sanjay, my husband

Dream destination - Venice/ Barcelona

Five things you can't do without - Love, acting, a book, a good film and my husband

Favourite food - Gajar ka halwa

Style quotient - Old world or vintage

Turn ons - Wicked humour

Turn offs - Aggression/ violation of basic human rights