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The very talented Seema Biswas talks about her movie Water and what she will wear at the Oscars!

How would you describe your role in Water?

I play a widow named Shakuntala. She's a person who prefers to control and hide

Water must already have been ridden in controversy when the film was offered to you?

Actually, Uma DaCunha called me up and said that Deepa was coming to Mumbai to cast for one of her films and wanted to meet me. I met Deepa not knowing which film she was casting for! When she said she's making Water again, I was pleasantly surprised. I admired her for making the film again. She explained the role; I also read the script. When I accepted the role, all she said was 'come full-heartedly, don't come half-heartedly.'

Did you know it was the same role that Shabana Azmi was to do? Did you call her up and have a talk about this?

I didn't know that when I accepted the role; but I got to know later. It's ok to give a call to somebody if you are friendly with that person, and can talk unofficially. Who knows, my call could have hurt her. But the main thing is I don't know her on a personal level, so I never thought of speaking to her about this.

Is it true that your mother Meera Biswas, an actress herself, is playing a part in Water?

Yes, she plays one of the widows in the film, and this is her first Hindi film. Deepa saw my mother's picture and said, 'please call her here anyhow. I want this kind of a face!' My mother has acted in several plays in Assam, but I was apprehensive about asking her to be a part of the film. I knew that would somehow add to my responsibility and I wondered what if she doesn't perform the way Deepa wants her to. Manoramaji encouraged me and assured me that they'd look after her. I have grown up seeing my mother on stage, and have inherited this talent from her.

Now that Water has travelled all over the world and is finally releasing in India, how does it feel?

I am very excited to see the reactions of the audience. People will realise there is nothing in the film that is objectionable. An actor is alive, only if they have an audience. I am waiting for the reactions to pour in. Der aaye, durust aaye.

What else are you busy with?

I am also doing Breaking News with N Chandra. It's an interesting film where lots of actors are doing small roles. Then there's Kaaran, where I play the madam of a brothel. I've also done a small role in Anurag Kashyap's Shoonya.

What about Sofia?

I was part of the film, but the role explained to me was very different from what finally appeared in the script. I am definitely not doing that film now.

You're also in Deepa Mehta's Exclusion.

(Hesitates) Yes, but I'd rather not talk more about that now. All I can say is that I am very excited to work with Deepa again.
When are you leaving for the Oscars?

I think we are leaving on the 20th.

Any plans on what'll you wear?

I will definitely wear a sari, but I haven't decided on anything else. I am not going to hire a designer or stylist. I don't think too much about what to wear. I never plan; it's always a last-minute decision.

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