Michelle Yeoh reveals her Bollywood plans

Hollywood actor Michelle Yeoh talks about her upcoming film and reveals her Bollywood plans in a n interview with DNA.

This was your first time at IFFI, how was the experience?
I am here especially for the closing ceremony and could not make it here earlier as I have been extremely busy travelling to places promoting my film The Lady. But I am really happy to be part of 42nd IFFI in Goa. I have all plans of coming back to IFFI in the future just to see the wide array of movies that it showcases and to have an experience of its own.

How was it like playing Aung San Suu Kyi?
Playing Aung San Suu Kyi was a journey in itself. She represents many things for many people and for many reasons. For the role I tried to step into her life and lived my life through her eyes.

Although I have played many important roles in my life, I can say that this role has been a journey of self-realisation for me. Aung is a strong lady and her journey through the travails has been an inspiration to me, on which my portrayal of the great lady is based.

What was your first reaction when you met Suu Kyi?
Aung San Suu Kyi is an amazing lady. The energy that she has and her one minded approach to her goal has always been her forte. I remember the first time that I met her she opened her arms wide and embraced me as a part of her family. It was so touching. Her modesty can be gauged by the fact that once she was told about the movie she said, “Why would somebody like to watch my story for two hours”.

You are an action star. How was the transformation into this intense role?
I never stereotype my performances. I wish to be remembered as an actress who has the skills to do martial arts and stunts. I also prefer stories where the character speaks to me and whenever a script comes to me I take it up on merit. The role of Aung San Suu Kyi was one of the most challenging roles I ever came across. I would say that it is one of my best roles ever.

What do you think about Indian cinema and Bollywood?
I think Indian movies are fantastic. I have a couple of friends in the Bollywood and I have always grown up listening to Bollywood numbers and watching Bollywood films. While I was young, back home in Malaysia we used to watch a number of Bollywood movies of which I remember quite a few. I remember vividly the song Chal Mere Haathi from Haathi Mere Saathi. Indian cinema has grown a lot in the past few decades and has shown much maturity in handling issues.

What do you think about the song and dance routine in Indian films?
I think the Indian song and dance routine is really interesting. Although I have never done anything like it ever, I am really excited to explore it once. The movements in Bollywood dance sequences are really intricate and the hand-eye coordination is fabulous. Very few people knew that I trained to be a Ballerina, but became a movie star instead. I would also like to do elaborate song and dance routines in Bollywood movies provided the movies are shot in India. I want to explore the country through Indian cinema and I am all open to be a part of an Indian movie setup.

Are you in talks with any Indian filmmaker for any collaboration?
Right now I am not in touch with any Indian filmmaker for any collaboration. I would definitely like to work with an Indian director soon and would like to see myself in a Bollywood movie. I have earlier worked with Asif Kapadia for his film Far North and I found the experience very enriching. Right now I am looking for some interesting scripts to come my way and am looking forward to make my debut in Bollywood. One of the most interesting people that I know in Bollywood is Aamir Khan who is known for his application and given a chance I would like to work with him on my first Bollywood movie.

How’s your experience in Goa?
This is my first visit to Goa and I really like the place. The beaches are pristine and I really like the warmth of the people here. I would like to come back to Goa far more regularly and also like to explore the area more closely. I had a zip sightseeing tour of the city yesterday and I really liked the area around.

Which all other places have you visited in your earlier trips in here and what are your comments on your journey?
In my earlier journeys I have had visited Jaipur in Rajasthan and other locations across the country. I really found the experiences very enriching and liked the forts and palaces of the ‘Princely State’. I also visited Mumbai where I stayed at The Taj a few months before the 26/11 terrorist attacks. I was really horrified at the attacks and really do not understand the logic behind these mindless killings. I liked Mumbai and was really touched by the fast paced life of Mumbai. I would really like to go back to Mumbai soon and do some Bollywood movies in Mumbai.

You have been to New Delhi for the ‘Make Roads Safe’ campaign?
‘Make Roads Safe’ campaign is an initiative which aims to reduce road fatality and bring in more safety to our roads. This campaign is a joint initiative of me and my husband Jean Todt who has endeavoured to lessen the road fatalities across the world. Doing the campaign in New Delhi was an added advantage as we could get our voice directly to the people in power and make them understand about our mission. Delhi is a lovely place and is the seat of power. Although I have not spent much time in New Delhi I would like to return to the city and explore it.