Freida Pinto: I don’t get exotic princess roles anymore

Freida Pinto has admittedly juggled different platforms — she’s done feature films, TV shows and will now be seen in Mowgli: Legend Of The Jungle, which releases next week on Netflix. The actress, who was on a short trip to India, spoke to After Hrs about her role in the film and her plans of producing some Indian stories. Over to her...

Everyone has childhood memories attached to The Jungle Book. Is it the same for you?

Yeah, it’s the animation series, which almost every child in India has memories of. We always had the Sunday experience of watching Jungle Book with siblings or mom and dad. For me, it’s been exactly the same. I kind of romanticised Sundays with my family because of this experience.

What was going through your mind when you were offered this part?

I was never offered it. I went ahead and demanded a role in the film (laughs). I wanted to be a part of this film and when I heard Andy (Serkis) is making it, I just asked him for it. 

But no star would do that...

I’m not a star, I’m an actor. 

You have a brief role in the film. Does the screen time matter to you? 

It doesn’t really matter to me, as long as I know I’m adding value to the film. I’ve done all kind of roles — I’ve played the lead, supporting roles and even cameos. At the end of the day, if you feel fulfilled, then it doesn’t matter what somebody else thinks. I don’t care to read someone else’s opinion of what the length of my role should be, because it’s my choice and my decision. 

Priyanka Chopra has also spoken about how unlike here, in the West, big actors come together to do brief parts, just for a film...

Yes, absolutely! I’ve heard several stories like that. I don’t remember having seen male superstars in India do that. When was the last time we have genuinely seen five heroes come together for a project? I can’t even think of one right now. But yes, to each his own. That’s what they believe they should be doing, but it’s not something I believe in, at all. So for me, it’s not about ‘am I being the centre of attention in the movie?’ No film is successful because of one person, it’s always team work. 

Mowgli: Legend Of The Jungle has been made only for the digital platform. What do you think of the newer avenues?

Streaming services have made things more available and accessible for the audience, too. Say something from Mexico can be watched by someone in India, and that accessibility has allowed the cultures to come together. The fact that I’ve American friends who watched Sacred Games, and loved it, proves the fact. The platform that these services provide is absolutely amazing because you can create a theatrical experience at home. 

Expectations from this movie will be high given that its feature film version did exceedingly well...

I know Jungle Book was outstandingly successful. But I have no fears for this film doing well at all, because it’s unique. 

This is a dark retelling of the same story. Why opt for something so dramatic?

Jungle Book has always been made as a slightly happier version. But if you really think about how animals are in the wild, or how a kid, who was adopted by a wolf pack and is trained by them, would behave, you will know that everything can’t be happy and perfect all the time. He will be wild and feral. I feel Andy did justice by really embracing that backdrop. More than just dark, it’s visceral and intense. You’ll be at the edge of your seats while watching this version. 

Usually Indian actresses who foray into Hollywood are offered only exotic princess roles. Why do you think they are stereotyped? 

It’s their job to refuse such roles if they don’t want to essay them. You can only end a certain stereotype by not giving into it. I don’t get exotic princess roles anymore because I have said no to them in the past. I might have got them right after Slumdog Millionaire (2008), but there’s a way to change that perception and mentality. And it takes a lot of courage, because saying no would mean you’re also refusing the work, money and opportunities. But personally, I don’t want to adhere to this stereotype. 

You were also planning to produce an Indian story...

It’s not just one Indian story. There will be quite a few, actually. For me, it’s important to put the right teams together. One of my producing partners is Tabrez Noorani and we are putting together some stories which, I believe, will do well in India, too. 

There were rumours that you are getting married to Cory Tran next year… 

I believe everyone has reasons for doing whatever they are doing. So, they should be allowed to live and let live.