- By Akshat Sundrani
- Thu, 13 Jul 2023 11:14 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Actress Adah Sharma has achieved a significant milestone in her career as 'The Kerala Story' emerged as the highest-grossing film with a female lead in Bollywood. Directed by Sudipto Sen, this thought-provoking movie has been surrounded by a web of controversies due to its sensitive subject matter.
In the film, Adah Sharma portrays the character of Fathima Ba, a Hindu Malayali nurse who becomes a victim of the shocking reality of the 32,000 women who went missing from Kerala, only to be forcibly converted to Islam and recruited by the ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria). Additionally, the film sheds light on the theory of 'Love Jihad,' where Hindu girls are manipulated by Muslim men to convert to Islam and sever ties with their families.
Despite facing calls for a ban and enduring controversies, 'The Kerala Story' proved its mettle at the box office, surpassing all expectations. The film's success not only solidified Adah Sharma's position in the industry but also opened doors to new opportunities for her. In an exclusive interview with Jagran English, Adah Sharma delved into the film's journey, addressing the backlash it encountered, her upcoming projects, and much more.
How has your life changed since the success of 'The Kerala Story'?
Actually, my life is exactly the same. It's just nice that, work-wise, I have more choices and more roles to choose from. My life isn't only films, though; it's so much more. My family, Art , music, and animals all comprise a large part of my life. Movies are one part.
How did you react when actors like Naseeruddin Shah and Kamal Hassan voiced their opinions against the film?
I rejoiced at the freedom of speech we have in our country, where without even watching a film, it can be discredited, labeled, and publicly be ripped apart.Anyone can say anything about anybody and can continue to live unharmed; that's the beauty of Bharat. I love my country! People with different ideologies can coexist. It's wonderful that even after such famous actors made their stance about what they thought of the film clear, the audience still chose to go to theaters to support a film that stood against terrorism.
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With the overwhelming response to the film, you must have received numerous accolades from your peers. What was that unexpected appreciation you received?
When a film does well, everyone in the industry rejoices, including theaters. It's life in the industry that is thriving, more jobs for everyone, a woman-led film doing well, even greater joy. I'm sure my peers are celebrating in their homes. Some of my peers are currently speechless. Also, I think with the film, this reaction was expected because it is a very hard-hitting film. It's still running in theaters after two months. As actors, we are all asked about each other's films and our thoughts. So the best appreciation I'm sure I will receive is when the media asks them what they thought of the film. I was overwhelmed with the appreciation when you guys, the media asked the audience outside theaters what they thought.
The film encountered controversies. Do you believe those controversies indirectly benefited the film?
Films released before and after The Kerala Story that were attached to controversies and were debated on news channels probably even more than our film didn't ensure that people love the film. So I guess whatever reason one would like to attach to the success of a film or how much joy one would get from discrediting a film, it has been proven time after time that for a film to work, it has to be a good film with good performances, be well-directed, and have emotions that connect.
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'The Kerala Story' has become the highest grossing female lead film. What would you like to say about that?
It feels really nice that I can celebrate the success with the audience. People calling it their film; people who got so invested held placards on roads, stuck posters, made paintings, and booked shows. Those videos of people in theaters and the crowds outside after the movie was over feel surreal. It's a magical experience, and I'm aware it doesn't happen to everyone. I am very fortunate.
Considering the success of 'The Kerala Story,' what are your expectations for your future projects?
The same as I had with the Kerala story. I want to do workshops and prepare for the film. Give it my all and be convincing. I limit my expectations for myself. I don't have much control over the external. It would be nice if the director is well prepared, kind to everyone on set and keep working conditions pleasant for everyone on set.
Has 'The Kerala Story' revitalized your career in the industry? Are there any plans for you to work on another film based on a true story?
It's definitely given me a large space in people's hearts. I've been offered a few based on real-life incidents, True or fictional. I'm open to both.