'Mumbai Meri Jaan' changes Soha's views on journalists

Aug 22, 2008 Subhash K Jha

Mumbai, Aug 23 (IANS) Soha Ali Khan, who has already received rave reviews for her performance as a TV journalist in Nishikant Kamat's just released "Mumbai Meri Jaan", says the film has changed her perception about scribes and their inquisitiveness.

"At one point I wanted to be a journalist. Then I was at the receiving end. Now after playing a TV journalist in 'Mumbai Meri Jaan', I'm more sympathetic towards the media's job.

"I understand why they need to ask uncomfortable questions. Of course, I still won't answer personal questions. But I understand the journalist has a right to ask what he or she wants to," Soha said.

Soha, who made it big with "Rang De Basanti", didn't need to do too much research to play her role.

"My job brings me into daily contact with the media. And I watch the news closely. Recently, when we had 23 bomb attacks in 24 hours, I watched the full coverage. There's too much of de-sensitised, lurid, sensational coverage on TV.

"I play one of those hard-nosed TRP-driven journalists. I play a journalist who forgets that during those times the people being interviewed are human. Then I undergo a crisis and change."

Her next movie is "Dil Kabaddi", in which she is paired with Irrfan Khan for the first time.

"Though we're together in 'Mumbai Meri Jaan', we don't have scenes together. I told him at the beginning of 'Dil Kabaddi' to guide me if needed. Yes, I'm open to advice provided it's done without lecturing and it should be given after I'm well fed.

"I was surrounded by powerhouse actors like Paresh Rawal, Kay Kay Menon, Irrfan, R. Madhavan. I was the least experienced of the lot ...and I was apprehensive."

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