The ‘Mirzapur’ actress talks about her short film ‘The Miniaturist of Junagadh’, which tells the story of a family trapped in the crosshairs of Partition
The ‘Mirzapur’ actress talks about her short film ‘The Miniaturist of Junagadh’, which tells the story of a family trapped in the crosshairs of Partition
After gaining fame across multiple platforms on-screen, Rasika Duggal is now starring in a short film Miniature Painters of JunagadhiA touching story of an artist and his family during Partition.
Hussain Naqash (played by Naseeruddin Shah), an old miniature painter, is forced to sell his house when his family has to move from Junagadh to Pakistan after Partition. Rasika, who plays his daughter Noor, is trying to save Hussain and his family in various ways. Released on 25 May 2022 on the platform of Royal Stag Barrel Select Large Short Films, the film is an adaptation of a short story by Stefan Zweig.
Rasika says the film is a softly told story. “In the time we live in, a lot of people confuse what’s interesting and fast, and I think this movie will bust that myth for you.”
in conversation with HinduRasika talks about playing the role of Noor, her love for period dramas, the relevance of Partition, the evolution of the streaming platform, and more.
Can you tell us a little bit about your character of Noor?
Noor is a natural caregiver. She is very sensitive to the needs of other people around her, but also has a naughty attitude towards her character. She is very attached to her father as he is in deep appreciation of his craft.
He is an artist himself. Not being a mini-artist like her father, Noor did a little bit of art of her own and these things shaped her character.
Poster of Miniaturist of Junagadh | photo credit: special arrangement
Have you come up with your own experiences and interpretations of Noor’s character?
The film was a very collaborative exercise.. Hard to say where that came from, but everyone did their job. I knew there was room to play with everything, and I allowed myself to be open to trying new things.
Of course, I was very excited to work with Naseeruddin Shah. He used to teach me at FTTI (Film and Television Institute of India), and I realized that what he taught is still with me today.
Why are the themes of the film still relevant today?
Unfortunately 75 years later it is still very relevant. In my lifetime, I have never seen a more polarized time than now. We have reached a point where we are shutting down those who do not agree with us; This makes the film more relevant than ever.
still from the film | photo credit: special arrangement
You have done many period projects like ‘Manto’, ‘Kissa’ and ‘A Suitable Boy’. What do you find interesting about this style?
I did a lot of set work in India in the 1940s and 50s. It’s hard to say what attracts me to this period, but I think it belongs to me. I feel at home in that era, and I find that the pace of life is more suited to my personality than it is today.
Furthermore, when I was in college, I was naturally drawn to reading progressive writers, many of whom wrote during the split. A lot of people went through a lot of grief, and identities were changed because people were uprooted. There was something new that was born, but there was also something old that was lost. This makes me interested in understanding human relations in such times.
Your roles have varied greatly over time. How do you choose them?
i think they choose me (laughs), I’d love to take credit for making the smartest choice, but a lot of it was luck as well. For example, Manto And mirzapur happened together. Safia and Bina Tripathi are two very different roles, but they are done. It was so easy back then, and when I look back, I’m so glad I made these choices.
Rasika Duggal | photo credit: special arrangement
You have been a very prominent face in the streaming age. Do you think OTT platforms are the future of entertainment?
I think the streaming services and the content created here are proof that audiences are ready for diversity. The writing department has a lot of scope in OTT. Plus, because of the luxury of time, there is room for a true outfit.
It has broken the format of the hero-heroine-supporting cast formula. This has also given women a lot of space and they have not become a victim of script editing. Writing has become more nuanced, too, and it’s even better examining women’s lives than ticking a box of feminism.
You have worked on short films, feature films, web series, audio shows and television. What is your favorite format?
If I have to pick one, it is the format of the series. I love the luxury of time that we have, and being with one character for a very long time.
What are your upcoming projects?
I have a bunch of stuff lined up. I have a horror series and a sports-drama series coming up, and I’m going to start shooting for that too. Mirzapur 3 soon.