Exorcising the ghost

Manpriya Singh

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Barkha Madan played a ghost in Ram Gopal Verma’s Bhoot. An ordained Buddhist nun today, she talks about her last film outing—Surkhaab

If the most commercial outing is what it takes for maximum recall value, she played the ghost in Ram Gopal Verma’s Bhoot. Off the screen, however, Barkha Madan has lived a far more cinematic tale than any script could possibly offer. A Buddhist nun, former Miss India, actor, producer—she packs in all with the same effortless grace, she renders explanations and addresses questions. Questions that range from ‘the decision’ of life to her latest release Surkhaab.

Women power

The story of Jeet (played by Barkha) and the difficulties she is swamped with while migrating illegally to Canada to be with her younger brother. The film delves into the issues of cross migration, women empowerment and globalisation.

“But the storyline is not gloomy or dark. I’d say the film is a perfect balance between commercial and parallel cinema and I hope people come out in full support of the film,” shares Barkha, while in Chandigarh for promotions. “What I like about my character is that it portrays any woman can be strong. It’s not only the urban chic independent women who can be strong.” She adds,

“In the film, my character has not travelled at all whereas I’m very well travelled. So, it was quite challenging to portray that bit.”

Directed by documentary filmmaker Sanjay Talreja, the film has already done the rounds at some of the prestigious international film festivals, including the Madrid International Film Festival, Commfest Festival in Toronto and won the Best Foreign Language Film at London International Film Festival 2013. However, it finally finds a limited release in India through PVR initiative, Director’s Rare.

The ordain

A start in B-town leads to stardom or aspirations (even desperation); anything but renunciation. Three years ago, Barkha stunned one and all, with her decision to go through ordination, an oath taking ceremony to turn a nun.

“Even though the ordain happened overnight, everything else cannot be pin pointed to any one moment. The decision has been a result of my self-contemplation, once I started exploring philosophy. Despite everything, there was dissatisfaction till I realized it was time to say goodbye to the material world.” It’s been a happy decision.

What brings her to the city is rather a call of duty. “It’s nothing I’m attached to but I came because it wouldn’t have been fair to my production partners if I backed out. The production house that we set up is a result of a lot of hard work. So it stands.”

She laughs, “My parents have been supportive throughout but the most interesting reaction was by my brother. He said, ‘Should I touch your feet or should I hug you.’ I said that he could do both.”

Swan song

Perhaps, it might be out of place talking about upcoming projects. “Then once again you can be falling into the same pattern and feeding desires.” Err…does that mean Surkhaab is the audience’s last chance at watching her onscreen? “Yes,” she laughs, “Unless someone decides to make a documentary on my life.” You never know.

The film to release on May 22

manpriya@tribunemail.com