A daughter’s perspective

JP Dutta and Bindiya Goswami’s daughter Nidhi will make her debut in Jee Bhar Ke Jee Le. She talks about growing up at the movies and more.

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Stint as an assistant director

I wanted to start from scratch, because that’s how my father and my grandfather (late writer OP Dutta) started. I love being on the sets. I used to play hockey in my school days and drop in on dad’s sets. You have got to be there to understand what sort of hard work goes into making movies. For instance, I was once on the location for Border. Action director Bheekhuji (Verma) said, Beta apne kaan band kar lo, blast hone wala hai!’ I saw the unit bend down on their haunches. Suddenly, the whole unit was covered with white sand.

Also, most of Papa’s team has been with him since Ghulami. I wanted them to accept me as a professional and not just as his kid. Today, I am on backslapping terms with the light man, cameraman and the entire crew.

On acting

Dad always thought of me as an actor. When I was four, I’d dance on Jumma chumma de de (Hum). I’d watch mom’s Dial 100 every day till I was 14. I have grown up seeing my father discussing scenes with my grandfather.

Acting influences

I’ve watched Kareena Kapoor Khan when dad was directing Refugee and LOC. She can play serious as well as vivacious characters. Shah Rukh Khan is my favourite actor. He only has to spread his arms and main unki baahon me hoti hoon… like every other girl in India. I love Hrithik Roshan, he’s such a perfect actor. Kajol is my role model.

JP Dutta, the father

He’s my hero and he is a perfectionist. He’s known for his temper but with me he has never been stern. My parents are protective about me and my sister Siddhi. They don’t want to see us get hurt. I’m close to both of them in different ways. My mother is my emotional anchor. At the end of the day when I come home, I need mom, whereas dad and I discuss everything. Papa never asks me to come home by 10. But when I return post11 pm, I see him peeping out from the window. It warms my heart, it makes me happy. Even my grandfather at 89 would stand by the window till my father came home.

Advice, advice

Dad’s diktat is to do your best and leave the rest to god. Mom cautioned that at some point you will face failure, there will be highs and lows, so be prepared.