Director Homi Adajania is debuting on OTT with his latest project ‘Saas Bahu Aur Flamingo’. The web series has been released on Disney+Hotstar on May 5 and receiving the love from the audience. This is a women lead series with the cast including Dimple Kapadia, Deepak Dobriyal, Radhika Madan, Isha Talwar, Angira Dhar, Monica Dograand & Naseeruddin Shah. The series ‘Saas Bahu Aur Flamingo’ showcases the four fearless women running a drug cartel. The style and relationship bond among these independent women is worth seeing.
Expresso conversed the team of ‘Saas Bahu Aur Flamingo’ and tried to explore the making of the series. Some glimpses of the interaction are mentioned below.
Angira, every actor chooses the shows very carefully. What features of the series provoked you to take up the project?
Angira Dhar: There are multiple reasons for picking up this project in which the biggest one is it’s content. When I read it first time, I not only found it exciting but also hard hitting or insane. There was a note along with the content material which inspired me to do it. After having read it, I culled to reply in positive for this project. Secondly, Homi Adajania’s name is sufficient enough in itself as his films and shows are quite unique in terms of script, music and direction.
An actor like to opt the different roles in his career and pours his dedication to make it alive. How did you prepare for the character of Kajal?
Angira Dhar: My preparation was just onset from that point when I heard the narration of the show. And when Homi explained my character as Kajal, I figured out his vision at once. At the same time, he is the director of actors and working with him was going to be worthy. Else, so many local dialect workshops for hours and scene reading practices were also a greater part of my preparation. Besides it, being attentive about what is happening around also taught so many ins and outs regarding my role.
Isha, what type of comments you received on social media about your role in the show ‘Saas, Bahu Aur Flamingo’?
Isha: A lot of comments. I think people are extremely excited to watch it. Having seen the trailer/show, they are talking about woman empowerment, feminism & drugs.(Laughs loudly) Simultaneously, viewers are writing about my get up also that “what you have done with yourself, you (Isha) were looking very much pretty in Mirzapur.” But overall, the audience is very much eager and excited to watch this show.
What is the definition of feminism as this film describes the different take on the woman?
Isha: In my opinion, feminism means the liberty of a woman in many ways as liberty to do what she likes, liberty to lead her life independently, equal opportunities, equal rights and much more without any kind of male oriented barriers. In ‘Saas, Bahu Aur Flamingo’ the women are showcased in a different way. In spite of presenting them as a part of kitchen politics, a world of female-centred, self independent, working and earning women is created in the show in which these women like Rani Baa, shanta, Kajal or Bijli can lead and make the males silent wherever is necessary.
Everyday & everywhere, we learn something different. What is your take away from this series?
Isha: The main take away is that most of the directors promise to give liberty to the actors but practically they don’t . From the journey of ‘Mirzapur’ to ‘Saas, Bahu Aur Flamingo’ I am lucky enough that I was kept independent to think and apply my own views in my acting. Homi is a very good person who gives respect and freedom to the actors. If I suggested something to Homi, he accepted and provided me the freedom to do that. For example, I am never interested in a particular physical get up or style as an actress. When I told this to Homi regarding to differentiate my looks in the show, he gave me genuine collaboration to proceed ahead.
Angira, Dimple Kapadia mam is a superstar of the industry. Were you nervous to work in front of her?
Angira: Not at all. I had already met her on the table read. She was just like a friend or a mentor not only for me but also for everyone. She was the senior most actress on the set but we were never bound to behave in a particular set of behaviour owing to her. Each and everyone was much comfortable working with Dimple mam.
Udit, the same question for you. According to you what was the best thing about Dimple mam?
Udit: (Answers at once) Her nature. She was so loving and caring that acting became very much easy with her.
Everything leaves a positive or negative effect on us. What impact did the entire journey of the series left on you?
Udit: The whole journey was precious. I felt a great transformation in my personality in terms of work and skill development. And surely, Homi is responsible for all that as he pushed me and inspired me to do better. Now, furthermore, I have to proceed to the best.
Which is the closest scene to your heart from the series?
Udit: Everything is closest to my heart. Even if a single piece of music from the series is played, I remember everything.
Isha: For me, family scenes are closer to my heart as we all used to collect altogether to shoot them and the atmosphere became like a family gathering. Secondly, all the action scenes which I did are lovable to me.
Angira, the series is grounded on woman power. How was the relationship among you all girls?
Angira: About relationship, I would like to state that the bonding was great and awesome; not only with females but also with the male cast. We played our parts skillfully and worked as a team. Everyone was given proper space with a sense of pride and respect.
How will you define the director, Homi Adajania?
(Reply collectively with a smile) It is very difficult to define him. You can’t put him in a box. He has an extremely creative and unique mind with a vision of observing the things differently. Every actor has a dream to work with him who want to shine in acting.
What message would you like to leave for the audience about the show?
(Angira) it’s going to be unpredictable and insane. Buckle up, (Isha) go to see it on Disney+Hotstar and (Udit) give it a lot of love.
By Rituparna Sengupta