Speaking to Subhash K Jha, Prithviraj Sukumaran shares his concerns as a parent in light of the story of his new film Daarya and also also shares insights into how it was to work with some of Bollywood greatest heroines.
Meghna Gulzar’s Daayra is about a daughter who, one day, never returns home. Malayalam-Telugu actor Prithviraj Sukumaran, who is the father of a young daughter, says the safety of children is a universal concern. “We are not worried just as parents. I am worried as a husband, as a friend, as a responsible citizen of this country, and, yes, as a father as well. Unfortunately, as citizens, what can we do other than get worried and be hopeful? Yes, the film speaks about a very ugly truth within which society today exists, and we are all part of that society.”
Prithviraj is a very concerned parent. “I have an 11-year-old daughter. I am at that uncomfortable stage as a parent where now I have to start talking to her and letting her know about what is safe and what is unsafe. If we were to live in an ideal world, we would never have that conversation. But we do not live in an ideal world. But what can we do as citizens other than talking to our children? Make no mistake, the conversation should not just be with your girl children. It should be equally and vociferously with boys as well. I strongly feel that if there’s an extra ounce of responsibility on any side, it is with us, the men. We are the ones who should carry the torch to make sure that this conversation is spoken about.”
About working with several screen divas in Bollywood, Prithvi Raj says, “I am one lucky guy. What can I say? They are all damn good. Kareena is not in this film because she is someone’s crush; she is in it because she is a damn good actress. You will once again watch Daayra for that, as you have for so many years. I have worked with Mani Ratnam sir, and I have the opportunity to work with Ash (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan). I sometimes meet her at my daughter’s school. Now I am working with Kareena, who is easily one of the best actresses that the country has. I have also worked with Rani (Mukerji), another terrific actor. There’s Kajol… great actor.”
