In Raj Kumar Santoshi vintage drama Lajja about four gorgeous tormented women (Manisha Koirala, Rekha, Mahima Choudhary, and Madhuri Dixit) and their journey of self-discovery, Koirala and Rekha shone. But Dixit outclassed herself. She dazzled as a theatre actress who was about to become an unwed mother. Whether taking on the moral police or taking a pee at the roadside, Dixit was an unstoppable meteor.
Raj Kumar Santoshi speaks to Subhash K Jha on 25 years of Lajja
25 years of one of your finest works? Was it difficult getting that vast cast together?
Thank you very much. Well, getting the big cast together was never difficult for me, nor directing them… because all of them were very professional. They all liked the script and believed in the issues I was addressing. I don’t think the film would have worked without the cast.
Wasn’t Tabu the first choice for Manisha Koirala’s role?
So many actors are approached for the same role. I think Aamir was not the first choice for Lagaan. It’s not about who is offered a role. It’s about who finally plays it and what he or she does with the role. Manisha was fantastic in Lajja.
The film has a segmented format, each addressing a woman’s issue. Which is you favourite episode in Lajja?
My favourite episode is Janaki’s episode, played by Madhuri. She was fantastic. I think it is one of her best performances. It was really challenging for me writing and directing this episode.
What were the special challenges of writing a segmented screenplay?
It was very bold, very unique, never attempted before. I think the film and the concept of the screenplay was very new for our audience.
Were you very disappointed when it didn’t work at the box-office?
Yes, of course. But I must say, it has a great fan following. I meet a lot of the film’s fans and receive compliments for making it. The film is very close to my heart. I truly wish more such films were made on the issues of women’s sufferings.
Significantly, Lajja addressed the issue of workplace harassment for actors years ago?
Yes, workplace harassment not only for actresses but for all working women in general.
What was the need to have Ajay Devgan’s character in a guest appearance?
First, Sunny Deol was cast for the character. Later played by Ajay Devgan… through his character I wanted to say that all men are not evil or Raavan. There are many men who respect women like mother “Jai ho Maiya ki !”
If you were to make Lajja now, what would you change?
If I get to make it again, I would change the climax,make it hard-hitting and shocking.
