In the overdose of OTT content, Vikramaditya Motwane’s Anniversary has managed to distinguish itself. It has brought back the memories of the golden era, the famous Bombay Talkies. The show has received applause from all quarters and the star cast is loved. Wamiqa Gabbi who casts the role of Niloufer has managed to win brownie points with her class acting. In a recent chat with us, the actress opened up about the show, casting, her inspiration and more. So here are the excerpts from the interview.
Why immediately yes for Jubilee?
I didn’t choose Jubilee, the show chose me, Niloufer chose me. Such shows are not made every day. I’m so lucky I auditioned for it and got the part.
How did the audition process go and how did you end up playing Nilofer?
I auditioned for it before the pandemic and I got shortlisted. Then I auditioned for the director Vikram Sir and we also did the look test the same day. My audition went really well, but for some reason I was rejected. And then a pandemic happened. Post the pandemic, I randomly messaged Vikramaditya Motwane sir. It was actually Aparshakti Khurrana who made me message Vikram sir. He asked me if I did Nilofer and I said ‘no, I was rejected’. He said no one has been finalized for Nilofer yet and I need to message Vikram sir.
So I have messaged Mr. Vikram asking when we can meet. He asked me to meet the day after, but the next day I got a call that I was ready for Nilofer.
It was during the promotions that I got to know that he thought I have a lot of grace, you know as an ‘achi bachii’ and Nilofer’s character is very different. And he said it was only during the pandemic that he saw my reels and videos and he got to see my ‘chhicchorapan’ and then he decided to cast me as his Niloufer.
Watch the Jubilee song video below:
How did you prepare for your role? Did you have an actress in mind when you played the old days character?
I had all the actresses in mind. Madhubala, Nutan, Nargis, Meena Kumari. I had all the actresses in mind the whole time. I obviously had no direct reference for my character. It was very new to me and I’m glad I did it. Of course, it’s good to explore a character you’re completely unaware of. It was very unreal to understand and explore her. But for in-movie scenes and songs, I saw songs from everyone like Madhubala, Nargis and more.
You recently mentioned that you are inspired by Kangana Ranaut. Is there a character of hers you’d like to do?
As an actor, she has greatly inspired me to be as good as or better than her. That’s what inspires me. A very good performance that makes you go ‘oh my god’, makes you jealous, makes you feel motivated, makes you feel like you need to work on yourself. As an actor, Kangana Ranaut has given such performances.
If I ever think I’m capable enough to figure this out on my own and I’m better at my craft now, I’d definitely like to do Tanu Weds Manu 2. You can’t think of anyone else who does it better than Kangana Ranaut. ‘Agar yeh kar liya na toh aapkolaagga ki apko aapka craft aata hai’.
On Ranveer Singh…
I also want to mention Ranveer Singh. I worked with him because I played a very small part in 83′ and I think he’s one of those actors who just transforms. He’s like a chameleon. It inspires me to get better at my craft. The way he played Kapil Dev was just outstanding. A personality like him, he is generally so loud, he is so expressive in life, but you can actually forget about him and only see Kapil Dev. That’s so inspiring.
Next, Wamiqa Gabbi will be seen in Charlie Chopra And The Mystery Of Solang Valley directed by Vishal Bharadwaj. Deets of the same come in the next piece.
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