Khushboo goes candid
She may have been in the news for her strong views, but there is no doubt that Khushboo has earned headlines as an actor.
Hailing from Mumbai, it is commendable that she learnt Tamil and even conducts a show in it on TV. Now settled in Chennai, the actress juggles films, television and home with her husband and their two daughters.
Forthright and articulate, she tells us about her forthcoming Telugu film Stalin (where she shares screen space with megastar Chiranjeevi), her big and small screen ventures, motherhood, and more..
It has been almost a decade since she last did a Telugu film. Stalin is directed by A R Murugadoss, and stars megastar Chiranjeevi.
“The role was nice and Murugadoss is a good director. I play Chiranjeevi’s sister. It is quite a powerful role and the film focuses on that brother-sister relationship.” As for acting with Chiranjeevi, she says “there was some hesitation initially, but I now have a comfort level. Chiranjeevi has no starry airs and is helpful too.”
“I need to do roles of substance, where people say I have done a good job. I would definitely want to expand production. Our production house will be doing a Tamil film called Rendu with Madhavan. The story, screenplay and direction is by my husband, Sundar C. The film will be shot in Chennai and parts of Tamil Nadu.”
“It will be a total mainstream film because my husband and I believe in entertainment with a capital E. I want people to go to theatres, whistle, dance and enjoy themselves. My role will be limited — I will probably just sign the cheques. I don’t interfere with his films, and he doesn’t interfere with my TV projects.”
Her husband will also don the greasepaint for a forthcoming Tamil film. So, can we expect the couple on screen together? “No,” she says, categorically. “I am happy being his wife.”
The actress doesn’t think acting on the big or small screens is very different, because one is playing a character in front of the camera. However, as creative head, storywriter and producer of a serial, she says she is answerable to the channel and has to take extra care while shooting.
How does she hold her own on her television show? “It’s just spontaneity — there is nothing scripted. I know the rules and regulations and it’s up to me to make the show lively, to make participants talk and laugh.”
“I am connected with reality and the people — more so when I do special shows for AIDS and the visually impaired. In one or two instances, I broke down on the show. People are able to come out with their problems. I feel comfortable with them.”
Speaking of her show Jackpot, Khushboo describes it as “basically about IQ. We do a basic test to examine the IQ level of participants and prefer to ask intelligent questions.”
Her career, she says, “has been fantastic. It’s been a learning experience. I have made many mistakes and evolved a lot. I have also made many friends in the industry. I used to be an introvert initially, now I am different. Prabhu, Vasu and my good friend Karthik helped me change.”
Her candour may have got her many enemies, but Khushboo does not shy from speaking the truth. Her positive attitude helps her overcome ups and downs. “When I know I am not wrong, I am not scared. I do not have to give into any political power. I still speak the truth.”
Does she harbour any intention of entering politics? “No. I am not fit as I am an impulsive and short-tempered person.” However, she says she would like to take up issues as a citizen of the country. “I would like to take up any cause related to the common man rather than say I have nothing to do with them.”
And, if she were to change anything in the country, what would that be? “I would like to tackle corruption. No work is done in the country without bribery.”
When she isn’t shooting, Khushboo dons an apron. “I cook anything but prefer North Indian food. A must on the Sunday menu is a cake and caramel custard for my children, which I do without fail. My husband is also fond of my crisp dosas.” Interestingly, she turned vegetarian three months ago.
Reading used to be her favourite pastime. “I would never put down a book until I finished it. Now, I don’t have much time.” She watches films only in theatres with her family and friends. “With my mom and brothers’ families, I watch Hindi films. But, with my husband, it’s English cinema.” In fact, she adds “my husband’s idea of romance is to take me for a morning show followed by lunch.”
Khushboo is a doting wife and mother. She spends as much time with her two children, Avantika (6) and Anandita (3). “Motherhood has made me responsible. Today, when I spend, I do so for my children.” She ends our conversation by saying, “I am at the best phase of my career, watching my children grow up. Career wise, things are looking good for me and my husband. We are building a dream house.”