THERE IS something as stimulating as espresso about
Kitu Gidwani. Perhaps because of her cheesy smile and sprightly self.
The model-turned-actress who has been a media fixture for well over a decade now, was in
Chennai this past week to launch Wills Sport's "Fashion Guru". With an
effortless insouciance that strikes you at the first cut itself, Kitu is game for a brief,
yet perky parlez-vous.
First things first. What about the ongoing shooting for the bilingual Kamal Hassan starrer
"Abhay" aka "Alavandhan?"
"Well ... I am so excited about this maiden Southern venture. I play the role of a
vamp - it is replete with dark, evil shades. Basically, I prefer characters that shock,
not the run-of-the-mill kind", she says with glee. Continuing with the same
unrestrained vigour, she adds, "The South is very refreshing. People here are
extremely warm and polite. They seldom try to run you down. And work culture too - the
time schedules, discipline etc. is a lot better in the South. I would love to sustain
here".
Kitu, who has come up with bravura performances in teleserials and stage productions has
also signed up for a Malayalam film. "It can be categorised under the art genre. I
play a crucial role". Realistic about tinseldom expectations, Kitu is not aching to
play heroine. "Basically, the role has to be challenging and substantial ..."
she says in a matter of fact way.
From a novice who breezed into glowbiz in the exciting Eighties to a bonafide scene
stealer on the acting firmament, Kitu's metamorphosis came about gradually. Her ability to
break down her roles and inhabit them to the last bit is evident in silver screen
productions like "Karvaan", "1947 : Earth" and "Dance of the
Wind" (for which she bagged the Audience Award at the London Film Festival). On the
stage too, she grabbed attention with electrifying performances in "Siren City",
"Going Solo", "Julius Caesar", "If Wishes Were Horses",
"The Dining Room", etc. Her latest Hindi film "Deham" directed by
Govind Nihalani is scheduled for release shortly. That's not all. An American film by an
independent producer is also part of the line-up for the future.
Headstrong and happy, Kitu has very individualistic views. Ask her about her marriage for
instance, and pat comes the reply, "The institution of marriage is not viable any
more ..." And about her much-written-about spiritual quest, she says pragmatically,
"To me spirituality does not mean visiting places of worship. It simply means being
true to one's self. That's a very difficult thing, mind you. You have to be positive and
try to realise the god in you ..."
Not too keen on television assignments ("They are very time-consuming"), this
die-hard perfectionist "would love to do more films. Theatre is tough, cinema is
interesting because there is scope to underplay", she says with mellow charm.
Even after years, Kitu looks exactly the way she did when she entered showbiz ("Don't
ask an artiste her age", she blushes). With rigorous workouts and dance routine she
looks svelte in a body-hugging tee and trousers.
And what does she count as her strengths? "On a personal level, I am very adventurous
and always will be young at heart.
Professionally, it is perhaps my versatility and ability to get into the skin of the
characters I portray". And yes ... that's precisely why this "Mini" of the
small screen has garnered such a mega following!
T. KRITHIKA REDDY
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