People across the world watch Indian films: Golshifteh Farahani
17/10/2017
Though predominantly known for her eclectic work in world cinema, exiled Iranian actress, Golshifteh Farahani, who lives in France, was also seen in Hollywood blockbusters like 'Body Of Lies' with Leonardo DiCaprio, 'Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales' with Johnny Depp and 'Exodus: Gods And Kings' with Christian Bale. The actress now shares screen space with powerhouse performer Irrfan in Anup Singh's 'The Song Of Scorpions'. BT spoke to the actress on her forced exile by the Iranian government and her experience of working in India for the first time. Excerpts...
You started acting at the age of 14. In hindsight, do you think it was too early?
My father didn't want me to be an actress. After my first movie, he didn't talk to me for two months. My family wanted me to become a musician; they were investing in that strongly. My father couldn't see a future in acting and he was right to a certain extent. It is a tough job but doing cinema changed my life. It made me who I am today. Acting is an act of creation. Life is very short and acting takes you across the world. It allows you to live different characters and experience different moments. For me, it's a spiritual thing and a tool to elevate my soul. It's a sacred job, which is why I respect it so much. I don't care about the fame. If you hope for an easy life, acting is not your thing.
Your exile from Iran must have affected your family and you a lot. You faced massive flak for your nude photoshoot in a French magazine...
Of course, being away from your country feels like you are missing an arm or a leg, but somehow, you learn to cope with it. Iran is a big part of me and I am not the only one, who has faced this. This pain has given me power, wings and inspiration. It's positive I'd say. Besides, being a woman itself is very challenging. You have to fight every day — against objectification or harassment that runs much deeper than that, especially for the ones born in a specific geographical location. The exile has added to the pain but hopefully, things will get easier for the next generation.
Have your parents been able to cope with the situation?
My family faces a lot of difficulty from time to time because of the government in Iran but again, thankfully they are positive. The pressure on me and them was beyond our limitations, but they continue to be supportive of me and the path I've chosen. I always tell my father, 'You trained me for what I am today. We are part of a bigger picture'.
Indians are proud of actors like Irrfan, Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone, who are making their mark in Hollywood. On the contrary, it's tragic that you face the heat in your country for pushing the envelope and doing foreign films...
The irony is that people in Iran are proud of me but not the government. What's happening in Iran, in general, is tragic, but we have been through that for hundreds of years and hopefully, we will overcome it. Also, all the tragedies (dictatorship and fascist regime) have a bright side. It gives power to individuals to bring upon a change. If given a choice, I'd love to be born in Iran again.
Who influenced your life early on?
Mahatma Gandhi has always been an inspiration for so many of us. Even actors and people from all walks of life, who create ways to change things for better, are my inspiration.
What was it like to work with Irrfan and in India for the first time in 'The Song Of Scorpions'?
Everyone in India knows how incredible Irrfan is as an actor. Since I worked with him for the first time, it was super exciting for me and a true pleasure, as he's a great co-star and also a great listener. Not to forget, very charming too. As far as the experience of working in India is concerned, it was like everything else here — special and unpredictable, pleasant and challenging. The crew is big. If there are three people for hair and make-up elsewhere, in India there would be 10! Overall, a memorable experience.
Were you familiar with Bollywood films before working with Irrfan?
I haven't really watched Bollywood films, except for one. I was amazed by 'Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela' (2013). I hadn't seen anything like that before. I saw it at a festival. I hadn't seen so much beauty on screen. It was extremely fascinating.
I am more familiar with independent Indian cinema like 'The Lunchbox' and old movies of Raj Kapoor. My father loves him and that's what we watched as kids in Iran. I am not familiar with today's mainstream Bollywood films.
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