Quitting acting and experiencing a new phase in life made me happy: Sangeeta Bijlani

22/09/2021

Sangeeta Bijlani may have won the Miss India Universe title in 1980 but much before that, she had already started getting film offers. The beauty queen, however, chose modelling as a career first, till director Rajiv Rai convinced her and her mother that the film industry wasn't such a bad place after all. Once she signed her first film though, filmmakers couldn't wait to get her on board and she landed three projects even before the release of the first.
Your recent appearance on a dance reality show on TV was quite a refreshing sight. It seemed like you were perfectly at ease in front of the camera.
I actually just enjoyed myself; it feels like home when you are on a set because you have worked there for so many years. It felt like coming back home. In the past, we never rehearsed for films or songs. Ninety nine per cent of my film dances have been recorded in one go. So, I really enjoyed going on the stage and performing; it was great to dance with Jackie Shroff.
Should we expect your comeback anytime soon?
I have been getting a lot of offers and a lot of people have been approaching me for the last many years, actually. It’s not that I am shying away. I guess, if something really fantastic comes my way and clicks with my sensibilities... It’s not like I am shut, but again, I haven’t really put myself out there. I am not really looking for work at the moment nor have I been desperate for work at any point.
It was recently reported in the media that I am open to working again but I never said that actually. Somebody asked me if I was being approached with work and I said 'yes', but, of course, the way that story was put out was totally different.
OTT has provided the perfect opportunity for actors to revive their passions and find a new fan following. Have you been looking at the digital space as a career prospect?
A lot of people from the digital space have been reaching out, they have even sent me some scripts for web series, too. Let’s see. If something appeals to me, I’ll go ahead. I really don’t want to jump into anything just for the sake of jumping on the bandwagon. It’s not like I am desperate to get back to work or whatever. I don’t think the term comeback applies to me because I’ve always been a part of this industry. Just as when I came to the 'Super Dancer' set, I felt like I had never gone away. That’s how it is Once an actor, always an actor.
What kind of projects are you looking out for?
I think something powerful, interesting, and sensitive will be perfect for me. OTT platforms have now swept the world and they are making some amazing content. It’s wonderful to see that they are not hung up on stars with big names. Everyone is getting a breakthrough. If I get a fantastic offer, I am open to doing it.
How do you look back at your film career now?
I look back on my days in a very happy way. I really enjoyed my time to the fullest. Right from my beauty pageant days to modelling, movies and, at some point, moving into another space and settling down. I was pretty content when I left.
Did you ever think about coming back to movies?
Not really. I was happy and content. I started out when I was 15-16 and I was working for a very, very long time. I was quite happy to move out, get into a different space and experience a new phase of my life.
You had earlier shared that in the '80s, acting was not considered to be a great profession. Did you face any challenges or stigma after choosing this career?
No, I didn’t. Luckily, for me, since I was modelling, I was already getting a lot of offers. In fact, I got my first film offer when I jumped off a moving bus. I was a tomboy in school and I used to accompany my mom wherever she went. We used to travel by bus or train. One such day, before the bus could even reach the stop, I jumped off the moving bus pretending to be a hero and started running.
Much to my amusement, there was a filmmaker present there who saw me and went, ‘Mujhe tumhare saath picture karni hai (I want to make a film with you)’. I was horrified. I was so small, only in the ninth standard. My mom told him I was a student and politely declined the offer but he insisted on giving us his card, in case we change our mind later. Back home we had a good laugh over it. I don't even know which film it was.
What’s the secret to your ageless beauty?
I think it has a lot to do with my mother’s genes. My father taught me meditation, spiritual practices and yoga. Perhaps they have helped, I guess (laughs).
You and Salman continue to be friends...
It’s nice to stay friends with people you’ve known forever. ‘Dosti ki hai… nibhani toh padegi (We are friends, we will have to respect the friendship)’
Are you happy with your decision to stay away from films?
I am enjoying life, just flowing through it and amused with everything. Once you let go, you reach a place of contentment and you are not affected anymore, you are free and floating. I am content now. I feel liberated and I am in my own, private happy space. It’s not like it’s an escape. I guess I have evolved. The spiritual practices and meditation helped me attain bliss. What really changed my life was when my father gave me the book ‘Autobiography Of A Yogi’ by Paramahansa Yogananda.
It really opened up my horizons. I might just want to try skydiving now.

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