My maturity helped me hit celluloid: Juhi Babbar

Juhi Babbar is making waves in the tinsel world. After having worked in theatre, she is now targeting the big screen. Attractive figure, homely fair looks and hereditary talents – all add up to make Juhi a noteworthy actress. Her maiden film ‘Kash Aap Hamare Hote' was recently released. Excerpts from a recent interview:

Q. After theatre, how you thought of becoming a heroine?
Ans. My parents (Raj Babbar and Nadira) are both actors and it was set in mind to follow them. The atmosphere in our house was full of art and artists. Initially was I was double minded but one day a good script came my way and Dad agreed to provide me a chance to become a heroine. .

Q. Was it greater exposure on the celluloid that attracted you?
Ans. I had had sufficient exposure working in the theatre under the guidance of my mother. My work also received lot of applause and love from the audiences. But then I thought with the help of celluloid, I could make more and more people see my work. This what actually brought me to movies. .

Q. Did you ever feel the difference of being a daughter of celebrities?
Ans. All the parents are the same as far as their children are concerned. No doubt for outer world my parents were celebrities. Yes in my case, right from the childhood my governess would always tell people around that I the daughter of actor parents. That naturally gave me the airs of being important.

Q. How it helped you to be the child of celebrity parents?
Ans. Yes, it did help as I had to struggle much less than others to get my self introduced in the world of theatre and films. When you are a son or a daughter of an actor-actress couple, people start expecting too much from you. Be it the college students election or a declamation contest, every body things that you are going to out do others. This puts lot of pressure on the child. .

Q. Normally, it is felt that children of stars are readymade actors or actresses?
Ans. Yes you are right. Most of the people think the same way especially those artists whose parents are not in the industry. These artists often say that children of stars are a readymade stuff and for them the road is already laid. To some extent it may true. But, let me tell you that if Juhi Babbar does not perform well, no one would come to watch her movie the second time. On the other hand, I think star children are under extraordinary pressure to perform better. Take the example of Isha Deol. People now expect her to perform dance as good as her mother Hema Malini used to perform. .

Q. People say that you had to fight at home before getting on to celluloid?
Ans. All fathers think that his daughter should be kept away from hassles, though for sons they are not much worried. It is way of the world. Knowing well the working of the industry, my father too thought that I should not enter the film world. There is lot of exploitation and nudity. However, he was later convinced of my abilities and maturity that he decided to launch me. .

Q. What turned the tide in your favour at home?
Ans. Actually, my father saw me acting in a play titled ‘Begam Jaan' and he was impressed. Moreover, my uncle Subroto Rai of Sahara India family, who treats me like his daughter prevailed upon my father to allow me to act in movies. Another person who helped me was my ‘Daadi.' She told my father that he should not worry about the family pride as I am mature enough. So my father relented.