Neelima Azeem
who became famous for her vivacious portrayals in the 80s and the early 90s is
making a grand comeback, in the Star show 'Aek chabhi hai padoss mein'. And
quite befitting her graceful image, the national level danseuse is playing a
suave seductress in the weekly Star show. Naturally Shahid Kapur's very talented
mom is all excited about the meaty role and her latest avatar. "It's a
vivacious, rare, honest and exceptional role. It's something similar to what I
did as Shehnaaz years back. Devyani here has the same potential. She is young,
fresh, warm and the most desirable woman around. I am donning a very
contemporary look which goes with the attractive kind of a character that
Devyani is. Everybody in the 'mohalla' (in 'Aek Chabhi) right now is excited to
have her and by and by her relationship with everybody would be explored," she
exclaims.
The actress is proud to dub this as her comeback. She
enthuses, "One can call this a full fledged comeback for me. I was off acting
for a while. I had a small kid to look after during those days. Shehnaaz gave me
every thing that any actor could ask for. And I got wonderful films like 'Salim
Langde Pe Mat Ro' and 'Sadak'. But then after a point, I had started to feel
burnt out and stagnant. It felt as if my graph was coming down. Even currently I
am busy with other things in life but I thought it is the right time to start
afresh. Instead of doing the same things over and over again, I believe in
electrifying energetic performances which satisfies your soul, that keep the
zing alive. Quality is more important that quantity."
During her time,
she was categorized as one of the most natural performers around. So would she
say that acting was always inherent in her? "(Smiles) I am very spontaneous as a
person and the same element can be found in my dancing too. Everything just
flows out. It's like a painter who has a canvas. He sets out to create something
and in the process can end up creating something else too. This is a kind of
creative impulse which can be found in a lot of artistes," she answers modestly
Neelima might be mother to a 20 something son but must say she still
looks very much the sultry diva. So what's the secret behind the youthful image
of hers? "Its God's blessing. But the fact that I am childlike helps. This is
something which is very beautiful in every human being. If you feel young at
heart, you stay like that. I was never a very health conscious person, though
now one can say I am somewhat of that sort. Actually it's the inside glow which
makes me what I am," she retorts.
She considers herself a big believer
in God and destiny. "They say, man proposes and God disposes. At the age of 15,
I became a solo 'Kathak' dancer. I was the foremost student in Birju Maharaj's
troupe. I had a thing for theatre and I even got offers for films like 'Umrao
Jaan' and 'Utsav', which I refused, only to start acting almost five years
later. One Shehnaaz changed a lot of things for me. My PR was zero. I had no
plans whatsoever and even though I was staying in Delhi during those days, I had
people coming to me there. So I consider myself very fortunate," analyses the
actress. With her kind of a positive outlook, no wonder the lady has weathered
all the storms in her personal life bravely and with ease.
And what does
she think of the changes in the industry? "Of course, there are many changes.
There is a lot of experimentation as far as film making goes. And that's really
very good," she quips.
Ask her about star son Shahid, who is doing every
bit possible to make her proud and she gushes, "I can't explain that feeling.
It's such a heartwarming sentiment. It's really hard to put it in plain words.
As for his films, I liked him in 'Ishq Vishq' which was a great launch for him.
A first film is always very special. And like many others, I feel he was very
good in 'Vivaah'. 'Fidaa' is another film where he was excellent. 'Fool and
Final' might not have done well but I liked his stylish look and the action that
he tried out. Immediately after I watch a film of his, we talk in detail and I
always give him all the feedback that I have. He is his own person and he
doesn't need guidance, as such. But we do talk and a lot of things come out in
those discussions."
It truly seems Shahid has inherited the youthful
energy and of course his dancing prowess from his mom. And that's not all; there
is another star in the making in the family. "My younger son is also a very good singer and he is in the learning process. God willing, things will fall in
place," she reveals.
Are there chances of Shahid and his mommy dearest
sharing screen space soon? "I can't say anything about that but I hope something
of that sort happens. In 'Ishq Vishq' I had a miniscule role. It will be really
nice to do a full fledged role, a film where we appear as mother and son."
The good news is that there will be more of the veteran actress post
'Aek Chabhi...' She is getting many film offers. She says, "Yes, a lot of things
are in the pipeline but I am not in the position to talk now as it's too
premature to do so." All that might take some time, but the solace is in the
fact that the Neelima Azim is back, and with her the spunk, the vivaciousness
and the old world charm, something so evident in the golden days of Indian
Television.