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00:00All you have to focus on your work basically, more than anything else. How do you behave, how do you talk, how do you behave or anything like that, more than that.
00:08And definitely you have to like you know, having a personality that people like really helps your films also.
00:17Hi, this is Manjusha Radhakrishnan, I'm the entertainment editor for Gulf News. Thank you so much Basile and Nazria for speaking to us.
00:24I know you guys are on a roll with your thriller of sorts and you guys are also best friends. I've been watching all your reels.
00:31So does that help being besties? Is it like a paid holiday for you two?
00:37We never knew it was going to be a paid holiday but yeah.
00:42Comes as a package actually so you can also have summer vacation and also meet.
00:48Do the physical, you want to do.
00:50Yeah, it's fun actually.
00:52No, no but I'm very sure.
00:53Even as actors I think yeah, it helps in a way because you know we're that comfortable and with each other so it shows through the work also.
01:00Yeah.
01:00That's great.
01:01Sometimes promotions are a little hectic but when you have a good company so it feels like.
01:06You can joke around you know, just take it lightly and move forward.
01:10I have to admit Nazria, I've never seen you being this comfortable with any co-star including your husband.
01:16You guys, you leave no opportunity to rib him etc.
01:21Was that, is that exciting? I feel you had more fun in the promotions than the actual movie.
01:26Is that accurate?
01:28Yeah, actual movie like you know, actual movie off screen we absolutely had fun exactly like this.
01:35Just that you know, you guys are getting to see that version of us now because of the promotions.
01:40Yeah, I think yeah, I've had the most fun with him.
01:44Movie didn't demand anything like that.
01:46Movie had a different tone and genre all together so we had to be acting in the film but we were like pretty.
01:53So yeah, that's, so we actually did some acting.
01:56Yeah.
01:57I'm convinced you did because I was reading the reviews.
02:00I haven't seen the movie unfortunately but reading the reviews it's got such, a phenomenal one says it's a superbly crafted thriller, great writing, good acting etc.
02:11Is that as an actor, are you just feeling validated that you know, good work is being appreciated?
02:16Definitely, with each film, when every film is released and any small appreciation it really validates you as an actor, it builds your confidence, it helps you you know, in your next one.
02:29And you know, with confidence comes better acting or you know, so all that yeah is great, that's what, that's why we do this, it is for that you know.
02:40So that validation, audience's validation is the most important thing that keeps us going.
02:45Also with the confidence, with the audience also after every film, like movies like this irrespective of its scale or size or anything like that, if it's good, people will take it as it is and they'll be coming.
02:59Like rushing to watch that craft.
03:02That's like a very exciting thing.
03:04Craft wins, yeah.
03:05Yeah.
03:06So Basile, if you are in a movie, we tend to watch it because it's so much, it's so relatable, you play characters that are like crazy, like they're fun.
03:14And Nazria, you also have a very interesting way of choosing your projects.
03:18How did you both come together? I know you both are besties etc but I'm sure that doesn't mean it'll translate into great work.
03:24So how did you, what made you all decide?
03:26We actually met for the first time for this film.
03:30So we didn't know each other.
03:33I mean, there are so many common friends who keep saying like, you know, if you two work together, we want to see, you know, what is that?
03:42We were very similar characters actually, like personally off screen, I mean.
03:46So our friends, common friends from cinema used to say, Oh my God, if you guys work, we're going to come by.
03:52Or, you know, we want to see what that energy is going to be.
03:55So we became friends or, you know, became like this because of this film.
04:02So we didn't know it was going to be this crazy, but it's a fun ride.
04:07It was like meeting a long lost friend.
04:10I'm sorry, I assumed.
04:11But it was like meeting a long lost friend.
04:13Like, Hey, where were you?
04:15All this time.
04:16First day.
04:17I see, I see.
04:19So you guys asked me, listen, Malayalam cinema, of course, you know that, right?
04:23There are great, we are known for our content, super proud of it, etc.
04:28Both of you are producers as well.
04:30How do you ensure that it's a very safe working environment?
04:34Both of you, right?
04:35Are you very, very sensitive about it?
04:41Mainly, I think the most important is being aware of it.
04:45You cannot think like there's no chance for it.
04:49So accepting and being aware is the first thing.
04:53Me personally, that's the way, you know, I would treat it.
04:57Like keep the eyes and ears open and make sure that it will not be the case.
05:05And it's all about professionalism.
05:07It's a job after all.
05:09It's like you're making a film just like any other job also.
05:13At the same time, it might be your passion.
05:15It's also very related to your work, but you have to see it very professionally.
05:20And respect, utmost respect to anybody who is there on the set working for your film.
05:27Male or female or irrespective of the hierarchy or anything like that.
05:34And all that irrespective of where you stand or what is your job there on the set,
05:39everybody deserves it equally.
05:42So that mutual respect and trust gives you good films.
05:47End of the day, the process is what you will remember and keep it in your heart.
05:52So, you know, as actors after, you know, it's amazing, you know, it's hit that this and all.
05:59But if the process was not good, then it's not a memorable thing.
06:06And that's how you want to do work.
06:07Because we are few people who get to do work in what we like doing or what we enjoy doing.
06:14Not everybody can do that.
06:16So, you know, it's very important that process is safe, nice and, you know, equal for everybody.
06:23Right, right. And both of you are Kerala sweethearts.
06:26Can I just tell you the kind of goodwill you both have is unbelievable.
06:29When I told my colleagues, I'm talking to Nazria and Basil, they were like, oh, my God, they're so nice.
06:36I'm like, you guys don't even know them.
06:37So do you think that kind of, you know, being authentic, like people just love you for who you are?
06:42Is that your biggest trump card as actors?
06:44That they relate to you, they're empathetic towards you both in any character?
06:49I completely, yeah, I completely agree with that helps.
06:54But it's not something you plan and come with.
06:57All you know, for me, you know, we are ourselves.
07:01And there can be, you know, even negatives to that.
07:05But, you know, we still are ourselves.
07:07I think, yeah, that after a point shows through and it really helps.
07:11Yeah, you cannot fake around for so long, actually.
07:13So I think being yourself is the thing.
07:15And people like it after a point, no matter what, you know, after a point, they're like, oh, they're actually themselves.
07:21And that needs guts.
07:22Right.
07:23And all you have to focus on your work, basically, more than anything else.
07:27How do you behave? How do you talk? How do you behave or anything like that?
07:31More than that, it's all about your work.
07:33So you don't have to be very conscious about all these things.
07:36You have to be yourself.
07:38That's it.
07:39It's all about your work.
07:40If you do good films, you will be loved forever.
07:43And definitely you have to like, you know, having a personality that people like really helps your films also.
07:49Right.
07:50You know, that's what we were talking about. Right. Yeah.
07:53Right. But between blockbuster success or awards, what would you choose as actors?
07:58What are you drawn to at this current phase in your life?
08:01Is it blockbuster?
08:04Is it blockbuster success, box office gold or do you prefer awards?
08:08What critical acclaim? What would you choose?
08:10And don't say it's a combination because combination is very rare.
08:13Like how many?
08:15I prefer, I mean, box office is the thing actually.
08:18So we do it for that.
08:20We are sending it out there for them to come and watch.
08:24I see myself as an entertainer. I think she also sees herself as an entertainer.
08:27Completely.
08:28That's what I want to do.
08:30Yeah. So, everyone has their own preferences, but our preference is just to entertain people.
08:36That's it. Even if in an interview or even if you are talking just like that, off screen, on screen,
08:41everything is all about just to make people happy, just to be good, feel good around ourselves.
08:48That's it.
08:49And at the same time, you know, we are also in the happiest or the most comfortable space being that.
08:55You don't want to change that for yourself, first of all.
08:58Yeah. And also definitely box office numbers matter in your career also.
09:02So you do really, it's all about business after all.
09:05So you have to be there at some point of the time.
09:08Of course, you have to be doing films, critically acclaimed films as well.
09:13But also if it is critically acclaimed as well as a box office success, then
09:17Nothing like it.
09:18Yeah. So I think Sushma Sinha is in that zone.
09:21Oh, that's a sweet spot. How do you guys filter out the hate that comes with it?
09:24I mean, everybody loves you. That's one thing.
09:26But you are instantly trolled these days.
09:28Anything you do is scrutinized, etc.
09:30How do you ensure that you don't?
09:32Do you guys, are you on social media all the time?
09:35How do you filter out the hate?
09:37I mean, it's not like, you know, I don't try to avoid it or not see it also.
09:42I like to be aware.
09:44But I don't take it to heart.
09:46Because we are out there when we are out there itself.
09:49It is for them to comment.
09:50And, you know, we can only ask them to be kind.
09:52And it's not something, you know, that's, that's for people to know.
09:56Like, you know, you have to be kind with anything.
09:58I'm aware.
10:00I do watch, but I don't trip on it.
10:04Or, you know, I don't get stuck.
10:06I just let it be.
10:07Because we put ourselves out there.
10:09Everyone comes from different backgrounds.
10:11They have their own perspectives and, you know, situations, circumstances in their life.
10:15So you cannot ask for anyone to be so good at you or anything.
10:19So you just have to embrace and just go ahead with this.
10:22Because these are the same people who come to watch our films.
10:26So let's.
10:27Right, right.
10:28Just feel interested.
10:30I know.
10:31And Nazria, after marriage you've been taking such bold choices.
10:34I love, I think Nazria post marriage is more, what's the word?
10:38Adventurous.
10:39You're trying out more and which is very impressive.
10:42Mostly it's the opposite.
10:43Before marriage people take a risk and then you tend to go a bit tame.
10:48In your case, was that deliberate a choice or?
10:51Actually, it was about me growing up.
10:54Like, it's with age.
10:56It has nothing to do with actually.
10:58Yeah, of course, my marriage.
10:59I'm married to an actor as well.
11:01There is an inspiration that I draw from that side.
11:04Or, you know, I see and this thing.
11:06But we are two people who are really individuals.
11:08And we don't like, you know, try to direct or, you know, say, okay, maybe this way or the plan.
11:14I think it has to really do with me growing up.
11:17Let it be just age and the perspectives.
11:19I've seen more of the world.
11:23Cinema is a more serious thing.
11:25Like, you know, it had to do with that time.
11:28Like, you know.
11:29Right.
11:30You know, like people say, you know, I'm taking long breaks and doing films for four years probably.
11:36So, so much is happening in those four years or my perspective or growth and all.
11:41Brilliant.
11:42And I have like guts to sit and wait and do only good cinema now.
11:47Well done you.
11:48And Basil, are you like that?
11:49Or do you have that privilege that Nazria has?
11:52Nazria is married to, of course, Fahad Fazal.
11:54So, that really helps.
11:55But in your case, can you afford to wait for four years?
11:57Or do you have to be more prolific?
12:00Like, I need to show the money, bring, you know, bring the bread onto the table.
12:04How does it work?
12:05Yeah.
12:07Other four years I'm producing.
12:08It's not because I'm married to Fahad Fazal, those long breaks I can afford.
12:12Oh, yeah, yeah.
12:13True.
12:14My bad, my bad.
12:15You're actually working.
12:16That's exactly what I was trying to say.
12:18I cannot, the breaks or the, that's why I say, you know, I have the guts to do it is because
12:24I cannot depend thinking, okay, because he will bring the thing.
12:28That's not fair.
12:29No, no, that's not fair.
12:30On him, like, you know.
12:31Yeah.
12:32So, yeah, production or, you know, the little wait and this thing is there.
12:36Yeah.
12:37She brings in the money.
12:38Sorry, my bad.
12:39I read that.
12:40Basil, you need to tell me, like, yeah, look and learn.
12:45Even while she's not working, she's bringing in the money.
12:48I'm just kidding.
12:49But how is it?
12:50Yeah.
12:51For me, it's just.
12:52Not every day.
12:53Some days are really bad.
12:54There's no money coming.
12:55I don't believe you.
12:56That's your personal problem.
12:57Where I'm like, okay, now it's time I need to go.
13:00Really.
13:01No, no.
13:02But, Basil, how do you, like, choose?
13:04I love all your.
13:05For me, I had to be very aggressive from the beginning.
13:08I mean, like, as a director, as an actor, because, I mean, once I had a point of, like,
13:15I can be more relaxed right now.
13:17But I didn't.
13:18I don't think I've reached that point yet.
13:20I have to be still aggressive and still managing two things at the same time.
13:25So, it's very difficult.
13:26It's very hectic to manage both at the same time because it's very responsible positions
13:30to be in, to be a lead actor as well as a director.
13:33Both needs would be responsibility and management.
13:36So, that's a very tricky state to be, to be relaxed.
13:40But I really do wish to take a little more relaxed approach to it.
13:46Maybe don't seem too stressed out about all these things.
13:50Don't go too exhausted about all these things.
13:52But it's been a difficult time managing these two.
13:55But I'm happy that I'm at this position right now.
13:57But yeah, but going ahead, maybe I'll take a little more breaks in between and spend
14:02some time with the family.
14:03I have a little baby.
14:04Now you can afford to, na?
14:05Yeah.
14:06I love it.
14:07I love it.
14:08Yeah, like now, yeah.
14:09I think everybody reaches, like, you know, all of us, you know, sometimes you need to
14:13be aggressive because you cannot afford to, like, you know, sit and relax and say, okay,
14:17I'm going to be really choosy.
14:18So, in the beginning, I feel like, you know, with every actor that is there, some people
14:23some people love, you know, working every single day of their life and love to be on
14:28a set every day.
14:29Yeah.
14:30So, they choose to do it maybe even when they can afford, you know, like.
14:34I'm not that kind of a person, personally.
14:36I just want to spend time with my family.
14:38Yeah, so that's when you're
14:39Yes, I did.
14:40I had, because I had to.
14:41But now I can afford a little bit more to be with the family, taking breaks and vacation.
14:46Time for yourself.
14:47I also have a little baby.
14:48So, I can also spend time, more time with her.
14:52I also have to get along with her.
14:54Yeah.
14:55That's brilliant.
14:56So, Nazria has a vibe.
14:57The Dubai baby.
14:58Didn't you grow up in Dubai, Nazria?
14:59Yeah, yeah, yeah.
15:00You're such a Dubai kid.
15:02Come on.
15:03I'm from Tabassi.
15:04I'm from Malayalam.
15:05I'm from Tabassi.
15:06Yeah, yeah, yeah.
15:07Of course.
15:08Does it feel great, like, being recognised, being a star in Dubai?
15:11I mean, the place you grew up, people loving you because you're a Tabassi kid as well.
15:15Yeah, I still really wonder, like, you know, because they've literally seen me grow up
15:21doing singing, doing dancing, doing anchoring.
15:24So, they've seen me grow up.
15:25So, I don't, for them, I think it'll still be like, hey, I'm a girl.
15:28Yes.
15:29Then, you know, star and all.
15:31But, yeah, but the kind of love or little, like, you know, the respect and all that, you know,
15:37they always have given me all throughout that support.
15:40It's just increased a lot more.
15:42And, you know, when it's from home ground, it feels very special.
15:47Thank you guys for entertaining us.
15:48Both of you are so good.
15:50If you both are in the movie, of course, I'm going to watch it.
15:52The first thing I do after I leave Dubai, I promise, is to watch it.
15:56So, first you've got to watch Sookshma Darshani now.
15:57Yeah.
15:58Yeah, that's my plan.
15:59Start with it, yeah.
16:00Film festival in Marrakesh, who cares about Jude Law?
16:03No, I'm kidding.
16:04I'm going to watch this movie.
16:05It's going to be a long weekend, I guess.
16:07Yeah, it's seven days.
16:09I'm back after seven days, but I'm sure it'll be in the theatres because we'll put the word
16:13out there and people will buy tickets because, you know, at the end of the day, you guys
16:17want people to go into theatres, right, and watch it.
16:19I mean, OTP is a thing.
16:20Yeah.
16:21Yeah.
16:22But definitely a box office success.
16:24Thank you guys.
16:25Is there anything you want to add?
16:26I'll be happy to.
16:27Anything about the movie?
16:28Your friendship that has evolved on the set?
16:31Anything at all?
16:32Everything is out there.
16:33You guys are the best.
16:35We are those people, what now, you don't know.
16:38We know way too much.
16:40I know a lot about you two in the last one week I've been watching your reels.
16:44I was like, how did you guys have so much fun?
16:47And I assumed you guys were childhood mates.
16:49I don't know why.
16:51A lot of people thought as well.
16:53Yeah.
16:54Thank you guys for entertaining us through your movies.
16:57It's been a pleasure watching you all.
16:59Thank you so much.
17:00Nice talking to you.
17:02And have a great trip, guys.
17:03Take care.