Neelam Kothari Soni has ventured into a new world. The actress, who gave Bollywood many a hit in the 1980s, is now voicing the character of Jean Grey in the Hindi edition of the Audible India series Marvel’s Wastelanders: Wolverine. Jean Grey is a superhero with telepathic powers and though she isn’t embedded in the world of science fiction, Neelam found resonance with her character. t2 caught up with Neelam, who remains stunning at 54, on her new stint and what life was like as a heroine in the ’80s.

What was the experience of lending your voice to Marvel’s Wastelanders: Wolverine?

It was a complete high because I had never done something like this. It is very different. When you go to the dubbing studio (to dub for a film), you hear the audio of the scene, you hear the other characters and react to them. I am very used to seeing a visual while dubbing. In this, I had to create something out of just audio.

It was a new world for me. This is science fiction and even for Marvel, it was something new. I found my character (Jean Grey) to be very fascinating. In the beginning, for me, it was a case of curiosity killed the cat because I was so excited to know the world and be a part of the Marvel universe! (Laughs)

Going forward, how will this stint benefit you as an actor?

I did learn a lot because as an actor, this is a different avenue for me. It is something completely different to facing the camera and enacting a scene.
Audible India definitely had a character sketch but then I had to create my version of it. As a creative person, I enjoyed the process.

What aspects of Jean Grey did you bring in on your own?

This is a very important character in the series. She is one of the most powerful mutants who has superpowers. Each and every character in the series has their own talents. Jean Grey is a headmistress and she always looks into the well being of her students. Being a mother, that is something I connected with and also enjoyed voicing.

One of the most important things that struck a chord with me is that one of her superpowers is telepathy. That resonated with me because I believe that I have a strong sixth sense.

I am not a science-fiction person but I do like the Marvel Universe. After doing Marvels Wastelanders: Wolverine, I have understood why people the world over are so much into science fiction. It is an exciting world where the possibilities of storytelling are endless. I am now introducing my daughter (Ahana) to this world.

How are you approaching phase 2.0 of your career?

I will be honest with you. I have never planned anything, even from Day One of my career. When I joined films, I didn’t plan or structure anything. Whatever came my way, I sort of evaluated and did it. The way things are changing now, it is also very important for an actor to be relevant. I lucked out that Audible thought of me and wanted to be part of this project. I was lucky that I was part of the Marvel Universe because it is very relevant and so popular and supremely successful. Everything is evolving so quickly these days with technology and the like. Hence, it is important for an actor to evolve and keep up with the times.

The star system is very different from what you started out in the ’80s. There are so many other aspects to being a star now. Do you regret not having any of that in your time?

When I was doing films in the ’80s and ’90s, life was a lot simpler, honestly. These days, actors have an entourage which we never did and while it is a strong support, I also feel that it comes with its own headache (smiles).

Back then, there was a lot of simplicity and innocence. Now everything is by the book and it is more structured. It has definitely got its perks and benefits. When I shoot for (The Fabulous Lives of) Bollywood Wives, we have an entire team comprising make-up, hairstyling, assistants for almost everything... I am not used to that kind of stuff. In the beginning, I found it very overwhelming and it took me a lot of time to get used to it. I would keep saying: ‘Whoever is not required, please leave the room.’

What are you focusing on right now as far as your career is concerned?

Even now, I am not planning anything. Whatever has come my way and what I have deemed fit, I have done. At this point in my life, I am not looking to make a career out of acting. My main career and my main business is my jewellery line. My priority right now is my daughter. At this point, I am not looking to do an acting gig. I am very happy right now.