Veteran actress Shabana Azmi talks about her new release Ghoomer where she plays Saiyami Kher’s grandmother.

What do you hope audiences, especially young people, will take away from Anina’s story?

Shabana Azmi: It will go straight to people’s hearts. There is not a single person I know who has seen the film and not been immensely moved by it.

What do you think makes Anina’s journey and the film’s storytelling resonate with people, irrespective of their background or interest in cricket?

Shabana Azmi: It is very elevating to watch a young person fight all adversity and come away victorious. Plus, Saiyami Kher has put her heart and soul into Anina to make her believable and relatable.

What did you find uniquely fulfilling about the character you played in the movie?

Shabana Azmi: She is funny and warm, understated but emotional.

As an actor with a distinguished career, what drew you to the script of Ghoomer?

Shabana Azmi: It is a role I have never played. I was shooting the film at the same time as I was doing Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani and Steven Spielberg’s Halo. They belonged to different worlds and it was a challenge to make sure the hangover of one doesn’t reflect on the other.

Could you share some anecdotes or moments from the set of Ghoomer that were particularly unforgettable or impactful?

Shabana Azmi: R. Balki is a very cool person to work with. He keeps the atmosphere light on the set but in front of the camera he will not give up till the actor gives him what he wants.

Abhishek (Bachchan) used to insist we all eat together at lunch time — something that is lost with the advent of the vanity van where everybody retires into their own space at the slightest opportunity. Eating together creates a bonding that spills over onto the set.

Saiyami (Kher) is the world’s greatest underplayer. She would behave as if nothing has happened after she has given the most gruelling shot.