It’s Been An honour To Work with THE Apoorva Lakhia... Says Actor Saba Saudagar

MUMBAI: Why did you take up this project? What do you have to say about Apoorva Lakhia as a director?

Firstly, when THE Apoorva Lakhia calls you up to offer you a part you cannot say NO. Apoorva is such a talented director and working with him is an experience to cherish for lifetime. I always wanted to work with him and apart from that he gives importance to each character. He is a man who defines class according to me. He has got a very intimidating personality so I would get nervous initially, but he knows how to lighten the environment by cracking jokes and making one comfortable and eventually bringing out the best from each of his actors.  He is very disciplined and organized and knows exactly what he wants.  This really helps to keep the atmosphere conducive on the set as well as ensure a positive camaraderie amongst co-actors  . He treats everyone with so much respect and really it’s an honour to work with him 

2.How was the experience of shooting for Crackdown? 

I had the most surreal experience shooting for crackdown! As I mentioned Apu sir takes care of his actors. First day when I reported on the set, the moment I entered my vanity there was a bottle of champagne,a bouquet, chocolates n a handwritten personalised note by Apu sir to welcome his actors on board. Who does that?... Only a super human like him can be so thoughtful and kind to think of sucha sweet gesture!  

3.Tell us something about your character and how did you prepare for it?  

We had our workshop sessions for action sequences. When I would come back home, I would practice with a toy gun ‘cos I wanted to look believable. Besides that, I worked on the backstory of the character as to what made her into the person she’s today as we all are made up of our experiences in life! Since I was playing domestic help, I would do some household chores back home like sweeping and mopping and trying to cook a little so that I don’t come across as raw.  I wanted to look real, get into my character, to the extent that even if there is a shot of holding the broom , I don't want it to look like acting... I wanted to look the part. I feel these small things that you do as practice do make a huge difference in your body language and add to the character..probably it helps d muscle memory. I even started doing kickboxing sessions at the gym...besides some preparatory work I didn’t really rehearse the scenes as I feel I lose my spontaneity with that!   

4.How has the lockdown treated you? 

Unlike for most others, my lockdown experience has been pleasant. This situation was an aberration and I feel as long as we are safe in the current situation, have shelter and food, that is all that matters! And that’s something to be grateful for rather than cribbing about things that you cannot control.  Infact I made the best use of my time by enrolling in online courses, catching up on films that I had missed out on, did a lot of cooking, dancing, power yoga, kickboxing, acting workshops and also discovering some family bonds! 

5.How do you deal with rejections and failures? 

Well earlier It would take a toll on me and affect me when my films would get shelved or when things would not materialising last minute. But I think gradually you learn to deal with it, absorb it and move on. Such experiences in life make you stronger, so Infact I am grateful for such experiences now! Also, I strongly believe that what is meant for me will always find a way! So why should I stress?! 

6.Which is your dream role? 

Something like late Sridevi ma’am had done in Sadma! 

7.Tell us something about your future projects?  

Well due to the current scenario I am taking it easy. But yes I am in talks for a film and it is too early for me to comment! Also, you will soon see me in a TVC.