Geetika Mahendru, an actress known for her memorable performances on TV and Bollywood, is now captivating audiences in the recently released film 'JNU: Jahangeer National University.' Portraying a character named Vasudha, Geetika brings to life the empowering story of a girl from the Dalit community who believes in raising her voice for her rights. Facing off against challenging roles in popular films like 'Kabir Singh', 'Jersey' and TV shows like 'Choti Sardarni', 'Ruhaaniyat', Geetika reveals taking on 'JNU' was a formidable task, as she discussed her role exclusively with Aaj Tak.
How did Geetika land her role in the film?
In Bombay, there's a casting group headed by Shadaab Bhai. I've worked with him on various projects, from advertisements to contacts. One day, he called me up, sharing details about a unique role he believed I was perfect for. After going through a character-specific look test, I was briefed about my role as Vasudha – the slogans I would shout weren't scripted, leading to an intriguing creative process.
Representing a combined persona of real-life figures, Vasudha comes from a family lacking abundant resources but is known for fighting for their rights. Offered a golden opportunity to attend JNU, she realizes it's a place where her voice can truly make a difference. Enlightening me on the topics of Dalits and the caste system was a crucial part of my preparation, widening my understanding for the portrayal of this character that was unlike any I had faced before.
You said you learned about caste discrimination. Had you noticed such things in life or school?
Honestly, growing up in a liberal environment, I never really felt discrimination firsthand. I believe everyone sees the differences between wealth and poverty, and that has its own implications, much like caste discrimination.
From a bubbly young girl roles to the fun-loving daughter-in-law in 'Choti Sardarni,' the role in 'JNU' was countless miles apart. It was an extraordinary challenge I was eager to undertake, an opportunity to unlearn and relearn, to immerse myself in a life distinct from my own. And it was essential not only to dive into this character but also to find my way back to reality afterward.
After portraying Vasudha, I took a break and decided to settle down in matrimony amidst family pressures back in Chandigarh. Unlearning the character was part of this personal journey, leading to my marriage to Mohit Verma. My endearing love story began during the shooting of this film in Bhopal and Faridabad and later fortuitously reconnecting in Rishikesh during a yoga course.
Why do actors take on controversial film roles?
I believe actors are drawn to roles that stand out. Out of the ten films I did, this was the only character where I fully immersed myself in extensive research. This role felt distinct and authentic, propelling my commitment to bringing Vasudha to life.
Addressing on-set disparities, my experience has always felt equitable. Individual treatment may vary based on the team one can afford. If you have a team, your on-set treatment naturally aligns with the support you receive. Production quality varies, but in my career, I've felt fortunate to work in settings where I felt respected and valued.
