'If Sridevi had never worn sarees, I wouldn't have either'

Hira Mani reflects on Bollywood inspirations, mimics icons

In an interview with Faridoon Shahryar, actor Hira Mani gushed over her Bollywood inspirations and professed her love for sarees. "I used to love sarees on an actress who is no longer in this world - Sridevi," she began.

Admitting that she's a huge fan of the English Vinglish actor, Hira added, "My mother had this habit of putting on music from films like Chandni while cleaning up. Even she looks beautiful in sarees. So, that's how I developed a liking for them. As for Sridevi, if she never wore sarees, I wouldn't have either."

Hira recalled the process behind a week-old Instagram post from where she stepped out in the snow in Pittsburgh, wearing a saree. "That was actually my friend's idea. She said, 'We should fulfill this wish of yours.' And I agreed."

Comedy versus melodrama

Other than looking at the late actor as a fashionista, Hira also looks at Sridevi as a talented comedy actor. "She has brilliant comic timing," she said. "But as for Pakistan, I love the subtle comic skills of Shehnaz Sheikh because it's not easy to juggle that with being a heroine."

The 36-year-old actor observed that there is an openness to comedy that is tough for a melodramatic actor to perform simultaneously. "You have to look natural while delivering comedic lines. So, to maintain that as a coy heroine is a difficult task."

Hira, who began her acting career through a humorous role in Meri Teri Kahani, added, "I think the turning point in my career was my serious acting. Once I began doing that, I felt as if it had become my game.

"However, in real life, I'm not serious at all. I'm a big joker. But I love taking on challenges, so when I'm acting emotionally, I commend myself. Because I work completely in contrast to my personality. So, I enjoy doing this. My most emotional and sensitive characters have been a turning point for me."

Strength in humour

Looking back on the release of Imtiaz Ali's Jab We Met, Hira admitted that people likened her to Kareena Kapoor's Geet. "My aunt called me and said, 'Hira, this character is you.' Then, our entire family gathered to watch the film. So yes, she is like me. It's possible that Imtiaz Ali met me on a train and got inspired," she joked.

"But the thing about these comparisons is that people accuse you of copying the character when this is just what you're naturally like," she said. "Though, I do like to mimic Kareena's characters sometimes."

Without missing a beat, Hira proceeded to re-enact the bubbly Geet's hilarious scenes, bringing due vigour to her performance. Though after the burst of confidence, she did cover her face briefly. But she later regained her confidence as she channelled another one of Kareena's iconic characters - Poo from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...

Addressing her high spirits throughout the interview, the Do Bol actor said that she would rather talk oddly in interviews than have her phone fall down during an Instagram live. "It's not about being odd; it's about letting your personality shine, and everyone is an oddball. I could give an interview all prim and proper, but why should I? I don't want to pretend to be something I'm not."