EXCLUSIVE: Lara Dutta on Bell Bottom, making Akshay Kumar proud, breaking stereotypes & stepping out of comfort zone

Lara Dutta blew our minds with her amazing transformation as late India Gandhi in Bell Bottom. The spy thriller also stars Akshay Kumar in the lead role with Vaani Kapoor. The film has been released today in theatres and marks Lara Dutta’s return to cinema after a hiatus. Lara has made a conscious choice of picking up films that excite her and portray her beyond being a glamourous actress. In an exclusive chat, Lara discusses why playing Indira Gandhi in Bell Bottom was challenging and exciting at the same time, her 12-15 years old friendship with Akshay Kumar, making conscious and difficult choices and not limiting herself.

Excerpts below:

Your transformation as Indira Gandhi in Bell Bottom looks incredible but we know it hasn’t been a cakewalk. Was the fact that the role was this challenging one of the reasons for you to consider it?

Yes of course, when as a female actress you are offered a role as iconic as Indira Gandhi, who will pass such an offer? (Laughs). It is an opportunity of a lifetime. Yes, you are right, it does come with a huge responsibility because you have to portrait this legendary person accurately on screen.

 

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The use of prosthetics can be tiring and exhausting. Can you take us through your process turning into late Indira Gandhi from Lara?

I knew what the prosthetic process would be like as we had prepped for the role and had discussed everything. I had done my look test, I had got the silicon mould made of my face for the look. So, of course, I knew what it would take to play Indira Gandhi on screen. It took three hours on a chair to get into the look of Indira Gandhi. It was freezing cold in Scotland and of course, when you shoot with Akshay Kumar you get up early. Honestly, though, we were so excited each day to see the transformation that it made all these challenges worthwhile. More than a challenge, I felt so happy to see the transformation happen each day on the sets.

I read somewhere that your daughter was shocked seeing you in that avatar. How did she react?

So the thing is my daughter was there with me on the sets since day one. Even when my mood was being taken in my look test happened she was right there so she was amazed at the transformation. She has seen me do make-up several times but she never saw me emerge and come out looking like that. So when I came out looking like this she found it weird. She was like, ‘where is my mom?’ (laughs)

 

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I know the Internet went berserk when they first saw you in the trailer but what has been the best compliment you have received so far for Bell Bottom?

My dad used to fly Mrs. Gandhi. He has flown her innumerable times and knew her personally. So for me, the most important compliment was the call was from my dad. For me, it was important to know what he thought. He only saw it once the trailer was out as I did not share anything before. Once he saw the trailer, he came to tell me ‘wow, there is quite a similarity,’ so for me, that was very huge and I knew the job is well done.

Akshay Kumar and you have been part of over 13-14 films together. He has been a constant in some ways in your life. How has your equation with him changed over the years?

Apart from being my first co-star or my favourite co-star or that, he is a very good friend of mine. My equation with Akshay has evolved over the years in many ways. I consider Akshay family. For me, he has been my biggest supporter and encouragement in my life. Honestly, he saw me in this role way before I saw myself in this role. He has always helped me challenge myself and pushed me to do better.

Even in blue, he knew I was hydrophobic after the incident on the sets of Andaaz but he pushed me to get over my fear. He calls me for a role that he feels I would fit into and tells me ‘Karle’. The faith that he has in me makes me believe that maybe I can do it, he pushes me to go beyond my limitations. In a way, I’m happy to make Akshay proud.

Even in Bell Bottom, if someone had to ask me after my dad, the second biggest compliment that I received was from Akshay. He told me that I have done an incredible job and that made me happy that I did not let Akshay down.

 

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I have a complaint though, why don’t we see Lara Dutta onscreen more? Is it because you are not finding anything interesting?

To be honest, I want to do things that really challenge me, that helps me to step out of my comfort zone. I’ve been in the glamour industry for decades now, I have done a lot of glamorous roles, I have done it all. Today, for me, to consider any acting gig, it really needs to stimulate me. I am not just an actor, I am also a producer, entrepreneur, mother, so for me to take a project and give that much time, it really needs to be worth it.

I understand. Do you see interesting roles coming your way now?
It’s not like there is no work coming there are a lot of projects being offered but it doesn’t excite me. Seeing the audience react like this, gives me a high. Doing projects after projects and promote it doesn’t excite me anymore, honestly. That said, 2021 has been a very busy year for me. I have been shooting nonstop. During COVID, this has kept me sane and busy. All the characters that I will be seen playing are something I am excited about. I want to play characters that are closer to my age, they are exciting for me and different.

Also Read: Bell Bottom: Akshay Kumar starrer spy thriller to get a SEQUEL? Actor hints

Bhavna Agarwal

Assistant Editor at Bollywood Bubble. An ambivert who is currently high on K-dramas and K-Pop. A forever Bollywood fan, who continues to gush over solid stories and characters. Hit me up for a fine conversation over chai.

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