I didn't want to act in 'Firaaq': Nandita Das

Dubai, Dec 16 (PTI) Bollywood actress Nandita Das, whose directorial debut 'Firaaq' is set for release next month, says she has no regrets about not playing any role in the film about post-riot situation in India's western state of Gujarat because she relied totally on its cast.


"It was my first film and just the way things were
going I felt it's a lot of work and a very big responsibility.
In the middle of all that I didn't want to worry about my
continuity. I don't regret it at all. In fact I got to do all
the roles at some level," the actress said.

The film's star cast includes actors like Naseerudin
Shah, Sanjay Suri, Shahana and Paresh Rawal.

The actress who has given power packed appearances in
critically acclaimed films like 'Fire,''Earth,' and 'Ramchand
Pakistani,' says she doesn't regret not acting in 'Firaq'.

Das was here to attend her film's screening at the
Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) Monday.

'Firaaq' set in the post-riot Gujarat deals with the
wounds of the violence and its impact on human psyche.

The actress said if it was just about wanting to
become a director and choosing a script, she would have never
made 'Firaaq'.

"It happened because of my own experiences,
conversations and acquaintances with people. You scratch the
surface and you see so much of anger, prejudice, fear and
divide," she said.

Actor Sanjay Suri, who plays Sameer Sheikh, a liberal
Muslim, in the film said he understood the character's pain.

"I come from Kashmir and I have been witness to the
ethnic cleansing in the 1990s. So I could understand the pain
of the man," he said.

Shahana Goswami, who played Munira's role in the film,
called it a "soul searching experience at one level". 'Firaq'
will be released in India on January 23. PTI Corr
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