In their forthcoming film, 'Barfi', actors Ranbir Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra play deaf and mute and autistic characters respectively, but they insist that the film isn't about disability
The romantic comedy directed by Anurag Basu, revolves around a boy named Murphy (Ranbir), whom everyone calls Barfi. Always ready with a prank up his sleeve, he's quite the charmer although he can neither speak nor listen.
While Jhilmil (Priyanka) plays an autistic character within the film. The film also stars Tollywood actress Ileana D'Cruz.
"I would say that one cannot associate this film with disability... This film isn't about disability. This can be a coincidence that these two characters are deaf, mute and one is autistic.
But one is not going to feel that this can be a disability film. Its about enjoying life, giving happiness, feeling love. Its a love story, " Ranbir told reporters here last night on the first look of the film.
"If you spot Ileana's character you'll find eternal romance, should you see the affection story between Priyanka and my character, its heartwarming. You won't feel that the film is set disability film or mentally challenged kind of film. It isn't that, " he said.
On similar lines, Priyanka said, "AFTER WE meet differently-abled people, or people who find themselves special, we have now a view point that they've a dark, sorrowful life we feel bad for them, it's not a movie about that. There are people who smile, laugh, fall in love, enjoy.. It's that side in their life. So it isn't about disability."
"I don't believe after some degree of time you'll take into account that these two characters have disabilities. The arena created between these three characters (Ranbir, Priyanka and Illena) is simply something we've not seen before. Ranbir's character is adorable and sweet within the film, " she added.
Talking about his character, Ranbir, 29, says, "The film is about in 70s.. It is a romantic-comedy. The name of the nature is Barfi, he's deaf and mute. He's happy go lucky person. He has a large heart and his only purpose in life is to make people happy. Even in his sorrows, you'll find a way of comedy and happiness. His motive is to make people happy."
Ranbir described the nature of Priyanka within the film as a cute puppy dog. "WE'RE normal characters... Priyanka is an autistic girl but she is sort of a puppy dog, who you might fall in love with. A GOOD LOOKING puppy dog... A cute puppy, " he said. Ileana, who makes her debut in Bollywood, heaps praises for the director and her co-stars.
"Its been surreal. Its been amazing. Amidst all of the chaos and lots of hard work, it was emotional and a lot of fun. Anurag is among the best directors I'VE worked with. He got one of the vital honest performances of me, "Ileana said. "I WOULD LIKE to thank everyone related to the film. Priyanka and Ranbir has been terrific co-stars. Its been lovely working with them, " she said.
Asked concerning the kissing scene between her and Ranbir within the film, Ileana says, "It was not the kiss that I USED TO BE nervous about... It is the emotion behind the kiss, which was the important thing element within the scene that I USED TO BE nervous in regards to the. kiss came out pretty well."
