Memories of her life’s best 15-minute party on her 18th birthday with dad at the disco, the five-minute freedom she enjoyed on the East Coast Road with her sweetheart, and more go into the making of author Aishwaryaa’s debut book ‘Standing on an Apple Box’. We met the real girl minus the baggage when she was in town on Monday
Director, dancer and goodwill advocate for the United Nations, Aishwaryaa Rajinikanth Dhanush comes up with her debut book ‘Standing On An Apple Box’ (Harper Collins, hardback, 170 pages, `399) this week. From why she chose to write a book and not make a movie of her reminiscences to how perhaps only a Karan Johar can coax her to reveal her love story with Dhanush, she talks 19 to the dozen about her extraordinary childhood as the daughter of Superstar Rajinikanth, the wife of Superstar Dhanush and the mom of two superstars Linga and Yatra. The unusual title is a jargon of cinema making and the book captures the world of cinema from the eyes of a shy girl who is intensely personal. Excerpts from the interview:
Why a book, and not a movie, considering you are a director and have grown up in the industry?
This content is not apt for a movie. A book dwells into my life much more naturally and organically. Books capture life with all its flaws than perhaps a movie.
Your book cover puts Aishwaryaa in the first line and Rajinikanth Dhanush in the second. So who is the real Aishwaryaa, minus the superstar dad and husband?
I cannot imagine life minus both, as they are integral part of my life. But if I am doing things that I am able to write books, sign contracts, make movies, give interviews like these, it is because of these men. Dad and Dhanush have always told me why they think I should have my own identity. Obviously I cannot match up to either of these guys, but that doesn’t mean I live in their shadow. They are proud of me that I have come up with something that can be called Aishwaryaa’s. I am being my own person.
What prompted the book? Was it another book or a peer (like Twinkle Khanna) getting into writing?
My colleague Aditi has mentioned writing as a vocation as she has seen me write as part of my work. She used to tell me that I write well and that I need to write in a formal way. She suggested blogging first. But then, I am not tech savvy. Although I have an iPhone, I hate the keyboard. The Qwerty intimidates me. I am old fashioned that way. I like to write, that too with a pencil. May be because one can erase and write. Which is why I loved the crayon-feel to my book cover too. I wrote ten chapters and reached out to Harper Collins, my favourite publisher. Karthika from the publishing house gave me the go ahead. It took me an year to write. I wrote sporadically. Sometimes after the kids left for school, sometimes to unwind after a day’s work, while on the move. I started writing in December 2015.
How did the family react to this idea of putting your life out there?
The book breaks a few shackles and myths about growing up in celebrity households. My dad, mom, sister and Dhanush all trusted my instinct. They know what will be private and what will be public and there would be no controversy in it. My kids asked me innocently if they get a mention. I assured them that nothing about me would be complete without them.
Are there any more books or columns that are on the cards?
Nope. I am writing a script for my next movie. I should wrap by March or April. I am planning it as a Tamil and English film.
Is writing a script for a movie different from that of a book?
This book is difficult. I signed up for it only after getting an assurance from the publisher that there would be no back and forth editing. I am not a great writer and I am just putting together my thoughts and memories. So unless I write a formal book, may be fiction, with a deadline would be different and difficult. I don’t want timelines and deadlines, I cannot write that way. That would mean pressure and that leads to writer’s block. Like an art, writing should just flow.
How are you handling the promos?
I must have given over 100 interviews in the last one week. The writing has been easy and organic. But going to Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and now in Hyderabad.
Now, do you understand how your heroines feel when they have to promote your movie?
Oops, you caught me. But then in movies, it is a crew. There are about three to four stars and director etc. But in my case, I am doing all the talking, answering questions. Ha, how I wish the mediapersons all assemble in the same room and I answer them all in one go! Then they can write it in their own words. I have done photo shoots and magazine covers. How do they manage the pressure of looking good, I am zero make up person and somebody has just plastered me with makeup and my hair has gone for a toss.
In Mumbai, director and talk show host Karan Johar hosted it. Will Dhanush and you be part of his talk show soon, if he invites you?
Yeah, he is the kind who can give me a nudge. He has the knack of making a conversation that the whole country would watch. We would be more than happy to be part of his wacky show.
You have barely written anything about your courtship with Dhanush.
I think Karan can coax that out of me on his talk show.
Lastly, I am sure all the readers are curious about the chapter 22 titled ‘Once Upon A Scandal’ about a beautiful actress much in love with a star with five kids who could not reciprocate it. Who is she?
That is for you to read and guess!