After a four-year long sabbatical, Perizaad Zorabian is back in business.
“It was a conscious decision. I wanted to take some time off, enjoy my husband and family. I had my two babies during this time, and I couldn’t be happier!” she bubbles. “Getting back to work was always on the agenda. And this play ('Dinner With Friends') is step one. And I couldn’t have made a better choice — the script was absolutely stunning! Also, theatre is the best way an actor can really get back to the basics.”
The mother
Though there were many who thought that marriage might have been a wrong decision for Perizaad, but take one look at her wide smile and glowing expression, and it’s obvious that she is deliriously happy. “And you know, women in all other professions manage to juggle motherhood and their careers quite well. I see no reason why, as an actress, I cannot do the same. You just have to really want to do it,” she concludes.
As for the play, 'Dinner With Friends', marriage has only helped her understand it better. “It is a play about two married couples. I don’t think I would have been able to relate to the script as well, had I been single,” she says.
The murgi farmer
Even though she had taken a sabbatical from show business, Perizaad still had one eye on her other interests. “My father owns a poultry farm, and I have a restaurant in Mumbai, Gondola. I’ve been putting my MBA to good use and been taking care of these two businesses. In fact, my husband keeps telling me that I am a better entrepreneur than actor!” says Perizaad, adding, “At the poultry farm, I have to deal with so many contractors and they all take me seriously. It gives me a sense of accomplishment.”
The foodie
“I ate breakfast at 11, came for the press conference at 12 noon and all I wanted to do was check out what was laid out for lunch! Feroz thinks I’m mad,” giggles Perizaad. “I am such a foodie! Which is why I have a restaurant in Mumbai is the first place. Where ever I go, this first thing I can think of is food,” she says. “And you know what, I am dying to get my hands on some yummy biryani! But I can’t. I’ve gave up rice for one year”, she moans, “What was I thinking!!?”
The actress
Perizaad made her début with Nagesh Kukunoor’s 'Bollywood Calling' and then shot to fame with Subhas Ghai’s 'Jogger’s Park'. Ask her to compare directors, and she diplomatically answers, “Every director comes with his or her set of experiences and influences. There are always good bits and bad bits, and I like to focus on the good bits. Like, take Nagesh for instance — he totally whipped my ass and made me work! And Subhash Ghai is so commercial, but he always respected my sensibilities.”
She’s even explored the Chinese film industry — she played Indira Gandhi in 'Bandung Sonata'. “Working on 'Bandung Sonata' was like a reality check! In Bollywood, we actors get pampered to no end. In China, not so much! But it was a really great experience”, she says. And what about theatre? “Theatre is extremely taxing — both in terms of time and budget. But then again, in theatre, every day, every performance is different. Theatre really challenges the actor. While I love theatre, I will only accept scripts that are absolutely brilliant, like Dinner With Friends.” She then goes on to make a comparison. “Film is so much more indulgent. You get nurtured and taken care of. Getting back to films is definitely step two in the plan.”