Kiran Bedi's feisty demeanour leaves one motivated long after the interview has been wrapped up. She doesn't like to mince her words, and her devil-may-care attitude makes you root for her upcoming biopic, BEDI: The Name You Know. The Story You Don't. From being a tennis player to becoming the first woman to join the ranks of the Indian Police Service (IPS) in 1972, it has been a journey of sorts. Over her long tenure, she's combatted several challenges, from this patriarchy at the workplace to a team that stood by her as a rock to put forth her perspective as the woman in the room who deserves to be heard. It's not been easy, but it's been the best role she could've ever played in real life. In an exclusive conversation with Filmfare, she shares her excitement about her upcoming biopic and the message she wants to give out with it. Director Kushaal Chawla too joins her as he walks us through the extensive research that it takes to tell the tale of a woman in power such as Kiran Bedi. Excerpts..
Kiran, what prompted you to do a biopic to tell your story?
Kiran Bedi: I've written 12–13 books already. My biography is already on the market, called I Dare: Kiran Bedi. My prison work is there. My work is in it. I've authored all my work. Now it's only time to go cellular. So my writing has been a release for me at this point. The film is going to be my final liberation.
Did you contribute to the writing process for this biopic?
Kiran Bedi: No, I believe that is the privilege of the director. I'm not a scriptwriter. I'm a book writer, but not a scriptwriter. Nor am I a director. You need special skills for that, which I do not possess. I'm glad I don't have those.
Kiran, were you a movie buff growing up? Which genres did you enjoy the most?
Kiran Bedi: Musicals were my favourite! I loved them. Like Roman Holiday, Sound of Music, and All Carpenters. I’ve lived with them and lived through them.
Who were your favourite actors while growing up?
Kiran: I have been fond of watching inspiring Indian and global biopics (Gandhi, Sam Bahadur, 12th Fail, Mary Com, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, M S Dhoni, Saina Nehwal, and many more). I have not missed any of them. We have a very talented set of actors. The country is proud of them. They add so much joy and gaiety to our lives.
How did you feel about revisiting your past to do the research work for this upcoming biopic?
Kiran: You know, I enjoy those scenes with great fond memories because they all have a sense of accomplishment. Even if it was distressing for style, violent, or envious, Yet how we surmounted it, I think it was surmounted by a team approach. I love my teamwork because all my work success is through teamwork. I've had very strong teams, so it's all been great efforts. We had so much fun as a team. Laughing when we could’ve been crying.
Kiran, what is the message that you want to send to the audience with this biopic?
Kiran: Oh, you're going to get to know all about how the seniors dealt with me and how I dealt with my seniors. Nobody knows, not even the media. Only I know because they're not even in print at all and because they've never made news. This is between us. It was between within the department or what happens with my peers and how I handled their hostility, envy, jealousy, or support.
A film biopic, vis-à-vis a book, is more of an interpretation of another person's vision and interpretation. In that respect, do you feel more concerned that something could go wrong in the process of telling your story?
Kiran: I don't see anything going wrong because Kushaal Chawla has done authentic research in the last four years. He's gone through my entire library for the last 60 years. He's gone through every news clip of the last 60 years, notes, and documentation. Therefore, whatever he's going to show is based on evidence and authenticity that was not known earlier at all.
How awkward would it be for you to see an actress play out your life and you onscreen?
Kiran: I know that's a real challenge now, and we are looking for the right actor. The search is on. We are spotless. We're looking for better options. It's so personal as well, right? I am also a little anticipatory about who we will finally narrow down. And who delivers it all? And I'm also afraid to watch my mannerisms. I don't watch myself, and I'm going to watch, and I'll say, Hey, am I so funny? Am I so stupid? (Laughs)
What has the impact of cinema been on your life? Has it influenced you in any way?
Kiran: I believe in the power of the picture because it speaks volumes. And when it's a movie, it encloses you completely. It's 100 per cent absorbing, and I've been extremely influenced by movies. Gandhi has been the most impactful film in my life. I watched it again and again and again because it recharged me. I keep watching these biopics and patriotic films; also, Golda Meir is my favourite on the Prime Minister of Israel, my God. These are biopics that have made an impact. And I believe in the power of the film, the power of the picture. I make no presentations in my speaking engagements without visuals because then I see them, you see, you hear, and you feel. But when you watch it, it's a movie. It engrossed every cell of your body. So I know the power of the film. And I certainly see this potential. I experienced it myself. I know the power, and I have also been impacted, altered, and changed.
Which cultural icons or personalities influenced you and your personality growing up?
Kiran: I was inspired by Swami Vivekananda, Gandhiji, and Mother Teresa for their grit, determination, and, above all, their selfless desire to serve others. I continue to be guided by their inspirational qualities.
Kushaal, tell us about your first conversation with Kiran Bedi about doing her biopic.
Kushaal Chawla: My first conversation with Kiran ma'am about the biopic was in January 2020, more than four years ago. During that meeting, I presented my vision and ideas to her for the film BEDI. While I have had a very long association with ma’am and I’ve grown up seeing and getting inspired by her, this was the first time I shared my vision that ma’am’s life story should not be limited to the current generation or those fortunate enough to have seen her. Instead, it should transcend our generation and inspire many more generations to come.
To bring out the truths that have been lurking in the shadows, how did it affect you mentally?
Kushaal: The goal of this film is to shed light on these truths about Kiran ma'am's story that have been lurking in the shadows. While the entire world may know the 'what' of her story, we are now bringing in the 'how' and the “why” it happened. Mentally, it’s made me even more determined to tell this story to the entire world, as I realised that there is very little the world knows about a woman who always fought against all odds for what was right and did the right things. I believe this emotion will resonate with the audience as well, as they will understand what went on behind the scenes to make one of the most popular and fearless women police officers in this country and around the world.
Kushaal, what's the most empowering thing you've discovered about someone as inspirational as Kiran Bedi?
Kushaal: The most empowering things I have discovered about Kiran ma'am, are twofold. First is a positive, purposeful outlook on life. When she was posted at Tihar Jail, it was considered a punishment posting. However, she transformed this adversity into an opportunity by turning Tihar into a reform model, which was then followed worldwide. This is incredibly inspirational and has greatly inspired me. Second, her close connection to people and constant presence in the field demonstrate her commitment to grassroots-level work. She believes in reaching the last mile to ensure problems are truly understood and then working on solving them. These are my true inspirations and the two lessons I want to follow in my life and for everyone else to learn.
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