Flora Saini: Subhash Ghai said I resembled Madhuri Dixit; it was a huge compliment for me – Times of India

After showing off her acting prowess in films like, ‘Stree’, ‘Begum Jaan’, ‘Lakshmi’ and others, Flora Saini is all set to collaborate with the Showman of Bollywood, Subhash Ghai for his next titled, ’36 Farmhouse’. In an exclusive interaction with ETimes, Flora opened up about getting on board for the film, working with the ace filmmaker, her character and more. Excerpts…

Tell us something about ‘36 Farmhouse’. How did you come on board for the film?


It is a film by Mr Subhash Ghai and I think after a long time we will have a film that has comedy, thriller, murder mystery, family bonding and values which is the USP of his films. The film also gives you a message at the end that there are two kinds of people in this world – one who robs for need and the other who robs for greed. The film was shot during the lockdown and it also talks about that phase and what it taught us.

I have known Subhash ji for quite some time now. Anyone who comes to Mumbai, we come with a wishlist of people we want to work with. Subhash ji was definitely on my list. He makes his heroines look so beautiful. I was greedy to be a part of his film. I happened to see his tweet which mentioned that he is making a film called, ’36 Farmhouse’. I called him up and told him that I would love to be a part of this film. He told me he will get back to me and when he did, I went to meet him where he narrated the story to me. Actually, I wanted to do some other role in the film. However, Subhash ji stood his ground and said no I want you to do this role only. The character that he chose for me is a pataakha. She is a beauty with brains and everyone is scared of her in the house. This is how I came on board for the film.

Tell us something about your character in the movie…


I play a character called Mithika. She is beauty with brains. Everybody is scared of her in the house. She is feisty, headstrong and opinionated. She does not think of herself any less from the men of the house. I love women who are strong headed and who speak their mind. It was great that I got an opportunity to portray someone that strong.

The film is written by Subhash Ghai. How was it working with the showman of Bollywood?


I had a blast working with Subhash Ghai. It was a dream-come-true for me. He is a man who is known to make his actresses look so beautiful. My fans often tell me I have a resemblance to Madhuri Dixit. They have given me nicknames like ‘Madhuri Dixit lite’, ‘Madhuri Dixit 2.0’, ‘Madhuri Dixit Pro Max’ etc on social media. In fact the showman of Bollywood himself felt the same thing and has asked me if anybody has ever told me that I look like Madhuri Dixit. Coming from a director like him who has worked so closely with Madhuri ma’am, it was a huge compliment for me.

He is making his debut as a composer in the film. What can the audience expect in terms of the music in the film?


Yes, Subhash Ghai is making his debut as a composer in the film and the audience can expect some good music. As the film is shot inside a farmhouse, there is very little or no scope to come out and shoot a song outside. The songs in the film are therefore sequential. There are a lot of things that are happening so the songs in the film also tell you a story.

One film of Subhash Ghai that is your absolute favourite…


Three films of Subhash ji that immediately come to my mind are ‘Pardes’, ‘Hero’ and ‘Karz’. These are my favourites.