Wake-Up Call - Femina

Revathy's 'Phir Milenge' is a film relevant to a nation that is either silently coping with the reality of HIV, and to people hoping it will not affect them

A versatile actress and director Revathy does not allow her celebrity status to interfere with her living life in the real world. She's greatly interested in the lives of people and life. It's this aspect of her that's always reflected in her work. In her most recent film, 'Phir Milenge', Revathy exposes the issue of HIV that looms large over India. She wants to wake Indians up to the reality of AIDS.

How I Got Involved With AIDS

''In 1992, I did a voice-over for some telephone call booths that spoke about the prevention of HIV and AIDS for a small NGO in Chennai. During the reading, I covered all aspects of the dreaded disease. It was a great learning experience for me. It was a well-researched topic covering everything - from the contraction of HIV to the prevention and the difference between HIV and AIDS.''

Why The Movie?

'''Phir Milenge' was a combination of many factors. Shailendra Singh of Percept Picture Company wanted to make a film with me on AIDS which the Sahara Group was willing to fund. I thought about the whole thing and wanted to get involved with the subject in a more serious way. I thought about the different aspects of AIDS that should be taken up in a film and also met a lot of people to understand the most dominant issue surrounding the disease. I discovered that the main issue in India was unfortunately, the social stigma.''

A Movie With Intent

''We are now lobbying hard to get a law passed in Parliament which allows HIV-infected people to work. At present, in India, there is no law that prevents an employer from firing an HIV-positive eployee. The subject will be up for review during the winter session of Parliament. By creating awareness, I have raised the issue of stigma and the right to work for HIV patients.''

From Reel To Real

''Reality and authenticity are important ingredients in my films. I consciously chose the main character of Tamanna Sahani, played by Shilpa Shetty, as a person belonging to an affluent class. I did this because the general impression is that AIDS hits sex workers, lorry drivers and people from the lower strata of society. Educated people feel that AIDS cannot touch them. It does. A lot of middle-class Indian women are affected by the disease because of their husbands.''

An Unforgettable Moment

''At the premiere of 'Phir Milenge' in Mumbai, after the movie was over, we were all standing in the foyer, watching people leave the cinema hall. Suddenly, one man walked up to me and holding my hand, said, ''I'm HIV positive. Thank you!'' Before I could react, he had melted into the crowd. At that moment, I felt I had achieved what I'd set out to achieve."

Human Rights First

''My films have women as strong central characters but I don't see myself as a feminist filmmaker. Social labels today have a lot of odd connotations and 'feminist' could imply someone who is the bra-burning type. To me, what's important is to portray the rights of human beings - be it a man, woman or child. In our society, we do have an issue about individual rights. I might be an urban woman and enjoy a sense of freedom, but this is not true of so many millions of women who live in India. One cannot ignore this reality.''

Being A Woman Director

''I really don't think there is a difference between a female director and a male director. It's more about the person you are and the way you think. I've been exposed to life in a certain way and react to issues because I've been sensitised to society. How I look at life is influenced by my exposure. If I were not sensitive to life, I don't think I would have been able to do half the things I have done!

''Sometimes, I want to run away and quit all my responsibilities and live a 'normal' life, but I calm down soon enough and tell myself that I can't quit! The path I've chosen makes a difference to not only me, but also the people for whom I make my films.

''Finally now, I can comfortably say that I've learnt to balance my life with what I want to do and what I have to do.''

Revathy spoke to Meenakshi Doctor