Adah Sharma on casting her in 'Bastar..' over a male lead: "That would be a question to the..."

The film 'Bastar: The Naxal Story' had created quite a chatter upon it's release due to it's bold topic and showcasing the other side of Naxalism. Now that the film has been released on ZEE5 and is available to a wider audience, India Forums engaged in a conversation with Adah Sharam, discussing about her role, her collaboration with Vipul Shah and Sudipto Sen and other things. 

When asked, What drew you to the character of I.P.S Neerja Madhavan? Why do you think they cast you over a male actor?

Adah gushed, "Neeraja Madhavan is someone who is so brave , playing a character of anyone in our Indian army, representing our CRPF jawans is an honour. Also the quality of putting others before yourself and being ready to sacrifice your life for your country . That would be a question to the makers , it was nice that they showed that trust in me . Just after casting me as a naive victim in The Kerala Story they cast me as a strong ferocious soldier in Bastar the Naxal story."

On being asked, Can you share a behind-the-scenes anecdote that reflects the camaraderie among the cast members during filming?

Adah answered, "The main villian of Bastar is Lanka Reddy who is played by Vijay Krishna who was my husband in The Kerala Story. We shot some really difficult scenes in the Kerala story together , like the rape scene . In Bastar through the movie, Neeraja wants to catch Lanka and he wants to kill her but they never meet through the film. Sudipto sir and Vipul sir said they didn't want to have it made filmy and wanted to keep it as close to real life."

When questioned, Your character portrayal in Kerala Story was really appreciated, were there similar or more challenges in portraying Neeraja's character in Bastar? 

Adah said, "The audience and critic reviews have been very kind..I haven't played a role like this before . I'm one of the fortunate actors who the audience accepts in every role and genre from horror to comedy to serious roles .Neeraja and Shalini are very different. One was a victim the other a savior. Also the makers Sudipto sir and Vipul sir were very clear about how Shalini is very emotional, she's a college girl away from home , so if she's sad she cries her eyes out."

She added, "Neeraja Madhavan doesn't show emotions. She's harnedned on the inside seeing death daily. So her eyes have a blank vacant stare but with a lot of fire. Shalinis eyes have dreams of a young girl..In Bastar there is no scene where I'm shown crying. The scene when 76 jawans have been butchered Neeraja is broken , through the song though everyone around is crying , the mothers of the jawans, they wanted me to wear sunglasses so no one can see my tears."

The film started streaming on ZEE5 from 17th May.