Yamini Das is known for her excellent role as a mother in many popular films like Haseen Dilruba, Ramprasad Ki Tehrvi, 14 Phere among others. She made her debut with the Varun Dhawan and Anushka Sharma starrer Sui Dhaga in her ‘50s.
The actress is married to an Indian singer, and the couple has a son who also grew up to be an actor and singer, Namit Das. There is no doubt that she is such a talented actress who is blessed with excellent acting prowess. Even she has the ability to win the hearts of many with her acting talent and that’s the reason everybody loves her and praises her for her achievements.
We got to know more about her after an exclusive chat, where Yamini Das shares about her journey of turning a hobby into a passion and how she is as a mother in reel vs real life.
Take us through your journey from being a mother in real life to doing the roles of mother in the reel life!
I must tell you that this is very a fascinating and magical story! I've been a homemaker since 1981 and after 36 years of taking care of my home and my family. My son’s friend called me up and said that we are looking for character for Rajat Kapoor’s film. So why don't you send your picture? Then I just ahead and sent a picture randomly. A few days later I got a call for audition. And I gave the audition thinking that it will be an experience for me and also I can tell my grandkids that these are the adventures that I did. Eventually, I got the role. It felt like I was the Alice from Alice in the Wonderland.
However, to my surprise, before I could start shooting my name somehow reach to Yash Raj Films and I was called for an audition there. And after two auditions, I was selected for Sui Dhaga. Before that, I never took it as career. That was the time I realized that this is a new journey, which has begun for me.
As you were fond of acting since childhood, why did you not choose to get into Bollywood earlier?
I come from a family of musicians and artists. Therefore, art comes very naturally to me. In India, most of the kids are inclined towards and dream of getting into Bollywood. I had sung songs and performed as singer in All India Radio and a few television. However, there was nothing exceptional about it I felt as this is what normally my whole family does. Later, I got married very early in life when I was just 17. And at that time, I decided that I'm not going to work now. Because I've been working since I was 11. Anyway, I had gotten married into an artist family so, I never missed the art in my life. I also lived the artistic life with my children and husband. I used to take my son for auditions and got to recordings along with my husband, so I've always been surrounded by that. Hence, there is nothing amiss in my life. Also, I thought, if one person is pursuing career then other person will have to focus on the home front.
Since in the debut film you played the role of mother, are you getting stereotyped with a mother’s roles now?
I have always been a movie buff since childhood. So, it is a blessing for me that I'm working in films. Watching movies, reading magazines and doing everything related to films has really been my passion. Besides, I'm not in an age where I need to think about having glamourous looks. At the age of 57, I feel lucky to get this opportunity without so much effort at the initial stage. It is like a dream come true for me.
Now, I know that these kinds of roles will only be offered to me. Even if doing a mother’s role, every character is different from each other.
We would love to know, how are you as a mother in real life?
“That you should ask my kids,” she says laughing. In my opinion, I tend to be a cool and fun mother. I don't make life heavy for anybody. My role in 14 Phere was completely different from what I am in real life. My son will not have to go through so much just to get married to someone of his choice.
How do you prepare for such a role that is completely opposite to your actual character?
As an actor, we always have to be prepared for anything and everything. Eventually, I do what the director wants from you. So maybe I would want to say some dialogue in one particular manner. But that's not what the director wants. So, I understand on how they have visualised that character.
Now that you have done so many films, do you still plan to continue doing it as a hobby?
Now, it's serious work. And I plan to continue doing it for the long term and I have dedicated myself to it completely.
Do you think, if you’d have gotten into acting during your younger days, you would have received more exposure or better opportunities as an actor?
To be honest, I have no regrets in my life. I've made my choices in life. I have not lived somebody else's life. From getting married to the person I love to be coming to a mother at a young age. I am enjoyed every phase of my life. And that is what I'm doing even now. People often tell me, you should have done this or that. But there are no I should have for me. Because life is one moment at a time.
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