Bollywood isn't done with war films. Filmmakers are tapping into different aspects to celebrate the bravery and valour of soldiers and their families. Similarly, director Aaryaan Saxena helmed a film titled Mera Fauji Calling to tell another tale about soldiers. The film released in theatres on March 11 and stars Sharman Joshi, Bidita Bag, Ranjha Vikram Singh, Mugdha Godse, Zarina Wahab, Mahi Soni and Shishir Sharma. 

As the film is running in theatres, PeepingMoon.com got in touch with Bidita, who plays the role of an army wife coping up with the loss of her husband. In the exclusive interview, Bidita opened up about the film releasing amid the COVID-19 pandemic, theatres vs OTT and pay parity in Bollywood.

Excerpts from the interview: 

Why did you sign Mera Fauji Calling?

Mera Fauji Calling is different from other war films. In the past, we have seen films made on the courage and valour of soldiers but the struggles of their families don't get a mention. Whenever attacks like Uri or Pulwama happen, we talk about our soldiers for a month before moving on. But are their families about to cope up with it? That's the main question. My director offered me the role of a soldier’s wife and I think the subject is untouched. 

Mera Fauji Calling released in theatres amid the pandemic. Were you skeptical about it?

We were skeptical, but what can be done now? Films didn't release in theatres for a year. Nobody was coming to theatres. I salute the producers for taking a brave decision.

You’ve done Bollywood films and now OTT, which medium do you prefer as an actress?

As an actor, I prefer every medium. I wish I had time to do theatre as it demands time. I’m doing quite well on OTT and last year was terrible for films worldwide. But, people are coming back to theatres now. Every platform can co-exist. It is an add-on and good for actors, directors as they have an additional medium to show their talent and earn money.  

Is this the best time to be an actor?

It is the best time to be in the films, be it acting, direction or even production. 

With strong female characters being written, do you think it is the best time to be an actress?

It is the best time for female actors. We have come a long way. We aren't just about 'hero ke saath side-kick banke rehna', 'glycerin laga ke rona' and 'sirf dance karna'. Women centric films are finally being made. 

What do you have to say about pay parity?

I think Bollywood is quite a fair place. Earlier, there was inequality but these days if an actor, male or female is bankable, uske naam pe ticket bikti hai then that they'll be paid well. Many times I have been paid more than my male co-actors. 

Why are actors heading towards OTT?

There is so much to explore. OTT is giving an equal platform. When a film doesn’t have a star, cinema hall owners and movie mafia don’t give you enough shows/ screens. OTT is giving everyone a chance. It also offers good money and regular payments.  

What kind of projects do you want to do in the future?

I want to do good and meaningful projects. As an actor, I should also do entertaining films. With masala films, an actor strengthens his/her fan base and gets more visibility. Ek actor ko har tarah ka film karna chahiye. Lekin mera dil kehta hai thode meaningful films karu.   

Any filmmaker and actor you wish to work with?

I would love to work with Sujoy Ghosh, Shoojit Sircar, Vikramaditya Motwane and Anurag Kashyap. In actors, I want to team up with Ayushmann Khurrana, Vidya Balan and Alia Bhatt. Alia is very dynamic.