Actor R. Madhavan plays a man in 40s romancing Fatima Sana Shaikh in Netflix film Aap Jaisa Koi, which premiered on the OTT platform in July. IBNS-TWF brings excerpts of the duo's remarks on the film...

Q (to both): How was the experience of shooting this film?

Madhavan: It was full of love.

Fatima: It was like a magic hug. The audience will feel the film as a warm hug.

Photo: IBNS File

Q (to both): What prompted you to choose the script?

Madhavan: My journey in romantic films started with Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein where I played a young romantic hero. Later, Tanu Weds Manu was also age-appropriate for me. After such a long time, I got to play a romantic role in Aap Jaisa Koi where I could work with people who are beautiful by heart and in love with art. So it was a blessing for me to be on such a film set. I am one of the few lucky actors who got an opportunity to work in an age-appropriate love story. It was a wonderful journey for me.

Fatima: The film's story is very lovely and honest. I have never played such a layered romantic character. So I was very excited about it. And I couldn't have missed the opportunity to work with someone like Madhavan. Any actress can't let go of that opportunity to work with him. Vivek (Vivek Soni, director) has made a very beautiful film. He turned the film into an improved version of the script, which was already beautiful.

Netflix/Instagram

Q (to Fatima): How would you describe the singlehood in this film?

A. People in today's time feel lonely even in a crowd. People think of whether their loved ones are truly committed or not. The film has tried to address what could be the remedy for loneliness.

Q (to Fatima): The film also talks about gender equality.

A. The audience is going to see an individual irrespective of gender standing up for herself. Society questions women more but we have portrayed it in a layered manner instead of being preachy.

Photo: Fatima Sana Shaikh/Instagram

(Q to Vivek): How challenging was it to get all actors on board?

A. It was not much trouble because they are all senior and talented actors. We were instantly connected. Everyone on the set thought of only betterment of the film. Even if someone had raised an opinion or provided a suggestion, it never came from any authoritative position. We all worked inclusively. It was a great experience. Both the actors (Madhavan and Fatima) came on board after going through the story and screenplay.