'I WANT TO WALK AGAIN'

SUREKHA SIKRI BELIEVES HER BEST IS YET TO COME. FARHANA FAROOK IS INSPIRED BY THE BRAVEHEART

- FARHANA FAROOK

The afternoon is still. And so is Surekha Sikri’s suburban home. I’m asked to wait in the drawing room as she’s readying herself inside. A soft conversation from the room inside breaks the silence. “Khichdi khaa lijiye na,” a young voice urges her gently. “Pure ghee daala ke nahin?” asks a voice firm and familiar. “Main khud khaaongi,” she further insists. Soon I’m ushered inside. I walk in with trepidation – part of it from being in awe of her talent, part of it from not wanting to burden someone convalescing after a stroke early last year.

She’s seated on a chair, with a table attached on which is placed a warm bowl of the dalrice concoction. Her grey tresses drop in curls, still moist after the wash. What’s arresting are her kajal-rimmed eyes, reflecting the fire of an ongoing battle. She gives a shy smile, her dark eyes betraying the excitement. They’re the prisms of her soul. Hope, despair, regret, gratitude… they reflect every emotion through the conversation. There’s a strong ‘spiritual’ presence in the room. A designated corner has images of deities with a huge photograph of Sai Baba enjoying top-billing…

AWARDS & REWARDS

The past year can best be dubbed as bitter-sweet for Surekha. Audiences loved her acerbic act in Badhaai Ho and warmed up to the 74-year-old actor, who spoke matter-of-factly about sex in her conservative household. She was honoured with the Best Supporting Actress award at the recently concluded 66th National Film Awards. The actor accepted the honour on a wheel chair and received a standing ovation for both her talent and spirit. Last year, she had won the Filmfare Award Best Supporting Actress for the same film. But she chose not to attend the function then. “I regret not attending the Filmfare Awards.