The actress tells about her experience shooting the film I’m Not A Terrorist in Kashmir
FOR actress Chacha Maembong, going for casting is part of her routine.
But when she went for the audition of the film I’m Not A Terrorist, she did not put much hope in landing the role.
“I’m a newbie in the industry, so I didn’t think much of the audition although I gave it my best,” says the younger sister of actress Emma Maembong.
“So imagine my surprise when the production team contacted me and shared the good news. My first thought was that someone was playing a prank. It was a surreal experience,” says the 21-year-old.
Nonetheless, Chacha is glad that White Merpati Entertainment has given her the opportunity to play the lead female role in the film.
The Malaysian production house has also roped in Bollywood greats such as Gulshan Grover, Farida Jalal and Rahul Dev for the project.
In the film, Chacha plays Dayana, the girlfriend of Ummar (Afiq Muiz). Ummar, who is from Kashmir, is sent to study in Malaysia after his father’s death.
When Ummar finds out that his mother (played by award-winning Bollywood veteran Farida who has acted in hits such as Bobby, Dil To Pagal Hai and Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge) is sick, he decides to return home.
PRICELESS LESSONS
Chacha says acting alongside Bollywood veterans is indeed an honour for her, although she finds it daunting as well.
“Imagine acting alongside Farida Jalal. I remember watching her in the blockbuster Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. How is it possible for me not to feel small standing next to her?” gushes Chacha.
Filming was done last year, mostly in the mountainous and scenic Kashmir in India, as well as Kuala Lumpur.
Viewers will get to see Chacha and Afiq playing in the snow up in the mountains, wearing only the traditional salwar kalmeez.
“We had to brave the cold weather. On the first day of shooting, I only wore the traditional costume without any thermal undergarments. So imagine the cold especially when playing in the snow and all,” adds Chacha.
Despite the weather and the anxiety, the warm welcome she received from the Indian cast and crew made her experience memorable.
“During the one month of shooting in India, we became very close. It was like being with family. The Bollywood stars also shared acting tips. Farida was like a mother, ensuring that both Afiq and I were doing fine.”
EYE-OPENING EXPERIENCE
Unfortunately, Chacha had a harrowing experience while in India as she developed a bad eye infection.
It came about during a shoot where she was tussling with Gulshan’s character Abu Zar and a small leaf got into her eye.
“It was uncomfortable but I thought it was just dust. But my vision became blurry. The director (Arjin Uppal) asked me to rest, saying that we’d continue filming the next day.
“However, I woke up at 5am the following morning and couldn’t open my eye. I was scared and cried,” says Chacha.
Being high up in the mountains of rural Kashmir, she had to be brought to Srinagar for treatment.
“Srinagar is 200km from the location and for three days, I travelled daily to seek treatment there. At that time, I couldn’t see as my eyes had been bandaged by the doctor. My iris had turned green and the pupil was dilated. Fortunately, after treatment, it got better.”
FLASHPOINT
The cold weather and eye infection weren’t the only challenges.
Kashmir, geographically located in the disputed border of India, Pakistan and China, is a political flashpoint that has seen a number of clashes.
“Our filming location was not far from where the aggression was taking place. Once, some outsiders actually came to the set. Talk about acting in a film about terrorism! It was really scary. For two days, we were advised to stay indoors,” says Chacha, who adds that the film crew and cast were protected by policemen during filming.
Chacha accepted the offer although she had been informed of the situation in Kashmir. Even her family members expressed concerns for her safety.
“I accepted the offer because we only live once. This was also a golden opportunity. I was confident that the production team would take care of the security issue.
“It was a great experience. I wouldn’t have traded it for anything else. But hey, I’m back here in one piece,” adds Chacha.
She also reveals that she is in a relationship with a deejay whom she introduces only as Leslie.
“We have met each other’s families and have received their blessings. However, talk of marriage is too soon. I’ll wait for Emma (to get married) first.”