#NewsBytesExclusive: Suzanne Bernert reveals how she became Sonia Gandhi
What's the story
The Accidental Prime Minister is one of the most-talked-about movies of this year. Starring Anupam Kher in the role of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and directed by Vijay Gutte, the movie created a political stir in the nation.
The movie, based on Sanjaya Baru's book of the same name, attempts to give an insight into what happens in PMO.
It has taken a decent start at the box office.
Cast
Shooting the movie mustn't have been easy for any actor
Portraying politicians who have been in public domain for decades must not have been easy for any of the actors. Kher, who is a veteran actor, accepted getting Dr. Singh's mannerisms right was taxing for him.
For Suzanne Bernert, who plays the role of UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, the experience was overwhelming.
Speaking to NewsBytes, Bernert revealed how she got into the character's skin.
Acting
Bernert spoke on her role and process she follows
When asked how she prepared for the role, Bernert said she is an intuitive actor, who lets a character grow inside her.
"Every actor has a different method and one has to find what works," she added.
But portraying Mrs. Gandhi without being in touch with her throughout the filming must have been understandably tough.
So what helped Bernert? Video links, she said.
Process
The actress watched videos given to her, diligently
Bernert said she starts everything with a blank page so the director's vision is delivered clearly.
"The script and the videos were my guidelines. I watched the clippings a lot and just let all sink in. Then once I was in get-up and on set it was all coming together. It took 2 hours to transform me into Mrs. Sonia Gandhi," Bernert revealed.
Allegations
Bernert just knew she had to work on the movie
The movie was dubbed a propaganda movie by many. When ruling BJP shared the trailer, it only added fuel to the fire.
But Bernert brushed off the allegations. She said, "In my view, it is not propaganda movie as all kinds of people with all kinds of political views worked on it. After reading the script I just knew I wanted to do it."
Expectations
Bernert knows the movie will do good business
About the box-office expectations she has from the movie, Bernert said, "I believe the movie will do well."
So, what's next for Bernert, who has also played Mrs. Gandhi's role in a television series 7 RCR? She said she will announce the movies when she is 'on the set'.
"As a teaser, I can say a lot of things are in pipeline," she concluded.