DEVIKA BHISE [THE WARRIOR QUEEN OF JHANSI]
WORDS BY IRVIN RIVERA
Creative powershouse Devika Bhise plays an important influential historical figure, Rani Lakshmibai, the title character in the new film THE WARRIOR QUEEN OF JHANSI out today. It tells the true-life story of the “Rani”, or Queen of Jhansi - a freedom fighter and feminist icon who, as a 24-year-old military commander in 1857 India, raised the first female cavalry and led a battle against the ruthless East India Company. The film also explores how a woman challenged the might of the British Empire without the help of a husband, her father, or male counterpart.
Devika also executive produced the film and co-wrote it with her mother, Swati Bhise who also directed the film. As a historian and the previous Ambassador of Indian Culture and Classical Arts in New York for 35 years, Swati and Devika undertook the Rani’s story to expose her not only to little girls in India, but also to a global audience.
In this exclusive interview, read on as Bhise shared the beauty and the challenges of creating a powerful film amidst the current socio-political climate of the world right now. Learn how she prepared for the role and how she delivered it with strength and grace, learn about her acting journey, her acting heroes and what type of book she would be if she is one.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY IRVIN RIVERA
How was it to play Rani Lakshmibai, a.k.a. the Joan of Arc of the East in The Warrior Queen of Jhansi?
Playing the Rani of Jhansi was an unbelievable experience. I consider it an absolute honor. Everyone in India knows who she is and I definitely have some pretty big shoes to fill but I realized it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and I was so grateful that I was able to do it.
STYLING: HEATHER SMITH, MAKEUP: KAYLEEN MCADAMS, @SWA, HAIR: AVIVA PEREA @ SWA
How challenging was it to play such an iconic person in history?
It was unbelievably challenging to play this role. Obviously, the physical demands were there- the horseback riding, martial arts, playing with swords. Also I had to speak two Indian languages as well, Hindi and Marathi and English with the accent of East India Company influenced 1858 India so that was something that we really worked on for quite a long time to make sure that it was an accent appropriate for a queen who lived during that time period. We really tried to make it as authentic as possible. We worked very hard to do that. Because when you tell a story of a historical character that everyone knows, you leave yourself open to a lot of scrutiny. It was very important to us because of her, because of who she is, because of how important she is to India and also realizing she is this massive historical character that we have to do everything right.
Did you do your own stunts?
Yes, I did most of my own stunts.
That’s amazing!
How heavy were the swords?
The swords are incredibly heavy but I trained for months prior, mostly for the upper-body strength, that I got jacked for the film. The only time that I was bummed out about was that the costumes need to be appropriate and accurate for 1858, so I didn’t get to rip my sleeves off so I can show everyone my biceps but I got some serious arm strength at the time, which I don’t have anymore. I lost it within a week after being on set.
It will come back.
(laughs) Yes. I will come back! With months of martial arts, training it will be fine.
“Working with women was wonderful”
How was it to work with lots of women on set? There’s a lot of women warriors in the film and it’s incredible.
Working with women was wonderful. Look at that for alliteration! It was special to the story of an empowered woman who changed the course of history and doing that alongside women. I thought it was a really powerful way to do it.
What is the best part of playing her character?
The best part about playing the Rani of Jhansi was definitely the costumes. I wore nine yards of heavy royal outfits with pearl inlay and gold brocade, I also wore real jewelry that was lent to us by jewelers in India, 24 karat gold, big emerald, uncut diamonds, and all of those things. On-set I was always walking around with guards because I was wearing very expensive, and very iconic antique jewelry.
Why do you think the film is such an important film to watch especially right now with the socio-political climate around the world?
We’re seeing a lot of stories now with Marvel and DC comic superheroes that show how women can lead films and action films as well. And I think that is fantastic. However, I think we do need to see more true stories and historical tales about women who existed and realize that we don’t need to make up stories about women. These real stories existed. They are there. Telling those stories is very important to me.
With regards to India, I think in the West there’s a pretty narrow view of what India is. There’s a lot of what’s called poverty porn, where you’re showing just the slums, poverty and rape and other sorts of things but India is a broad country- a very heterogeneous country, extremely culturally rich, and have a rich history, and I mean that literally. I think it’s very rare in the West to see depictions of Royalty and women warriors and leaders in India and India has a ton. So I think just showing one of those stories and educating people about that is very important right now.
Considering that you are the executive producer, co-writer and actress of the film, what are some of the challenges that you faced while making the film?
I think the stakes are definitely higher when you are involved in many different aspects of a film but that was very helpful for me. It was an important project for a number of reasons. Because I really gave it my all and I worked incredibly hard. As an actress, I knew the work that goes behind locations and sets and logistics, and having that knowledge made me a better actress. I think even knowing how much every minute on set costs is important. If every actor knew that, every actor would know their lines, backwards and forwards every time they come into set.
Making movies is expensive. You can’t mess around when you get into set. Realizing that has been helpful for me.
You’ve been acting for quite some time now but has it always been a passion for you?
Yes. As a child, at about 2 or 3 years old, I was already a drama queen. I used to do the whole crocodile tears thing. So my parents always knew I wanted to be an actress but for them, education was really important. They’re Indian immigrants. So I did school, I finished college and only after that was I really able to go out on my own and act the way I wanted to aside from school plays and all of those things but I always knew it was the end goal. People ask what’s your plan B? Well if you’re gonna have a plan B, you’re probably not gonna do plan A so I’m not gonna have a plan B. (laughs)
I love that. It’s a nice perspective.
It is as long as plan A works out.
Out of all the roles that you’ve played, is there any specific role that resonates with you the most and why?
Is it boring to say this one (Rani of Jhansi)? I mean this is the biggest role I played with regards to the importance to my character in the film with the amount of blood, sweat and tears that I had to put. Literally blood, sweat and tears. I’ve injured myself a number of times during action sequences. I’ve sweat a lot and cried at numerous points. It’s a very exciting time and I’m thrilled that it’s finally coming out. I can’t believe that this journey is coming to an end.
Who are your acting heroes?
Emily Blunt. I love her. I just do. Rachel McAdams. I actually love forever. Meryl Steep of course. Meryl is most people’s acting hero.
What’s the last book you’ve read?
I’ve read Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Circe by Madeline Miller. I read books at the same time so I just finished both of them. I read them at the same time.
How long does it usually take you to read a book?
Depends on how good it is. I’m a pretty quick reader. So probably a day or two.
If you were a book, what book would you be and why?
Every person is so unique and that’s what makes everyone special and I think my book has not been written yet. I thought about this question and I can’t answer this question directly right now. But well, a rom-com. One of those beach reads. That’s how I feel right now.
Watch Devika Bhise as Rani of Jhansi in The Warrior Queen of Jhansi out now in Theatres