Exclusive Interview With Himani Shivpuri
A renowned Actress | Date of Birth: 1st January
Interview: Sunil Kukreti, Rajneesh | Editor: Mohan Surya | Posted on 12th Feb-2010
Born and brought up in Dehradun, Himani did her schooling from The Doon School, Dehradun where her father Haridutt Bhatt (now in Mysore) was a Hindi teacher. She was actively involved in school plays since her school days. After completing her post graduation in 'Organic Chemistry', she joined National School of Drama, New Delhi and graduated in 1984.
Himani Shivpuri hails from Bhatwadi village, previously known as Chamoli. She has a son Katyayan, and was married to actor Gyan Shivpuri, who died in 1995. Her brother works in ONGC, Dehradun.
In early 80s Himani got the offer for the role of Chutki in serial Hum Log but she refused as she was busy with theatre that time. One day she came across the Director, Kunwar Sinha, of the serial 'Humrahi' which was a bit hit that time and was selected for the role of 'Devki Bhojai'. In the year 1989 she did 'In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones' with Shahrukh Khan. After few years she was signed for Suraj Barjatiya's 'Hum Aapke Hain Kaun'. later she acted in blockbusters like Anjaam (1994), Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge (1995), Pardes (1997) and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998).
How do you consider your attachment with Uttarakhand?
I was born in Uttarakhand and have spent my whole childhood and teenage at this beautiful place. My family is based there. My father stays in Mysore and brother is working in ONGC at Dehradun. So I am attached to Uttarakhand like any other person who is attached to his/her homeland. Uttarakhand is my home.
Your memories about Bhatwadi Village?
I have been to this place many times during my childhood. During summer vacations I used to get opportunity to visit this place. I still remember I loved doing grass thrashing over there, like the other women's and girls did. I used to also steal jaggary and sugar from the sack and eat them. It was real fun. There are still many such memories and mischiefs I did at that time are still fresh in my mind. I really miss those days!
How do you describe the people of Uttarakhand?
They are good although a bit lazy (Smile). In fact by coming to Mumbai we have not done anything for Uttarakhand. We work with great dedication, honesty and respect. Our state (Uttarakhand) has been poor. Prosperity of Uttarakhand is in our hands. Yes, the "Garhwali" and 'Kumauni" attitude has to be destroyed completely. If they continue to fight amongst themselves then it's difficult to decide the future of Uttarakhand.
What do you see the most in terms of beauty in Uttarakhand?
I have been to many places abroad like Switzerland, New Zealand etc for my film shots, but I believe the magnificent beauty of Uttarakhand cannot be found anywhere.
Which place would you like to go in Uttarakhand?
Dehradun and Mussoorie are the world's two most beautiful places according to me. The rivers, forests, mountains....I find them beautiful. Even here in Mumbai I have taken a house, which is near the mountains, has a good view and reminds me of Uttarakhand!
What are your views about the New State Uttarakhand?
I was happy when it was declared as a separate State hoping many things would happen. The roads were broadened etc., nothing much happened after that. In fact if I think about it sitting away from the place, it doesn't help either. I have strong hopes for the development of Uttarakhand.
If you get an opportunity would you be interested to be in the politics and become one of the ministers of Uttarakhand?
I had many dreams to achieve something in my field and for my state, but destiny brought me to Mumbai from Delhi. The dreams are still incomplete. Let's see if I get an opportunity I shall do something for my state.
What are your dreams?
I want to do something for my country and the people staying in Uttarakhand. I want to popularize the culture of Uttarakhand. I really want to help them in any way I can.
Would you be able to contribute towards the development of Uttarakhand by staying in this profession?
Yes! I will fulfil my dream by being in this profession, I don't think changing my profession will help me anyway or the people of Uttarakhand. When I was in Delhi I was aware about the happenings in Uttarakhand that time I had also written about 'Chipko Movement'.
Your father Mr. Haridutt Bhatt has a good name in literature field, what influence he had on you as far as Uttarakhand's customs, traditions and culture are concerned?
Yes my father has written many stories on it. He also has knowledge on the national song and music of Uttarakhand. He also wanted us to do the same and be more famous then what he is today. We also learnt 'Pahadi' music and dance.
Do you remember any song of Uttarakhand?
Yes! I do remember many songs. In NSD we learnt many regional songs of Uttarakhand and also music from the teacher. I remember many songs like 'Bedu Pako Baro Masa' and many more such beautiful songs in Kumaoni and Garhwali.
Do you know your mother tongue?
Yes I can speak a little but not very fluently.
Have you seen any Uttarakhandi film?
Yes I had seen one a few years back. Unfortunately it did not leave a good impression on me.
Do you think the film was not good because they don't have much finance to make it more attractive?
Yes! This is one of the reasons. But money is not everything. If your intentions are good and ambitions are strong then you will anyway have a good result. When Satyajit Ray had made 'Pather Panchali' he too was short of funds. But his intentions were good and the film did well at the box office.
If you get a chance to work in any Uttarakhandi film will you work in it?
Yes I will be very happy to do it.
How would you like to help the Uttarakhand film industry?
I am always willing to help the Uttarakhand film industry. I did have a plan but somehow it did not materialize. Being a native of Utarakhand, I would love the local theatre to be on par with other national theatres.
Some of her most popular Serials are:
Humrahi (DD National) Ddirected by Kunwar Sinha, Kasautii Zindagi Kay, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi as Raksha, Chandni, Dollar Bahu, Josh (Star Plus), Ek Ladki Anjaani Si, Ghar Ek Sapna (Sahara One), India Calling (Star One).
Some of her most popular Movies are:
Do Knot Disturb (2009), Haal-e-dil (2008), Kismat Konnection (2008), Umrao Jaan (2006), Koi Mere Dil Mein Hai (2005), Khullam Khulla Pyaar Karen (2005), Insaan (2005), Classic Dance of Love (2005), Meri Aashiqui (2005), Mumbai Godfather (2005), Time Pass (2005), Ishq Hai Tumse (2004), Shart: The Challenge (2004), Kuch Naa Kaho (2003), Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon (2003), Ek Aur Ek Gyarah (2003), Ek Hindustani (2003), Karz: The Burden of Truth (2002), Jeena Sirf Merre Liye (2002), Mujhse Dosti Karoge! (2002), Hum Kisi Se Kum Nahin (2002), Haan Maine Bhi Pyaar Kiya (2002), Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001), Bas Itna Sa Khwaab Hai (2001), Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai (2001), Jodi No.1 (2001), Afsana Dilwalon Ka (2001), Jis Desh Mein Ganga Rehta Hain (2000), Dhaai Akshar Prem Ke (2000), Karobaar: The Business of Love (2000), Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai (2000), Tera Jadoo Chal Gayaa (2000), Chal Mere Bhai (2000), Hadh Kar Di Aapne (2000), Baaghi (2000), Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge (2000), Krodh (2000), Khoobsurat (1999), Vaastav: The Reality (1999), Hum Tum Pe Marte Hain (1999), Trishakti (1999), Biwi No. 1 (1999), Anari No. 1 (1999), Daag: The Fire (1999), Aa Ab Laut Chalen (1999), Hum Saath-Saath Hain: We Stand United (1999), Nyaydaata (1999), Dahek: A Burning Passion (1998), Mehndi (1998), Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), Bandhan (1998), Jab Pyaar Kisise Hota Hai (1998), Tirchhi Topiwale (1998), Mr. & Mrs. Khiladi (1997), Deewana Mastana (1997), Betaabi (1997), Mere Sapno Ki Rani (1997), Koyla (1997), Hero No. 1 (1997), Pardes (1997), Beqabu (1996), Bal Bramhachari (1996), Khamoshi: The Musical (1996), PremGranth (1996), Bandish (1996), Haqeeqat (1995), Yaraana (1995), Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995), Veergati (1995), God and Gun (1995), Raja (1995), Trimurti (1995), Teesra Kaun? (1994), Aao Pyaar Karen (1994), Yaar Gaddar (1994), Anjaam (1994), Andaz (1994) (uncredited), Hum Aapke Hain Koun...! (1994), Mammo (1994), Dhanwaan (1993), Suraj Ka Satvan Ghoda (1993), In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones (1989), Ab Ayega Mazaa (1984),
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