Transcending Borders

In Kaafir, Dia, you play Kainaaz, an emotionally charged character and Mohit, you play Vedant, who comes with his own story. How much did these characters affect you because it seems you had to visit some dark areas in your mind?

Mohit Raina (MR): Well, personally, it did affect me a lot. I have realised over the years that there are certain traits, emotions and characteristics of the characters that you play which stay with you. I lived Vedant's life for two-three months, pre-shoot, during the shoot and post-shoot. So there are certain characteristics that you imbibe without even realising it. I learnt a lot of patience from Vedant. I would like to keep him and his patience with me for some time.

Dia Mirza (DM): I think Vedant has imbibed a lot from Mohit. I really see a lot of Mohit in Vedant. As for my character, given Kainaaz's life experiences and circumstances, it was very important to experience it fully. And I don't think those experiences will ever really leave me. They shouldn't because they have enriched and empowered me; Kainaaz has given me shakti. There's so much I learnt from her that I hope I never forget it.

Kaafir marks the digital debut for both of you. How do you look at the web space? What do you think is the biggest advantage this platform offers?

DM: It's the most democratic space. It's a space that has unified artistes across the world and empowering them. By artistes, I mean storytellers, writers, directors, cinematographers and actors. The fact that it's devoid of censorship and it's such a liberal, open and democratic space gives an opportunity to really fulfill the priority that art, cinema and storytelling was created to engage, involve and evoke feelings. It can be all types of feelings, whether terror, love, happiness, joy or whatever the genre or theme of the narrative is.

As a woman, an artiste and a producer, I feel liberated and empowered to find myself part of good narratives because I understand how much goes into creating content and how many pitfalls we face as creators because of the box office. Otherwise, there are too many conditions imposed on us right from the word 'go'. Censorship begins at the writing level. The fact that OTT platforms give you freedom is a big plus. You get to really thrive.

MR: I, personally, think the web has completely changed the dynamics of the creative industry. And the best example is Kaafir. I come from a television background and Dia comes from a film background. At no point did either of us imagine that we would work on a platform that was different than the one we knew. There was a huge gap between television and films. That has been bridged by the web.

In light of the political fabric of the country right now, do you think it was important for a story like Kaafir to be told? As actors, do you think you need to shoulder some responsibility?

DM: We've talked about this as a team and discovered that this narrative couldn't have been better timed. It's not just about what's happening in India, but also about what's happening in the world. There is this whole idea of 'them' and 'us', divisions and polarity. This narrative of hate that has been taking over our communication needed to be addressed and done as poignantly, poetically and lovingly as Kaafir.

Despite the fact that people might think it's an India-Pakistan story, I think it's a story that transcends borders because it's about two human beings who are trapped in human conflict and what that does to their lives and their freedom. It could be happening anywhere in the world right now. It could be in any area of conflict.

MR: What she has said is absolutely true. When we started making this series, we didn't know about timing.

DM: But the Pulwama attack had just happened and there was a certain political narrative that was dominating the country.

MR: But we didn't know when Kaafir would release. It was a big coincidence that the India versus Pakistan match took place on June 16. Kaafir started streaming on June 15. I don't think any of these things were planned. I've a team member who's been in Bombay for about 24 years. While I was coming here, I asked him how the city had changed over the years. He was explaining how people have changed. Today, we don't have time to meet each other; we're constantly racing to achieve our goals. This series makes you stop, breathe and think.

DM: You know, there's a poem by Harivansh Rai Bachchan: Jeevan ke aapaadhaapi mein kabh waqt mila kuch der kahin par baith… It means that we have no time to stop and stare. Kaafir makes you stop, stand, stare and think. And we all need to do that because we don't (Smiles).

Finally, what is next for each of you?

MR: If I bag Mrs Serial Killer, I will do it. And then there is Shiddat. I hope to do some great work.

DM: For now, I'm just soaking in the love for Kaafir. It has been an incredible journey. What's next is compelling, exciting and a lot of hard work, and I'm looking forward to it. It's a historical show that is being directed by Nikkhil Advani. It's going to be my first historical. I'm so excited.