Iranian actor Fatemeh Motamed-Arya doesnt look her age. Virtually living out of her suitcase hopping between acting and philanthrophic work, the 56-year-old attributes her energy to the passion and commitment she shares with her craft. The actor, currently in the city for the Bengaluru International Film Festival (Biffes), says she is thrilled to return to a city she had first visited as a tourist 24 years ago. "The last time I visited Bengaluru, I went to the Sai Baba Ashram. It was just for fun. But this time, I want to make the best use of my tour by visiting the local markets because I believe that the real life lies there. I also want to shop for plenty of cotton and silk garments. I love wearing Indian fabric," says Fatemeh.
Fatemeh says that her journey as an actor has been a smooth sail, thanks to the encouragement she received from her parents and later husband and son. "My parents were always drawn to art and literature. So they let me do what I loved the most. My husband and son say that they are proud of my work. What better motivation do I need?"
The actor says that she makes sure every project that she takes up is different. "I enjoy taking up challenging roles because they give me a chance to showcase my acting skills," she says. The actor says that although she has done almost every conceivable role, she yearns to do more and perhaps work in an Indian film someday.
About her love for Indian cinema, Fatemeh, says that shes a big fan of everything that is Indian. "I have grown up on a diet of Indian films. I enjoy watching films made by Satyajit Ray, Mrinal Sen and Goutam Ghose. Their work has a different feel and flavour. I also watch Bollywood movies but thats just for fun," she says with a smile.
She feels the Indian films are undergoing many changes and one of the most visible change is the surge of new talent. "I remember how graceful actors like Madhuri were. She worked at a different level. The new breed of young actors are influenced by western ideas and they seem to have lost their originality," she rues.
When asked about the growing number of women directors in Indian cinema, Fatemeh says, "I dont think there is any difference between what men and women can do today. They are both equally talented. But women have a lot of power and I think they just have to find the right resources to channelise that power" she says.
Asked if she has had any crazy fan moments? "All the time," she says. "But I accept it as a part of my work and not get too carried away by all that," she sums up.
Iranian actor Fatemeh Motamed-Arya doesn't look her age. Virtually living out of her suitcase hopping between acting and philanthrophic work, the 56-year-old attributes her energy to the passion and commitment she shares with her craft. The actor, currently in the city for the Bengaluru International Film Festival (Biffes), says she is thrilled to return to a city she had first visited as a tourist 24 years ago. "The last time I visited Bengaluru, I went to the Sai Baba Ashram. It was just for fun. But this time, I want to make the best use of my tour by visiting the local markets because I believe that the real life lies there. I also want to shop for plenty of cotton and silk garments. I love wearing Indian fabric," says Fatemeh.
Fatemeh says that her journey as an actor has been a smooth sail, thanks to the encouragement she received from her parents and later husband and son. "My parents were always drawn to art and literature. So they let me do what I loved the most. My husband and son say that they are proud of my work. What better motivation do I need?"
The actor says that she makes sure every project that she takes up is different. "I enjoy taking up challenging roles because they give me a chance to showcase my acting skills," she says. The actor says that although she has done almost every conceivable role, she yearns to do more and perhaps work in an Indian film someday.
About her love for Indian cinema, Fatemeh, says that she's a big fan of everything that is Indian. "I have grown up on a diet of Indian films. I enjoy watching films made by Satyajit Ray, Mrinal Sen and Goutam Ghose. Their work has a different feel and flavour. I also watch Bollywood movies but that's just for fun," she says with a smile.
She feels the Indian films are undergoing many changes and one of the most visible change is the surge of new talent. "I remember how graceful actors like Madhuri were. She worked at a different level. The new breed of young actors are influenced by western ideas and they seem to have lost their originality," she rues.
When asked about the growing number of women directors in Indian cinema, Fatemeh says, "I don't think there is any difference between what men and women can do today. They are both equally talented. But women have a lot of power and I think they just have to find the right resources to channelise that power" she says.
Asked if she has had any crazy fan moments? "All the time," she says. "But I accept it as a part of my work and not get too carried away by all that," she sums up.