The morning Ganga Aarti at Assi Ghat was so blissful: Flora Saini

Despite a hectic shooting schedule in the city, actress Flora Saini of 'Stree' fame, says she was mesmerised with what she saw of Varanasi. The actress, who was in the city for a shoot, says, "Since the shooting was happening on the outskirts of the city, it took nearly one and a half hours to reach the location. The long travel time did not make it possible for me to explore the city but I really wanted to see the ghats. So after winding up my work on the last day of the shoot, I came back at 2 am. I did not sleep that night since I had to go to the ghat at 5 am to see the sunrise. What I saw on the ghat was just amazing. Gradually as the sun came out, it was just so beautiful! Spiritually, it also gave the message that no matter how dark the night, is the sun will eventually rise and spread light. Even the morning Ganga Aarti at Assi Ghat was so blissful. It was a wonderful synchronisation of the movement of hands with the mantras. All the priests performing the aarti were in sync with each other. What I also liked was the chai culture on the ghat. I had some delicious tea, made on a coal angithi which was being fanned by a pedal fan." Flora Saini at Assi Ghat, Varanasi (BCCL/ Unmesh Pandey)
Despite the shortage of time, Flora was able to savour all things Banaras is known for. "The delectable malaiyo came on the sets, which I really loved. Although I am on a diet, it did not stop me from enjoying the Banarasi paan. As my mother had accompanied me, so a lot of shopping happened of Banarasi saris and bangles which I bought for my friends. Someone had told my mom about the famous lal mirch ka achar of Banaras, so we made sure to buy it before leaving Varanasi," says the actress.
Flora, who has appeared in several Bollywood films, says it was the film 'Stree' that turned out to be a game changer for her. Remembering how she got the role, she says, "I received a call from the casting team for auditions for the film."
Flora Saini as Stree in the film (BCCL)
"They said it’s a Rajkummar Rao film and you have a one-day shoot in the film. I told them don’t call me for a days shoot. The same casting team called me again and said we are doing an ad, at least come for that. When I went there I saw artists auditioning for Stree. The framework of the scene was so hilarious, even dialogues were really funny and I was really drawn to the role. I told the casting guy that now I have changed my mind, I would like to audition even for the one-day role. I auditioned but I did not get a call. After nearly 20 days, the casting guy called me said that there is another part in the film for which the director wants to see you. I was then told that it is the title role but I won’t have any dialogues in the film. I told him, title role hain na, so bring it on! I was really clear about it, as the film was very different. The success of the film was a beautiful surprise. No matter how good your work is, it is only when your film does well on box office that you are recognised. So I believe that if the script is good, one should go for it, no matter how small your role is. Personally, also I loved Stree, as it was so new age. Despite being a horror film there were no tantric or creepy elements, normally seen in such films," she says.
Flora Saini at Assi Ghat, Varanasi (BCCL/ Unmesh Pandey)
The actress, who was very vocal during the #MeToo Movement, revealing how she was physically abused by her ex-boyfriend producer Gaurang Doshi, says, "Personally for me, a lot of soul healing happened after the campaign because the sorry I did not get from my ex, a lot of other people said that to me. One gentleman even said that we have failed you women for too long. The reason those few bad men are so strong is that those who are good, have not condemned them. The #MeToo Movement is not just about women but also about men who stood by the women who decided to speak out. So hats off to those men who have been raised well and decided to speak for a woman without the fear of losing their job. The movement was really important as people should be scared of forcing themselves on a woman. There is a difference between a consensual and a non-consensual relationship. A lot of questioning happened on why these women did not speak up earlier, which I feel is wrong. I could not speak against domestic violence, which I was facing for years, due to various reasons. But eventually, I could not take it any more and spoke about. What is really important is that these women mustered enough strength to speak against it, the moment was important. I also believe that the movement is just not gender based as a lot of men have also faced harassment. This is just the tip of an iceberg and just a shakeup," she avers.