East West - The Asian American Lifestyle Magazine

By Anuja Madar 

Archie Panjabi made her film debut in 1999 in the comedy East is East. She talks with East West magazine about how things have changed since then and why A Mighty Heart  is about more than just one person's tragedy.

Asra (Archie Panjabi) and Mariane (Angelina Jolie) in Michael Winterbottom's A Mighty Heart

How have things changed since East is East?

It was a feature film and it opened a lot of doors. After that, there has been a gradual progression and the roles have become bigger. Going up the stairs; a slow steady walk up the stairs, and each step has been a new learning experience.

How did A Might Hearty come to you?

I worked with Michael Winterbottom [director] and Andrew Eaton [producer] before. They are very good friends. Michael called me up and said he'd like me to read for this part. I think he only had me in mind. I went up, met him and had a chat and told him I wanted to do the part. It was probably the easiest casting I've ever had.

Why did you decide to get involved?

I know the Daniel Pearl story and remember watching it on the news. When I heard that a film was being made, I was concerned because it was such a well-documented event, and I wanted to make sure that if it was going to be a film it wouldn't be sensationalized. When I knew Michael was going to be involved, I knew it would be as close to truth as possible.

Did you meet with the real Asra to prepare for the role?

 I went to Washington. The airline lost my baggage, so I had to borrow her clothes for the first few days. She showed me around and gave me insight into her life and her relationship with Daniel. It wasn't as much impersonating her but going through what she was feeling. The character was like a skeleton. As an actress it was easy for me. She helped me flesh out the role and helped me understand what she went through during those weeks.

The cast of the film was asked to improvise. How challenging is that?

It's challenging. I love improvisation. It's one of the most magical tools an actor can have.  You have the ability to trust your instincts, to allow yourself to go with what your emotions are during a scene. I was nervous because it is a true story. It makes it more challenging. You have certain boundaries that you can't cross. After meeting the real people we created a state of mind and used it as a basis. It helped allow for a natural feel.

As an actor you often portray fictional characters, but Asra is obviously a real person (and one who is still around to see your work). Did that put a lot of pressure on you?

You feel like you have a huge responsibility not only to the character but to all the characters, even to Pearl's parents and sisters. The film is about a group of mighty hearts. Each one has to go through so much in those weeks. You want to make sure you get the facts right.

Asra has her own story that is layered within the larger plot. Why do you think it was important to incorporate it in the story?

Each of them went through so much when they were there. It affected all of them. Her life was hugely affected. She fell pregnant by the guy with whom her relationship ended because of her involvement in the case. She now has a child without a father.

What was the most challenging part of working on this film?

How emotional it was. Each one of us when we do an interview, it's very emotional. We were each hugely affected. The whole Daniel Pearl case is quite emotional and upsetting. When people talk about the success of the film it's hard for us to indulge in the excitement because it's about someone who lost his life. It's hard to celebrate in any way.

How was it working with Michael Winterbottom again?

He is a brilliant director. You never felt there was a hierarchy. It was team. You always felt that he was a good friend. He is interested in what actors have to offer him. He doesn't have a plan that he wants to stick by. It's organic and you experiment. You feel that you want to give him back so much. You want to give him as many different takes so that he has so much to work with.

What are you hoping audiences get out of this film?

This was very soon after 9/11. There was the anti-American sentiment, yet these people in the house were united in one mission-to find Daniel. That group formed irrespective of any issue of ethnicity, culture or religion. And Mariane never had any hatred toward the people who did what they did and was very thankful of the people of Pakistan. We can all learn from that.