You have such a lovely and unusual name. Who named you, and is it after someone?
(Laughs daintily) My mum named me. It is a Bengali name that means a woman with artistic features... somehow I never asked her why she chose this though..

How long have you been shooting in Mauritius for Sorry Bhai?
We shot the entire film in Mauritius..we were there for 35 days. We are almost through with the shoot.

How was it facing the camera for the first time in three years?
It was both easy and difficult..initially there was hesitancy of being able to have the same comfort but soon after the director said ‘Action’, it started to fall in to place quite easily.

Sorry Bhai is a romcom, a far cry from the intense Hazaaron Khwaishen Aisi?. What was it that drew you to the role and script?
The very fact that I was getting to try something that was actually a far cry from what I had done...it was fun!

How many offers have you been deflecting prior to Sorry Bhai?
A few..though that is nothing to be proud of..I am rather thankful for the confidence people have shown in me.

To be acting with Shabana Azmi who likens you to Smita Patil, does that weigh upon you?
I take it as a huge compliment..it is quite a scale to even try and match..but am not doing that. I do what I can and if that reminds people of that great talent..I am only too happy.
I was quite nervous of meeting Shabanaji - her fluidity and the way she fills in a character is probably the strongest point of reference for my acting..since I didn’t have any other formal training..it is as like meeting someone you have been studying. She is a very charming person with a great sense of humour that was a pleasant surprise!

Which is the best Smita Patil compliment that you have got? Have you met her son Pratiek?
Someone said they missed Smitaji so much and now that I am back they are relieved to have a similar intense actress on screen..that kind of weighs a bit heavy on my shoulders!
No I have not met her son but Shabanaji mentioned that he is a handsome, young and promising actor!

Which of Smita’s films can be remade?
Arth would be great..it was a bit ahead of the times probably.

You said the three year in-between break equipped you to deal with the film industry better. How so?
I don’t think you can ever “deal” with others but yourself or change others but yourself..so what has changed is probably in my head, my perspective.

You are great at pulling off the disappearing act. This time are you here for a while? Or are you just testing the waters with this one?
Let us not even go there..I am here to stay.

Being a married actor, is it the right time and right place to be in films now? Like Ash, Kajol and all are back in form.
I guess so..though in my mind when I go to work I am just an actor, married or unmarried doesn’t matter really, does it?

What kind of roles would you opt for? Are bold and hip ones a taboo for you?
I might sound cliched but like any other actor I would like to try any role that I can relate to at some level and challenge my creative imagination.. I can’t categorise it somehow..

Recount the best thing about being an Army kid, a sports champ’s wife and a woman.
One is a product of so many experiences and situations ..the Army gave me a great childhood..it gave us exposure, adventure and a sense of independence.. besides pride in our country.
Being married to a sportsman helped me understand the burn, the anguish of achievement..the spirit of being able to put yourself to test every week, and to do your best and take what comes.
I think the female gender is so much more interesting..a woman is so many persons together..it’s her adaptability and emotional intelligence that helps her live many lives together..I love being a woman!!

Do you play golf? What is the best thing about the sport?Who other than Jyoti Randhawa do you admire as a golfer?
I did play for a while but couldn’t carry on because it takes a lot of dedication..though I still go to the range and practise some short game..I love the game because it needs “controlled aggression”, which is far more difficult and mentally challenging than aggressive games. I really admire Tiger Woods.