| Pooja Batra::Now
for a second inning.... |
The queen of the ramp, who did the catwalk for a variety of
products. As is the wont with models, these days, POOJA BATRA too
decided to make her mark as a film actress. The right opportunity
came her way when  Priyadarshan
was looking for a girl to be featured opposite Anil Kapoor in Virasat.
The performance fetched her rave reviews, but surprisingly, few
offers came her way subsequently. She shifted to the South, hoping
to fulfill her unflinching desire to prove her worth as an actress.
It’s more than paid off — for not only did she get some
worthy films in the South, she’s also attracted the attention
of the Mumbai industry once more. She has some good films coming
up for release, the first of which, Kahi Pyar Na Ho Jaaye is due
for release this week...
From catwalks
to running around tress, how did the transition come about?
Oh! That’s a long story. I was quite a famous model and used
to promote a variety of products. It was at this time that I came
to know that Priyadarshan was looking for a new face for Virasat.
I thought the opportunity was too good to resist.
But did you have any formal training in acting?
Well, no. I had nothing but my self-confidence and professionalism
going for me. And these things helped me in a big way. I was always
conscious about the role I was to play and kept working on it for
a long time. But after Virasat, I became a sought-after actress
down South, working in three Malayalam films, and my confidence
levels soared.
Despite a promising debut with Virasat, it’s taken you a long
while to come up with another Hindi release.
That’s right. It was because I didn’t have the right kind
of people around me who could guide me in choosing the right kind
of film. Moreover, I signed some films I ought not to have. Everyone
knows I came to the industry without a Godfather or guiding force.
So, I was bound to make a few mistakes now and then. But now that
I’ve learned the ropes, I can assure you I’m doing just
fine. That’s the reason why I’ve signed some very good
films lately, like David Dhawan’s Jodi No 1, Shankar’s
Nayak and a Times Movies’ production. There are also offers
from very good banners and the modalities are being worked out.
After Virasat, you suddenly disappeared from the Hindi film scene
and did some films down South. Why?
Hey, that’s not quite true. I did sign some films like
Rahul Rawail’s Khatta Meetha and Dev Anand’s Censor. And
some films like Haseena Maan Jaayegi and Bhai which have also been
released. So it wasn’t as if I wasn’t doing any Hindi
film. I got some very good offers in Malayalam and Telugu films
which I couldn’t resist. The roles offered appeared a lot more
challenging than what was being offered to me here, with films with
Mohan Lal and Jayan for co-stars. That according to me, has been
the real turning point of my career. I could learn so much about
the nuances of acting, working with them. It is an established fact
that the South Indian films offer more scope for a heroine than
what the Hindi films do.
What was the experience of working in South Indian films like?
Basically, I did find quite a lot of difference in the kind
of films being made there. Everyone knows that Malayalam films are
more realistic in terms of story and theme, while Hindi films project
a larger than life image. They also wrap up the shoots for a film
in no time, while Hindi films take more than a year to complete.
Working with the best talent down South has helped me hone my own
acting skills, until I finally wondered what was a Punjabi girl
doing in a Southie film? I decided it was time I gave Hindi cinema
a fresh shot. So here I am!
How difficult is it for a heroine to build a career in Hindi films?
When I started out as a model, I never thought it would be difficult.
I always approached my work with a positive mindset. Here too, I
had made up my mind that I would overcome all difficulties and would
never run away if things proved difficult. That helped. Okay, I
may not have done too many films. But whatever little work I’ve
done has come in for praise. That’s all that matters to me.
I’ve always felt that real talent can never be hidden for too
long.
Which do you reckon is the key word to success — glamour, talent
or destiny?
Oops! Now that’s a tough one. I feel an equal dose of all three
ingredients you mentioned are necessary. In Hindi films looks are
as important as talent. Destiny is one aspect you can never rewrite,
so that’s crucial, too. In my opinion, Time is also an important
factor. If I hadn’t timed my audition for Virasat just right,
I may never have discovered my talent as an actress. So I feel the
right kind of films has played a crucial part in my career.
You are being seen as the third angle in the story in all the films
you’ve done of late. Why aren’t you doing any lead roles?
I don’t think it’s only lead roles that help you hog the
limelight. Though, I had just 15 minutes of footage in Virasat,
didn’t I manage to leave an impact? So, don’t look at
the length of the role, the impact it leaves is more important.
I don’t mind doing a role of even one minute’s duration
if I can make my presence felt. What I mean is, I’m pleased
to be doing every role offered to me, provided it makes me feel
I’m doing something worthwhile.
What kind of roles are being offered to you these days?
I am doing a variety of roles. That may sound cliched to you. But
I mean it. I am accepting only those films in which I can showcase
my talent. I look forward to films like Kash-M-Kash, Kahin Pyar
Na Ho Jaaye, Nayak and Yahoo to really propel me ahead. In the case
of Kahin Pyar No Ha Jaaye, all the characters in this breezy romance
are close to real life. The film is a reflection of what’s
happening in society.
It’s become customary of late for actors and directors to promote
their favourite actresses these days. What about you? Have you had
any such supporters?
Oh my God, no! I’ve never been anyone’s favourite, and
have never had anyone promoting me. I have been getting offers purely
on my merit as an actress and I don’t relish the game of manipulation.
I have immense faith and confidence in my abilities and it’s
working in my favour. On the contrary, I’ve been the victim
of manipulation at times. It’s happened that a couple of days
after I’m signed for a film, I realised I’m out of it.
Don’t ask me why. I don’t know. I just forget about it
all and focus on whatever work I have on hand. I’d rather let
my work answer for myself. I believe God will vindicate me in the
end.
Have these things affected you personally?
Well, I won’t say it has. It’s necessitated that I do
fewer films, and give them my best, undivided attention. So in a
way, it’s proved to be a blessing in disguise.
I don’t understand why people would want to pull me down when
I haven’t done anyone any harm. There’s work for everyone
here, if you can prove you have the talent, and play fewer games.
I would never stoop so low as to harm someone else’s career.
I’ve never been that desperate. My sense of insecurity has
never been so strong that I would pull someone else down to promote
myself. I have come so far on the strength of my own talent. Isn’t
that an achievement?
Recently we’ve seen the emergence of promising new talent.
What do you feel about it?
I feel happy for them. There is a need for good, talented youngsters
in this industry, especially since youth comprises the largest chunk
of the audience. I’m glad the youngsters have managed to connect
with the audience, especially Hrithik Roshan and Abhishek Bachchan.
They’ve proved they have tremendous talent.
And they’re just as tall as you are.
Yeah (laughs heartily). You’re right and I feel it’s good
for me. I hope I get to work with them some day. Initially, I felt
my height would prove to be a hindrance, given that most of our
heroes are on the shorter side. Now there is no longer such a problem
as there are enough of tall and lanky heroes to go around.
You are doing a film titled Khajuraho. Doesn’t the role demand
a lot of body exposure?
It’s true that I am doing the film. But I am doing exactly
what the script demands. Wait till you see the film before you decide
I’ve had to expose my body a lot. Besides, what’s wrong
with exposure if it’s aesthetically done, and if the story
justifies and demands it? I’m sure the audience is eagerly
awaiting the film. And I’m sure I will not disappoint my fans
in that regard.
How would you describe yourself as a person?
I’m the sensitive, caring sort. I like to interact with people
who understand my feelings and react as I do. I don’t have
any ego hassles and take life as it comes, giving it my best.
Lastly, tell us about the films you’re banking on a lot.
Frankly, I like all the films I’ve signed. But recently, I’ve
signed a couple of films which are very close to my heart. My performances,
I feel, have been quite outstanding, even if I say so myself. I
want my fans to understand and remember me, as an actress who has
always given her best to every role, and will continue to do so.
Padmaraj Nair
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