You must be delighted with the response to Jism?
Yeah, I’m happy. It’s nice to know that you have been accepted as an actress of calibre. I’m told people have loved the film. I was confident of it from the word go but it was still encouraging when your performance is appreciated by both the masses and the critics.
What was your reaction to the film?
Jism turned out just the way I had thought it would. It is a very different film in the way it was shot and the characters portrayed. Even the music was not your usual filmi score. But it’s difficult to predict how people will react to a film. I was only sure of one thing—that I was happy to be a part of Jism.
lt’s the kind of role not too many actresses would have dared to accept.
That was what made the project attractive to me. I had the guts to take on the role and now I’m being praised for my efforts (Smiles proudly). I’m really grateful to the media for their support. It’s praise from them that will egg on more film-makers to experiment with such daring themes. When I was in Delhi recently on a promotional tour for Jism, a number of journalists told me that it was how they were enthused by the emergence of a new kind of actress. It was satisfying to see that they saw me just the way I saw myself in the character.
They also went to town on the explicit love-making scenes.
Jism is an emotional film, a mature love story. There were bound to be kissing scenes. But the scenes in Jism were not vulgar like your average Hindi film. The slightest discomfort between co-stars, even when they are the best of stars, can change the mood of the moment. But while shooting Jism, my producer, Pooja Bhatt and director Amit Saxena made sure the scenes were handled aesthetically. They don’t seem forced. They don’t look like they have been incorporated to titillate the audience. Those who have seen the film didn’t come out of the theatres saying, “Oh God, did you see that smooching scene!”
But you have to admit that sex played a major part in luring the public to the theatres?
Sex is taboo in our country. There are so many misconceptions about it because people are starved for sex. It’s high time that they realised that it’s a normal part of life. Just like we eat, sleep, brush our teeth and take a bath, in the same way we have sex too. Films like Jism will help build up awareness about sex. It’ll show the common man that sex can be a very beautiful experience because it is through sex that you communicate your love for a person. I hate it when people say, “Oh! We can’t see this! We can’t watch this!” If you can do it then why can’t you see it? Why this hypocrisy?
So you’re not not embarrassed by what you have done in Jism?
I’m not. I stood in front of the audience, went to the press conference well knowing the kind of questions that were going to be thrown at me. And I handled them well.
Did the presence of John Abraham with whom you reportedly share a good rapport, increase your comfort level during the love making scenes?
Definitely! But let me clarify that I did not know John when I signed the film. In fact I didn’t even know who my co-star was going to be. When I accepted Jism I knew what was going to be involved. I would have done the scenes even if John was not my co-star. But without John around I don’t know how the scenes would have looked. Amit and Pooja would constantly ask me, “Are you comfortable?” I frankly explained to them where I wanted to draw the line and they respected my decision.
The film industry is famous for branding actors. Aren’t you apprehensive about being tagged a sex symbol?
I love being called sexy! I don’t want to let go of this image because that’s the way I am in real life. Every actress, whether she admits it or not, wants to look sexy in the films she does. I have not deliberately worked towards it. The “sexy” tag has just followed me and I take it as a compliment. Being sexy comes naturally to me. It is not that I’m trying to put on an act. And I know no matter what roles I do, I won’t be able to shake off this sexy tag. Frankly, I don’t want to (Laughs).
Wouldn’t you want to play the kind of role Madhuri Dixit did in Hum Aapke Hain Koun?
Of course, I would! I’m doing a film being directed by Krishna Babu in which I’m this sweet, simple, Muslim girl called Khushboo who falls in love with a Hindu boy. I think I’m carrying it off quite well. I like to do the unexpected. It’s so thrilling!
From Ajnabee to Jism you have always opted for unconventional subjects. Was it a conscious decision?
Yes! I like to put myself in the viewer’s place. I can’t sit through most Hindi films because I’m bored watching the same story being repeated in film after film. I want something different that will hold my interest. That’s why I’m always ready to play off-beat characters. It so easy to play what you are. The real test is to do roles that you cannot ever do in real life.
How do you decide what film to accept?
I listen to 100 narrations everyday out of which only one appeals to me. We say Hindi filmmakers are copying Hollywood films. I think they should because this way 70 per cent of our audience who are not exposed to the West will get to see the kind of films they never would otherwise. It’s better than sitting through senseless trash.
It’s been nearly two years now since you entered the industry...
(Opening her eyes wide) Two years already? Things do move fast! Well, I can say I have done what I wanted to do. I don’t regret anything. People have liked the kind of films I have done. They have accepted me. They respect me. It feels nice!
Any lessons learnt during this time?
The only lesson I learnt is that an actor should take time off from work. We have to ease things out because of the taxing lifestyle we lead. We are made to work hours on end playing characters that drain you emotionally. I have now decided to work only 20 days a month. Also, no shootings on Sundays. Holidays and breaks rejuvenate you.
You have been shooting recently for Vikram Bhatt’s Aitbaar. Tell us something about this film?
Aitbaar is the story of girl who is torn between her father and lover. Her father, played by Amitabh Bachchan, has lost a child in the riots. He is convinced that her boyfriend, played by John Abraham, is not the right guy for her. The lover is possessive, the father obsessive. And this complicates the girl’s life.
|
MY FAVOURITE THINGS...
|
|
Actors: Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, Al Pacino, Aamir
Khan, Amitabh Bachchan
Actresses: Julia Roberts, Michelle Pieffer, Susan Sarandon,
Rani Mukherjee, Tabu
Films: Godfather, Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron
Music: Buddha Bar
Author: Robin Cook
Food: Hyderbadi biryani
Restaurant: Thai Connection
Holiday Spot: Paris
Perfume: Baby Doll by YSL
Colour: Pink, blue and white
|
|
 |
|
What was it like working with Amitabh Bachchan?
It has been an extraordinary experience. He is a pro. He comes on the dot and is very composed on the sets. I have a lot to learn from him. Earlier, Madhur Bhandarkar had offered me Aan. Mr Bachchan was to be my co-star but I had so little to do in the film that I told Madhur, “I wish you could give me Akshay Kumar’s role instead though of course, I know that’s not possible.” (Laughs). I’m sure Madhur and I will work together in future.
You are also doing Vikram Bhatt’s Footpath...
Right. Footpath is the story of four friends and how they get embroiled in drug trafficking. I play Rahul Dev’s sister and Aftab’s friend. The four grow up on the footpath. I’m the only one to have had a sheltered upbringing. I choose not associate myself with my brothers on moral grounds. It is basically a male dominated film but I play an important role.
Raaz, Jism, Aitbaar and Footpath you seem to have become favourite with the Bhatts.
I rule the Bhatts (Laughs). I have no problems being part of the Bhatt camp. Vikram Bhatt is a great director. How can I forget that it was he who encouraged me to pursue acting as a profession. I have learnt a lot from him. Pooja Bhatt was a fabulous producer. She has great sense of filmmaking and all the qualities to make a good director. She could make a small film like Jism look so rich! I like her attitude to life. She will take no nonsense from anyone. I can see a bit of myself in her. Also, I understand the sensibilities of a Mahesh Bhatt film. I have seen several of them in the past and I love them. The Bhatts have always believed in doing something different. People say they make low-budget films but I would say they make correct budget films. Money is spent according to the need of the film. That is how it should be. Today big films are flopping. Distributors are suffering huge losses. The stars are the only ones who are making money even though none of them today can guarantee a hit. Ultimately what matters is the screenplay!
What other films do you have on hand?
Hmmm, there’s Zameen with Abhishek Bachchan. I play an airhostess in the film. It is about a hijacking. I was offered another fabulous film with Abhishek. Unfortunately, I had to turn it down because I did not have the dates. Lara (Dutta) is doing that role now. Then there’s Glen and Ankush’s Jaane Kyo Hoga with Aftab. It’s about human cloning. There’s Rudraksh with Sanjay Dutt.
Why did you turn down Boney Kapoor’s film?
It was offered to me but nobody gave me story narration. Then something happened. I’m sure it must be dates (Laughs). That’s one of the reasons I can’t take on many projects. I’m also pretty honest with producers when the role they offer isn’t up to the mark. I’m not expecting to be offered branded roles but they should be substantial. I want my due as an actress.
You are being constantly compared to Aishwarya Rai...
(Frowning) I wonder why. I can see no similarities. We aren’t even doing the same kind of films. Not that what I can do she can’t and vice-versa. No, I’ll amend that. I can’t dance as gracefully as Ash. I have always said Ash is gorgeous and intelligent. She has chosen roles she excels in. I like that about her. But this comparison business makes no sense to me.
How do you react to stories about you and John?
I’m not saying anything (Laughs). Let the press write what they want. They can link me with anyone as long as the men are goodlooking. Those who need to know will know!
You sound indifferent...
I am. I was honest about my relationship with Dino (Morea) and still people wrote rubbish and messed things up between us.
What caused the split?
I can’t pinpoint any one reason. I guess our priorities changed. We began going steady when we were very young and vulnerable. Today, we are all grown up and different people. Thankfully, Dino and I are still the best of friends. We still go out. We are doing films together. What’s changed is that we are not girlfriend and boyfriend anymore. And I think in today’s day and age that’s insignificant. What matters is friendship!
Is it true that public figures find it difficult to cope with the pressures of a relationship?
That’s not true. I don’t know about others but I keep my personal life away from my professional life. In a relationship one has to be prepared to compromise. But when your partner becomes terribly insecure you know the relationship is over.
Finally, what if Raaz had not happened?
I wouldn’t be an actress then (Laughs). During the making of Raaz that I realized that I wanted to pursue this profession and went on to sign other films. During Ajnabee I was not doing anything. It was ith Raaz that my career took off in a big way.