In the media, the focus is shifting from your acting prowess to your fashionista avatar. Is that a deliberate move?
A yes and a no to both! If you look at the number of hits I have delivered in the last five years, you will realise that some of my contemporaries have not delivered as many hits in their entire careers. So here, I let my work do the talking. And when it comes to fashion, I am a very creative woman. I have a lot more to offer than just my acting skills. This is just the beginning!
You are the only leading actress in your league that hasn't worked with the Khans.
When I started my career, I didn't have a choice regarding the kind of films I did, but I believed in my capabilities and had the strength to follow my dreams. I believe you can carve your own destiny and success story.
Do you regret the choices you have made in your past?
No, I have no regrets. I was 17, out of school, and very naive when I entered Bollywood. I consider them experiences rather than mistakes. They have made me the person I am today - stronger both emotionally and mentally, and a much more balanced person. It was very difficult for me initially, but the struggle didn't kill me; it just made me stronger. Now that I am 25, I feel like I have become a woman.
You've said you'd like to be number one in the industry?
I believe that competition should be healthy, and I'd like to be number one, but sometimes it's confusing. What's the criteria of being number one in the industry? Sometimes it's being really loved and wanted by the audience and getting the best films in terms of meaty roles and films which will have a wide audience. Is that what being a number-one actress is all about? Then I'd love to be that. But sometimes, a few people who are not worth it, claim to be number one in the industry, and you definitely don't want to be in their place.
So you think sometimes people in the film industry consider themselves number one even though they're not deserving of the title?
Yes. |
Are you in a happy place, career-wise, right now?
I won't say I am very happy, I still think I need to get much more challenging roles. But then the kind of work I've got this year is the best so far. I think next year I will be happier. So far I've just been struggling to deliver in the little bits and pieces I get to play in the films, but next year I think I'll be in a better place.
Do you have a checklist of actors or directors you want to work with?
If I think I want to work with that one person and if I get to do just one song and two films with him I'll be happy, then that's stupid. But then there are filmmakers who always make very significant films, like Sanjay Leela Bhansali, like Raju Hirani, their projects I'd like to do. I just want to do good projects, and if that means I have to work with a new director, or somebody who is not that successful, I don't mind that. I don't really mind working with a newcomer, or a small role and as long as it's good. I did "Fashion", where I didn't have a hero, and I did a tiny part in "Metro".
Are you losing weight for the "Krrish" sequel?
Yes, how you see me right now, that is all the weight I've lost for "Krrish". I think I was skinnier in "Gangster", though I wasn't healthy then. Now I feel healthy. I am naturally thin, but I tend to get unhealthy in terms of my stamina and my skin quality, and I start eating rubbish things. And I lose weight, but in places I really shouldn't be losing. I tend to lose my body shape. But if I work out, I stay fit.
Over the years, have you made friends who will stay by your side?
See, I'm a very practical person and I don't have any expectations from people. I don't expect them to meet me often. If I am not working in the industry tomorrow, I might not need friends from the industry who are so busy with their work.
But you're quite close to Priyanka Chopra...
Yes, we've always been very close, even during "Fashion". But for some reason people have suddenly started noticing that now.
You think two actresses can be friends in this cut-throat industry?
Of course! I find the notion that actresses fight very weird. I really find it very awkward and uncomfortable to talk to guys and to be friendly with them. Men, you don't know why they do what they do, but with girls you're off your guard and you can do anything, and have so much fun. That is how it should be, but it's the other way round, which I don't understand. Girls are fighting with girls and they're friendly with men. It's so awkward with guys, they sometimes overreact. It's good to have girlfriends. Girls are much more friendly and kind and soft spoken, and men in the film industry tend to be very harsh in terms of their language. You never know when you're sitting with a bunch of guys, you might hear something and suddenly, your cheeks go red.
What about Nicholas, your British boyfriend?
Oh, he is amazing, he's very well-behaved, you know how the English are, very proper, very cultured and he's a doctor. He's very gentle, very different.
Your thoughts on marriage?
I personally do not believe in the institution of marriage. Love is sacred to me, so I don't want to bind the one I love in chains or feel the need to have legal rights on his mind, body or soul. Love means freedom. When two people are in love, they can live together without having to give the relationship a name.
Who do you think is the hottest woman in the world?
For me, a woman who holds on her own and has a mind of her own is extremely hot. In India , I would say such a woman is Aishwarya Rai Bachchan internationly, I like Lady Gaga a lot. She always does her own things and has her own opinions.
Whats the best pick up line man has used on you ? Do you still remember any?
No one has ever used a pick-up line on me. Most men say I am too intimidating for them and they find me too “strong”. But actually, this is just not true. I am probably the first person to cry in a tough situation. |
