Date of Birth
10 April 1986,
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Height
5' 5" (1.65 m)
Mini Biography
Ayesha Takia was born in Mumbai on April 10th 1986. Her father's name
is Nishit, a Gujarati and her mother's name is Faridah, who is half
Maharashtrian and half Caucasian British.
Ayesha had never let
her lack of speaking Hindi fluently come in her way. A go-getter, she is
no stranger to the silver screen and has faced cameras even at the
tender age of 4. Her continuity was what got her noticed and the makers
of 'Socha Na Tha' approached her in 2004 to play the lead role opposite
Dharmendra's nephew Abhay Deol which she accepted.
She also signed up for another film 'Tarzaan The Wonder Car' which proved to be her
debut in Bollywood, as the release of 'Socha Na Tha' was delayed.
With 'Tarzaan The Wonder Car' Ayesha quickly made her mark in Bollywood and not only was noticed but also received an
Award - The Best Filmfare
Debut.
Thereafter
her films have done poorly at the Box Office, although she scored
highly with teenaged audience in India and abroad, especially with her
performance in 'Dil Maange More' and 'Shaadi No. 1'.
She also appeared in a 2006 Telegu movie named 'Robbery', which was later dubbed into Hindi and released as 'Super'.
And
then came Dor in which she played the role without any glamor - the
film that brought a lot of praise and much needed recognition for her.
Here she has proved that she can enact both good and glamorous on one
hand and the more ordinary next door type girl roles with ease.
Now
Ayesha is one of the most gorgeous and beautiful actresses much sought
after by movie makers and a force to be reckoned with, especially for
other leading ladies of Bollywood.
IMDb Mini Biography By:
rAjOo
Spouse
| Farhan Azmi |
(1 March 2009 - present) |
Trade Mark
Her beautuful smile
Trivia
She is a Mumbaite and comes from a mixed family. Her father is
Gujarati, and her mother is half British and half Maharashtrian Muslim.
She
listens to loads of hip-hop, techno, trance, soft rock, rock, and also
loves Ghazals, Sufi, and Hindi film music. Her favorite Pakistani
artists are
Ghulam Ali and Abeeda Parveen.
Loves
to listen to stories of the character she is playing in upcoming films,
holidays, coffee, dancing, music, reading, traveling, & her
favorite thing to do is sitting at cafés over conversation with people
she likes.
Is a member of PETA.She is a person who is very much
attached to animals. Encourages people to stop using leather and other
products which are tested on animals and to be kind to animals.
Her favorite actors from childhood are
Johnny Depp,
Aamir Khan,
Amitabh Bachchan, and
Shah Rukh Khan. Her favorite actresses are
Priyanka Chopra,
Rani Mukerji, and her all-time favorite is
Sridevi. Ayesha finds there are many good directors, but she has always liked
Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
When she is not acting she reads books, goes for long drives, and meets her friends in the industry.
Won the Filmfare Best Debut Award 2004 for Taarzan.
In
2006, she was amongst the Top Ten on the listing of India's 50 Most
Desirable Women Alive, a poll conducted by Zoom, an Indian TV channel.
Her father's name is Nishit, her mother's name is Faridah, and her younger sister's name is Natasha.
Grew up in Chembur which is the suburb of Mumbai located in India.
Before
entering films, she appeared in two music videos: Falguni Pathak's Meri
Chunar Udd Udd Jaye, when she was fifteen. She then appeared in the
video, Shake It Daddy by Dee Jay Aqeel, when she was sixteen, which
brought her to the attention of the movie industry, and a few film
offers followed.
Owns a BMW 7 Series Sedan and Honda City.
Her favorite film
Yash Chopra film is
Lamhe (1991) since it has
Sridevi in it. Another favorite is
Straight from the Heart (1999) and
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995). She said that the role of Kajol in the movie is her dream role.
Had
to learn Urdu to act, but she only had to learn diction because she
came from a family where she speaks more of English at home.
Shares a cat with her sister named Morrisson.
Says her role model is her mother.
Went to St. Anthony's school, but never went to college because she started to work when she turned sixteen.
Fasted the entire month of Ramadan out of love for boyfriend Farhan Azmi.
Her
dad interacts with her producers because he handles her dates. She only
interacts with her directors and says her mom handles her life.
Did her first ad when she was 4 and since then she wanted to be an actress.
Says
if she weren't an actress she would be a would be a travel show
hostess, as she loves to travel and would still be in front of the
camera.
Is scared of heights and everything that has risks involved.
Favorite brands: Mango, Zara, Diesel, Fcuk, Guess and G star.
Favorite perfumes: 212 Sexy by
Carolina Herrera, Armani Code by
Giorgio Armani, Cherie by
Christian Dior, and True Star by
Tommy Hilfiger.
Her favorite places to shop are Italy, Malaysia, Singapore, London and Amsterdam.
Neither smokes nor drinks.
Her bad habit is chewing nails right to the skin.
Says she has never cooked, but can make good tea and coffee. She says she is a big chai addict.
Says her beauty secret is smiling.
Does two hours of aerobics everyday.
Does lots of yoga and meditation.
Saved from meeting with a fatal accident while shooting in Calgary, Canada for
8 x 10 Tasveer (2009). The scene required her to drive a car with
Akshay Kumar
sitting beside her. However, she lost control while driving. Kumar took
hold of the steering wheel and controlled the car in the nick of the
time (2007).
Favorite desserts: chocolates and pastries.
Favorite
dishes: Chinese Hakka noodles, mutton biryani, wonton soups, vada paav,
salads, pastas, pizzas, & all kinds of dairy products.
Favorite cuisines: Indian and Italian.
Loves honesty and cheerful people who are always smiling.
She
is a person who always works out and does not indulge in drugs and
alcohol because she believes it takes a person away from reality and
life.
Has known
Shahid Kapoor since the days when they shot for the 'Complan Kids' ad.
Won the award for IIFA Star Debut (2004).
Won Star's Sabsey Favourite Nayi Heroine (2005).
She has a boyfriend named Farhan Azmi and has started a boutique hotel business with him.
Won Zee Cine Critics Award - Best Actress , tied with
Gul Panag for
Dor (2006) (2007).
Won Bengal Film Journalists' Association Awards, Best Actress for
Dor (2006) (2007).
Won Stardust Best Supporting Actress Award for
Dor (2006) (2007).
Won Star Screen Award Best Actress (Critics) for
Dor (2006) (2007).
She has has done various roles ranging from comedy to serious characters, but prefers romantic movies.
Insists producers sign a contract on her reservations about intimate and steamy scenes.
Personal Quotes
Bobby Deol worked with Abbas-Mustan [in 'Humraaz'] and they are good
friends. I was in his home production, and so he told them about me.
Abbas-Mustan thought 'Kabhi Socha Na Tha' will release first and were
hence reluctant to cast me. But a few days later, they called me and
told me I was in 'Taarzan'.
In 'Taarzan', I play a London-based
girl who comes to India to study. Of course, Vatsal and I fall in love. I
have been strictly told not to reveal anything more. My producer and
directors will be furious if I start telling the public what they should
expect in the film. I think many films do not fare well even in the
initial stages, simply because the publicity gives it all away. Thank
God, we have carefully guarded it. 'Taarzan' is a very clean film which
can be seen with your family. You will not squirm in your seats like you
did in some recent films.
Firstly, I cannot do what Meghna Naidu,
Mallika Sherawat or Neha Dhupia did in 'Hawas', 'Murder', and 'Julie'
respectively. Neither can I do a 'Girlfriend.' Yes, I can wear short
tops and minis, but I would be uncomfortable wearing anything more
revealing. And don't forget Bhagyashree and Juhi Chawla never did any
bold and brazen stuff in their first ventures to get noticed. 'Taarzan'
will get noticed, and then, so will Vatsal and me.
I have been
doing ads since I was four years old. I must have done 60 ads by now.
Ever since I was five, I had told my relatives I wanted to be an
actress. My first music video was Falguni Pathak's 'Meri Chuna'r when I
was 15. Then came 'Shake It Daddy', which brought me a lot of
recognition.
It has always been my dream to be an actress and God
has blessed me with what I have. I completely love it and enjoy it
thoroughly and being in front of the camera gives me a real high. And
people like my fans give me so much love which I really respect and
thankful for.
As an actress I want to do all roles that would
inspire or challenge me. The first film that I did was not like the
usual commercial flick, so I am trying to do varied roles.
A
person I would like to date would definitely be someone who I could
respect and look up to. Someone with loads of manners and someone who
loves my family someone who loves cinema and basically uses more of his
heart then his mind and someone who loves me as a person, and the most
important thing is that I have to respect him. Because you cannot love
someone who you don't respect.
I have been the greatest fan of
Aamir Khan. I wanted to marry him when I was 8! I have been watching
Shah Rukh Khan's films a lot of late. And I think he is too charismatic for words!
Blatant exposure is not welcome. But if it were to be captured aesthetically, then well I shouldn't have a problem.
My sex appeal is my attitude! It's all about what's in the head.
I
love movies. So, I will continue to do work that interests me. I want
to do every kind of film. You are going to see me for a long-long time.
My director,
Imtiaz Ali,
picked up an Audi tape from Filmistan studios. He had auditioned over
1000 girls for the character of Aditi and the moment I walked into the
room, he was like, 'You are my Aditi'.
The first thing I look out
for are the people who are making the film because if I can't enjoy my
experiences and they are a pain to be around then I won't enjoy it. Then
of course I have to enjoy the role I am offered, unless I can do that I
can't give my best. Banners and good directors do matter too.
I
am so new and have a long way to go, but my directors are important.
Whatever they visualize I try to give them exactly that. I think that's
the best I can do. I have lots of weaknesses because I lack experience.
One can't learn acting, but one can be experienced at acting and I think
I lack that. That's all I need and I will only have that as I go long.
I've been earning something since I was a child. Recently I have bought a car - my Honda city and I am thrilled.
Well,
see... I like everything about myself. I wouldn't like to change that
for the world. And I am very happy with the kind of work that my face
has brought me. So no complaints.
No price is too high for a career in Bollywood. I love my job!
I
don't believe in astrology. I don't think one stone or number here and
there can change your life. I've never visited an astrologer.
Farhan
made the first move, of course. Guys should make the first move. I feel
guys must strive to go after their girls if they love them.
I observed rozas with my boyfriend, Farhan. I have decided to observe all of them. Let's see how many can I manage.
In Shaadi No. 1, I am playing Bhavana who is married to
Fardeen Khan. As she thinks that a husband is God's gift, she keeps on praying without understanding the needs of marital life.
I feel simply fabulous that I have a fan in
Preity Zinta! I think its high praise coming from a senior co-actor like her. It's extremely encouraging.
I have turned down roles like
Chameli
(2003) because I do not aspire to reach on top this way. I have always
opted for different kind of roles and I depend on my work and skills
rather than on my skin like many other women in the industry.
Yes, I have said NO to directors like
Yash Chopra. I had even refused to do
Neal 'N' Nikki
(2005) because I felt that I would never be comfortable in a bra and
panties and run around the beach. Besides that smooching sequences in
the film were too bold for me to do. I want to maintain my dignity in
the industry. I don't want to compromise that for a big director or for
some big money.
I have to face my family, my boyfriend and in
future my kids also. I don't want to embarrass them because of my dare
bare acts! So, I don't want to do anything which looks obscene on the
screen. Today, if I have to face my family and boyfriend, tomorrow I
have to face my kids also. How will I justify my exposure and
appearances in a bra? I have some responsibility towards my family and I
will never compromise for that. I was very clear in my mind from day
one.
Well, my best wishes for people who want to do body exposure.
They choose these types of movies according to their liking. As far as
it is concerned with me I am not comfortable with these types of scenes.
I have to see the film with my grandparents and parents. So for me it
is not acceptable.
Whatever has happened with
Main Hoon Na (2004) is all because of the date problem. I had never signed the film.
Farah Khan
is very sweet and I liked her. These are only rumors spread by some
people and the media. I was never a part of the film. Farah and I are
good friends. I don't know why people spread this type of news.
Himesh Reshammiya
has given excellent music in Taarzan: The Wonder Car (2004). I am a
romantic girl and I love romantic song. So 'O Sajan' is my favorite
song. But the title track 'Taarzan', which is a haunting and mysterious
type of track is worth listening it. So that is also my favorite song.
In
Taarzan: The Wonder Car
(2004) I am playing the character of a girl named Priya, who is very
young, fresh and happy kind of girl. She is fashion conscious kind of
girl. She lives with her father in London and studies in Oxford
University. She wants to live in India and experience living in her
country. So she shifted to India. She joined college where she met with
Raj (
Vatsal Seth) and fell in love with him. Every body asks me what inspired me to do
Taarzan: The Wonder Car
(2004). This is for the first time in the film history that a car is a
hero. People are very much anxious to see the movie. Everybody wants to
act in this type of film. The treatment, which Abbas-Mustan has given to
the movie, is excellent.
I was very happy about my
debut film, as I am Abbas-Mustan's fan. I had seen
Baazigar
(1993) several times, which is directed by Abbas-Mustan. I never
thought that one day they would be my launching director. It's a great
thing to work with them. I am very happy to work with them.
I
don't think I will get married anytime soon, but yes I do think about
these things; according to me marriage is not about age. One should
marry when one is ready for it and I don't think I am ready for marriage
right now.
I relate to all the three characters that I have
played so far in some way or the other. Though, I definitely do not
identify completely with any of them, but yes, you may say that there
was something of me in every character. Aditi (
Socha Na Tha (2005)) didn't get a fair deal in life and with God's grace life has been fair to me, Shagun (
Dil Maange More!!!
(2004)) did not believe in relationships, but I have complete faith in
relationships. I think it is faith that keeps relationships and life
going.
Working with
Shahid Kapoor
was great fun -- he is very talented and it's always nice to work with
talented people as it keeps you on your toes. I am very competitive and
if someone is better, it motivates me. It was a cool experience and I
have no complaints.
Vatsal Seth
is a very sweet boy. Taarzan was his first release as well and he was
very excited and enthusiastic about it - we are different individuals,
but still share a great working relationship. I don't get along well
with
Abhay Deol.
Director
Anant Mahadevan approached me for the role in
Dil Maange More!!!
(2004) and he also mentioned that they were looking for my phone number
for over a month and could not trace it. Thankfully for me they did
find my number and came to me for the narration (smiles). Initially, I
was a bit skeptical, as there were three girls in the film, but I really
liked it after I heard the script. I am not insecure at all and was
very happy working with my costars
Soha Ali Khan and
Tulip Joshi
in the film. I don't have a problem with anyone. I love the name of my
character Shagun. I play an arrogant fashion designer who keeps
quarrelling with everyone. She stays with her mom and doesn't trust the
male species as her father had left her mother for another woman many
years ago. At the same time she is a softhearted girl and wants to be
loved.
Socha Na Tha (2005) will be liked for its simplicity. This film is very close to my heart as it was supposed to be my
debut film. The director
Imtiaz Ali
is a close friend and also very good at his work - I am looking forward
to it. I must add that I have high expectations from this film -- I
expect people to appreciate the film for its simplicity. I feel people
are tired of item numbers and they will like watching a fresh love story
with a simple story and a strong emotional tenor. I signed the film
when I was only 16 but the film got delayed. I am playing a 24-year old
girl character who is wild, yet she cannot portray what she is. The
circumstances in her life don't allow her to live her life the way she
wants to.
I don't think there is anything the fresh crop sorely
lack. I think we are doing pretty well, but yes I do believe that we
have a lot to learn. There is nothing really that I miss in the current
Bollywood films. Besides, I think I am too new to answer that.
I
think it's great to be full of life. Having youth on your side is
another plus point that works for us. Besides, you should know your job
well. Nobody is here to father poor talent.
The industry says
there is not enough female talent to go around. I don't think it's just
female talent, there is a dearth of fresh talent in every field, but I
don't necessarily agree with the fact that we don't have good female
talent.
Priyanka Chopra is someone that I look up to. She is from the new lot and looks like she is here to do a damn good job!
Amrita Rao is a sweetheart. And I am trying hard too!
I
don't believe in live-in relationships and they are definitely not for
me. However, I am not against it, if it works out for someone then it's
great. Similarly, if marriage works out for someone it is great and if
anyone is not comfortable with marriage then it is his choice not to opt
for it. I think it is a very personal decision, which should be made as
the individual's temperament.
I am not insecure at all and was very happy working with my costars
Soha Ali Khan and
Tulip Joshi in
Dil Maange More!!!
(2004). I don't have a problem with anyone. To start with, I didn't
have too many scenes with Soha and Tulip. And we were very cordial with
each other. No problems whatsoever! There were lots of times when two of
us girls would finish our scenes and
Shahid Kapoor
would still be shooting his portion with the third. I would wave out to
Shahid and tease him that he had to still shoot while we were away
enjoying!
Its great working with newcomers! Since I am starting
out too, there is so much that we share in common by way of growing up.
Besides, there is a raw excitement and enthusiasm that is difficult to
find in a seasoned actor.
Hey, am I the new 'it' girl? That's
flattering. All the people I have met have been positive to my work.
That is very encouraging and makes me proud. Besides, I did not achieve
this tag overnight. I have been working at it from the age of 16. And
however cliché; it may sound, Bollywood has been kind to me.
If
you look back at life, there are many things that you do like to change.
But that's not the way things work, right? How you make best of what is
given is more my style. So I do like to believe that
Taarzan: The Wonder Car
(2004) was a great career start. And it has given me the position that I
currently enjoy. And I thank Abbas-Mustan for having believed in me.
Socha Na Tha
(2005) was the first time that I faced the camera, the first time I
shot for a film. So it's close to me in a million ways. And this Friday,
I can't wait for the audience reactions.
Socha Na Tha
(2005) is beautiful, fresh and real. It promises a light-hearted
experience. My character, Aditi is a wild kid. She has a mind of her own
and makes no bones about speaking it. But there is a certain reason
that doesn't let her be herself. She is forced to behave, act and be
another person that is not her. This little twist in her character is
what makes Aditi special.
Abhay Deol was good to work with.
Imtiaz Ali
has been a good experience too. His theatre background came of great
use as we used to go through extreme detailing. He was a taskmaster and
that helped me perform better.
I would say 'nahi nahi kabhi
nahi..' to anything that I am uncomfortable with. It could be a line, a
costume or a person. If it doesn't agree with me, then there is nothing
that will get me to do it.
We've got to accept that the industry
is male dominated. We are learning to deal with it best. If you have the
mettle, I think good work will find its way to you.
Sujoy Ghosh
has made a movie that is much ahead of its times. It is hip, cool,
young and immensely likeable. His style of direction is so different and
you can't even slot the movie into a musical or an emotional drama or a
comedy or anything else. It would bring a smile on your face, make you
cry, make you laugh - just about everything!
For
Home Delivery: Aapko... Ghar Tak
(2005) the look is again that of a simple and sweet girl who is quite
innocent. 'Home Delivery' is a film where I actually get to play someone
who is very much like me. You watch the movie and you would surely fall
in love with it. It is very sweet, touching and would invariably bring a
smile on your face. Though everyone says this for his/her movie,
believe me when I say that the movie is amazingly 'different' from the
kind of movies you see every week. It's not a copy of any movie or a DVD
rip-off. It has an altogether new storyline that
Sujoy Ghosh has projected so very beautifully on screen. My favorite scene is the flashback scene between
Vivek Oberoi and me! It has been pretty well shot and touches your heart.
Sujoy Ghosh and
Imtiaz Ali
have extremely different style of direction! They have an interesting
way of presenting a story on screen. I am sure if Sujoy directs
Socha Na Tha (2005) and Imtiaz directs
Home Delivery: Aapko... Ghar Tak (2005), they would do them in altogether different ways. They are so distinct from each other.
Well,
see I like everything about me. I wouldn't like to change that for the
world. And I am very happy with the kind of work that my face has
brought me. So no complaints.
Yes I do believe in mushy love stories! I can be quite a dreamy eyed girl. I think I look good with most guys!
This movie
Shaadi Se Pehle
(2006) has a message for youngsters. It's about relationships. Every
relationship has it ups and downs. It's about misunderstandings that
shouldn't happen but it's always there in every relationship.
It's
been a lovely experience for me. I play the character called Rani. She
is a fun loving girl. She has short hair and uses glasses. It's a
completely different look for me. There was lot for me of to do in the
film. There are songs, comedy, confusion and cuteness in the movie. I
enjoyed my role so it's been a pleasure to be part of
Shaadi Se Pehle (2006).
I
just do things that I enjoy doing. Ultimately it's my life and I have
to enjoy every moment! Parties are not really my scene. I don't do the
things that people do at parties. I like spending time with my close
friends and loved ones.
It's been a good journey, though a little
long! Only three of my films have released so far. I've met lots of nice
people. I am looking forward to everything.
We are kids in front
of stars from the yesteryear's. There is so much respect for them. I get
so intimidated that I can't even dream of romancing them. Like someone
recently asked me if I find
Dilip Kumar and
Amitabh Bachchan
sexy! I think that is a very mean word to use for someone who we
respect. Their talent and their age intimidate me so I can't even think
of being romantically involved with them.
I wouldn't choose to
romance an actor from the yesteryear's because right now, I'm so much in
love that I can't think about anybody. It won't matter who he is. Even
if
Johnny Depp, who I love, came down right now, I wouldn't bother or even give him a side look!
I
am very attached to my family. That's all I have! I don't have too many
friends from the industry. I don't think getting married gets you away
from your family. If anything, it gets you closer. Because you reach a
different level.
An actor of Naseeruddin Shah's caliber is so
respected. Not only in India, but also all over the world. I felt really
happy when he said that he had seen
Socha Na Tha
(2005) and liked my work. When he asked me if I wanted to be a part of
his film, I said 'Obviously!' My shooting is over. It was a great
experience. He is a task master. He wants everything to be perfect. When
an actor of his caliber is directing you, he gives valuable pointers in
many aspects. If you listen carefully, it really helps you a lot.
Name
does not make any difference as far as a film is concerned. I think
people love good entertaining films. Audience nowadays has become so
intelligent that you can't fool them. If you make a good entertaining
film only then you score a hit otherwise flop. Everyone has been asking
me, why is the word shaadi there in all my film titles! All I can say is
that, I haven't named any of my films! I really believe in the concept
of weddings. It's so beautiful when two people meet and decide to spend
the rest of their lives together. I look forward to getting married,
someday.
Ashley Rebello
is a real sweetheart. He's a very nice person. It's very important for
me to work with people who give me happiness. He brings happiness
whenever he is around. I must tell you that he has a very sweet mother!
Whenever we go to his house for trials, his mother is very hospitable.
He gives attention to detail and knows me very well. He knows that I
don't wear low blouses or very revealing clothes. Even if the character
is very modern, at the most I will show my abs or my legs! I don't go
beyond a limit. He knows my style and so I am very comfortable, working
with him.
Socha Na Tha (2005) will always be my first film and close to my heart.
Taarzan: The Wonder Car (2004) was an entertaining film but
Socha Na Tha (2005) had a lot of space for acting. I was approached for
Imtiaz Ali's second film
Jab We Met
(2007). Initially, 'Bobby Deol' and I were supposed to do the film, but
the dates did not work out between us. But, I look forward to working
with Imtiaz.
After
Dor (2006), viewers showed the confidence that I could play serious roles too and so I was offered roles in films like
8 x 10 Tasveer (2009) and
Wanted (2009) and many other big movies. My next release is
De Taali
(2008). 'The character is totally in contrast to what I am in actual
life. I play Ammu who is a complete tomboy. She is a complete brat and
grows up with Aftab Shivdasani and Reitesh Deshmukh. She does what
normally guys do.
There is a lot going on. Thankfully, my life
does not revolve around films! If it did, I would have gone mad by now! I
believe that films will end after a few years and I will have to
continue with other things. Family is too important to me. I have a few
friends, who are not from the industry. They keep me sane. We talk about
normal things. I am not an actress for them. I'm still a girl named
Ayesha at home and with my friends. I don't want to be a typical heroine
with them! That's not me as a human being. I go for long drives and
dinner with my friends.
Vaibhavi Merchant is a very talented choreographer. I worked with her on
Dil Maange More!!!
(2004) for the first time. When you watch her, you tell yourself that
if you can do it just like her, it'll be perfect! She has great inputs
and the energy levels in each shot are amazing. As a woman, I find it
more comfortable to work with female choreographers, cinematographers
and directors! She concentrates on a lot of things. Dance is not just
about steps. She stresses on the attitude and acting. I believe that if
you have the right attitude while dancing, you can even afford to be
technically wrong. Her sister who is too sweet, is also always on the
set.
I am at peace with myself, professionally due to all the accolades I got due to
Dor
(2006) and all the great projects that I bagged due to that film.
Personally, of course, I don't have anything more to ask for after
having such a caring and supportive boyfriend. I think that the gamble
of doing a deglamourized role has paid off! People have appreciated my
work and even hailed me as the next probable marquee-queen my portrayal
of a young widow, a role that is very close to my heart. It was not
stressful to play a serious role, but it kind of matured me somewhere as
a woman; though of course it's not as if I have totally shed off my
girlish innocence, it did bring a radical shift in my perspective.
I
would like to do romantic films most and my second preference would be
serious roles. Though I am not comfortable with stunts, I would
definitely like to do an action film like Tomb Raider
Yes, I do
sign a contract with every producer and mother has nothing to do with
it. I have lived life according to my own principles and ideologies and I
adhere to it. I was raised in a normal Gujarati style with all the
restrictions and reservations.
I am not being diplomatic, I
enjoyed working with all of my co-stars. Also, I am a very professional
type of person. I finish my work and go home. I have no favorites, I
enjoyed working with all of them.
I don't have any preferences and
I cannot afford it. It is just that the offers came from them. And it
is always an exciting experience as new directors are always
enthusiastic and hard working and give everything for the project as
they know that their life depends on the project.
I openly speak
about my relationship with Farhan Azmi. I have no qualms about talking
about my relationship. What is the need of hiding relationship? I think
people in the industry hide their relationship because they are unsure
about their relation. I have been seeing Farhan Azmi for around three
years now. In the beginning I didn't tell anyone about Farhan Azmi
because we were not sure about the future, but now we know we'll get
married some day. So I don't mind talking about it. Farhan is a self
made man. He began from scratch and is successful man today. He values
his culture and traditions. His father is a politician and he is a
restaurateur. I am proud of him for being what he is.
How do I
find time for my non-filmy boyfriend? I meet him when I am free from
shooting. We often go out for dinners. We go to a sea facing place and
spend time together. As I am food lover and he too loves food and like
to experiment new cuisines, so it is fun to go to a new eatery each
time.
There's still time for marriage, as ultimately I want to get
married, be a house wife and look after my family. I want to travel a
lot and may be starting a restaurant on my own.
I prefer to forget the mishap called
Shaadi Se Pehle
(2006). It had threatened to stir up my professional life, not so long
ago. I'm an impulsive person. I'm not the kind to make calculated moves,
thinking that arey, if I pick this film, it will catapult me to the
Oscars next year! I do those films that appeal to me in the first
reading. That the reason for the appeal may be totally wacky is another
story altogether.
Having said whatever I have, I must admit that I
do not regret any project I have done till date. Films are bound to
succeed or fail; if
Shaadi Se Pehle (2006) flopped, I was amply compensated with
Dor
(2006), which initially people were pretty skeptical about how I'd
handle since it was a totally deglamourized and a rural role, completely
contrasting to everything I'd done till then.
I have a handful of forthcoming projects.
No Smoking (2007) with
John Abraham is a light-hearted movie, there are
Sunday (2008/I) and
De Taali (2008) with
Ritesh Deshmukh and
Aftab Shivdasani.
I had a ball shooting for these films because these two guys are
laugh-rioters. They are the biggest pranksters I have ever come across,
so shooting with them was like going for a college camp!
In
Sunday
(2008/I), I play a dubbing artiste for animation films, due to which I
have had to learn the voice-modulation techniques, which has been great
fun. Then, in
Aladin (2009), which is a partially animated film, I play Jasmine. And then, in
No Smoking (2007), I'm playing the first double-role of my life as
John Abraham's wife and his secretary!
I am not making a conscious effort to shift towards light-hearted films. Going by the praise I have received for
Dor (2006), I'd be game to play such kinds of roles for my entire career but a
Dor
(2006) doesn't get made every day. Also, I love to experiment; be it
with my roles, my looks or my voice; hence, this variety in my
repertoire.
On looking toned down: I am on a weight-reduction
spree after all the brickbats I have been getting since the beginning of
my career for my puppy-fat. On day I just thought, chalo, let's
actually get down to doing something about it.
On how actresses
always find de-glam roles to be more challenging: I find it quite stupid
that some feel that if you don't wear make-up, you act better than
someone who does. You don't become a better actress by not putting on
make-up. If you play a girl from a gaon (village) you should not be
wearing makeup, and if you play a girl from a city and are being wowed
by guys, you ought to be wearing make-up. It's as simple as that.
One
has to spend almost six months together on the sets so I have to like
the people I work with and be comfortable around them. Of course the
role is an important criteria too.
I am totally a director's actor. Some directors like
Nagesh Kukunoor and
Imtiaz Ali want you to play a character realistically, as you feel it, while others like
Prabhu Deva want it exactly as they have visualized it. I do exactly what the director wants.
Luckily, after
Dor (2006) I get offered more interesting roles. But I am doing many different kinds of roles. Boney Kapoor's
Wanted (2009) is an out and out action, comedy, masala movie, where I am working opposite
Salman Khan. It is a remake of
Pokiri (2006) and
Prabhu Deva's first Hindi film as director. In
Nagesh Kukunoor's
8 x 10 Tasveer (2009) I play a lawyer's assistant opposite
Akshay Kumar.
No, I don't have any action sequences in
Wanted (2009). I am just the damsel in distress screaming in the background.
I don't think I can look older even if I try, but thanks to the costumes and make-up I end up looking the part.
The
best compliment I have ever got was when an elderly lady came up to me
in a restaurant to say that she rarely watches Hindi films but loved my
performance in
Dor (2006).
I
get quite crazy and entertaining fan mail. Many men ask me to marry
them and Farhan often jokes that some of these guys are better than him
and I should call them rather than seeing him.
The important lessons I have learned as an actor is that you must be totally honest in front of the camera.
I'm still firm on my no kissing and no item number policy. I know I will not be comfortable and will do a bad job, so why do it?
I'm not upset that
Bablu Pachisia was promoting
Kareena Kapoor more in the publicity campaign. That's hogwash. I am on very good terms with Kareena.
Shahid Kapoor
and I stay in the same building and I often meet Kareena in the lift. I
have no problem with Kareena's song being publicised. Anything that
helps the film is great. Even
Subhash Ghai did a similar thing when he promoted 'Mallika Sherawat' more than me in
Shaadi Se Pehle (2006). That film did not shape out as I had been told. I don't want to talk about
Shaadi Se Pehle (2006). It's over and done with.
When
asked if she missed Farhan a lot during the 40-day schedule in Cape
Town: Don't even ask. This was the first time I was away from him for
such a long time and I missed him terribly. He couldn't come to Cape
Town for a few days because he was very busy. He is opening many new
restaurants. After shooting for the day would be through, I would be on
the phone with him the whole time! Please don't ask me how much my
mobile bill ran into during that period.
I think
Kya Love Story Hai (2007) will do well. I was very keen to do this film. After my
debut film
Socha Na Tha (2005), I hadn't done a love story. I prefer doing love stories.
Thankfully
I haven't had any bad experiences with stardom, because I never venture
out alone. My mother is always with me and I am always surrounded by my
family and staff.
I
debuted
with the typical heroine role that was glamor-centric. Now I want to
press for performance centric roles where my acting capabilities will be
put to test.
Socha Na Tha (2005) does that for me.
On what got her to sign
Dil Maange More!!!
(2004): I liked the script. There were a bagful of characters, which
makes the narrative interesting. It's a romantic comedy and I had a
blast working in it. I play Shagun. She is very casual and isn't too
particular about the way she presents herself. Shagun is a Khadus
character who has constant fights with Shahid. She is a fashion designer
by profession. My favorite song in the movie is Chun Liya. It's
picturized on Shahid and me.
On how she managed the song-n-dance bit: Well, I am not half as good as
Shahid Kapoor, but I like to dance, because I enjoy it.
On
Shahid Kapoor:
He is a very talented actor. All I knew was to come onto the sets and
mouth my lines. He got me aware of the technicalities. Camera facing,
angles, profiles all of this is Shahid's tuition.
On not doing
Ghajini (2008)'s remake with
Aamir Khan: It was my choice to opt out and I don't want to talk about it anymore. Some things are destined not to happen.
On
the personal front I feel happy that I'm blessed with my long-time
boyfriend Farhan who lets me be myself. We plan to marry in five years'
time and I will definitely let the whole world know when we tie the
knot.
I'd seen
Rohit Shetty's
Golmaal: Fun Unlimited (2006) and loved it. And when he told me that
Ajay Devgn was my co-star I said 'Wow'! He had played my father-in-law in
Taarzan: The Wonder Car
(2004), and being his ardent fan I had wondered if I would ever be
romantically paired opposite him. Equally interesting was my character,
Seher. A dubbing artiste for cartoon characters, she sleeps one Saturday
night and gets up on Monday morning unable to remember what happened
in-between. Though I was intrigued by the thought of a day going missing
in a person's life, I believe this happens with some people. I gave the
nod immediately, but playing Seher was not as easy as it seemed, and I
recount the training I had to undergo before she faced the camera. I had
to watch dozens of cartoon films to register not only the peculiar,
squeaky noises that they make, but their weird expressions as well.
Vikas Kadam, a speech trainer, who had helped
Tusshar Kapoor play a mute in
Golmaal: Fun Unlimited
(2006), was there to guide me, and there was also Rakesh a senior
dubbing technician. I realized as Seher I had to lose all inhibitions
and distort my face to get my voice and expressions correct! It was so
embarrassing at times. On the sets I refused to see my face on the
monitor every time a shot was okayed!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKG9b8rkGIc
Birth of Name:Raajiv Hari Om Bhatia
