She pondered on every question for a minute before answering (had she already learnt the art of being an actress?). lf you are looking for gossipy quotes, Vidya is definitely not someone to look forward to.
Her statements were politically correct and when caught out, she laughed heartily.She hasn't charted her course of action in Bollywood yet and wants to take things as hey come, she told us when we met her on the sets of Halla Bol. She refused to talk about the film because, "It's just the second day of shooting'' Masalal brings you excerpts from the observation with the gentle lady.
Did you enjoy the IIFA awards in Dubai?
My first IIFA was good because I won the award. It was also great to be in Dubai where I have many relatives. My parents and elder sister were also in Dubai during the IIFA weekend so it was like a huge family vacation. My parents visited all the hotshots of Dubai such as the Burj Al Arab, Jumeriah Beach Resort and Safa Park. I just about managed to hit the City Centre Mall.
Has life changed after all the accolades?
I'm still the same old Vidya with the same quirks and behavioural traits. But yes, l've become a lot busier than before.
Are you a spontaneous actor? I am inquisitive about people in general. I question my directors and scriptwriters before starting work. Before beginning work on Parineeta, we did an audio sound board to see if things worked or not. Before going to the sets I started watching films of that period. And since I was a tad plump, I went to a gym, lost too much weight and had to put some back on to fit into the character. I am not a switch-on, switch-off artist - I need a lot of inputs.
Tell us something about your forthcoming film, Nikhil Advani's Salaam-E-lshq Salaam-E-lshq is a multi-starrer. The film is set in an urban milieu. The story has many sub plots and it revolves around the love relationships of a few couples .--John
Abraham and I play one of the couples.
What role are you playing in the sequel to Munnabhai MBBS?
I wouldn't say that Lage Raho Munnabhai is a sequel per se. The characters Munna and Circuit are in this movie too but that is where the similarity ends. I am playing the role of a radio jockey, who is Munnabhai's love interest.
Did you expect Parineeta to be a success? Honestly speaking, I never bargained for it but I am really happy it happened.
Whenever I would see my favorite actors and actresses pick up awards, I wished that one day I would be nominated. When I won my first award, I was numb. I walked up on stage, took the award, mumbled something and walked back down. It took time for the excitement to sink in. Today I feel humbled and blessed.
We heard that you visited many radio stations before starting work on the film?
Actually, Mallishka, a college friend of mine is a radio jockey. When l was offered this role, I decided to visit her radio station for firsthand experience of how the jockeys work, so I did.
How do you tackle the Indian press?
I haven't considered the indian press as something to be tackled or dealt with, they have been very warm and positive with me. l'm not against press persons nor am l anti interviews. It gets difficult to answer all calls and messages but I try to manage.
Did you have preconceived notions about the film industry and have they changed?
Honestly speaking, I never had any preconceived ideas. I always wanted to be an actress - the medium did not bother me. I had read about the industry being a big, bad world but my experiences have been to the contrary. Everyone has been warm, loving and accepting of me. I hope the journey continues like this.
Were you upset when you were linked you with your mentor, Pradeep Sarkar the director of Parineeta?
Initially, it would irritate me but l've learnt not to pay heed to it. Dada and his wife are like family to me. I go by what my dad says, tough situations don't last tough people do'.
What sort of roles do you enjoy doing?
I want to do roles of substance that require me. I have no problem if people typecast me because being set in an image only shows that you as an actor, have actually convinced the viewer effectively that you are somebody else altogether. I want to do roles without which the film is incomplete.
How have people reacted to your stardom?
Mum's the usual - biased and loving.Whatever her daughter does is the best. And dad's on top of the world. They are very happy to see me reach the heights I have reached. When I wasn't an actress, I would keep yapping to them about how I wanted to be an actress. They are spared of that now.
Are you happy with your demure image on screen or do you want to change it?
My goal as an artiste is achieved when I convince my viewers to See me as Someone other than myself This doesn't mean that I want to keep playing Lolita-esque characters always. Tomorrow, if I am given the role of a city-bred girl then I will try my best to do come justice to that too.
What are the things that make you angry?
I like to be in control of my life. I am like monica in Friends. I need things to be in order I can get edgy about cleanliness. Five years hence, you See yourself as... I would be happy if I knew what I would be doing five hours from now (laughs.) I am not someone who plans things. I do what I feel is right at that moment. Love is essential for every human that unconditional feeling that makes you look beyond being to survive - it's yourself. Right now I am in love with my work''
In real life are you Lolita-eszue?
I think in some ways I am, especially when it comes to expressing the emotion of anger. In the film, Lolita isn't too expressive about her Ager and that's just the way I am. When I am angry I just shut myself away. I keep quite till I am calm.
Did modelling prepare you for acting?
Yes, my modelling experience did handy. Luckily, while 1 was doing television commercials, 1 got to work a lot of high-profile, extremely talented and experienced directors. Modelling prepared me to face the camera and pick up the technicalities. Advertising turned out to be a good training ground for films.
Tell us something about your character in Mani Ratnam's Guru?
The cast of Guru consists of Aishwarya Rai, Abhishek Bachchan, Madhavan and myself We've just completed the first schedule of the film.
What is your biggest asset as an actor? I think my directors would be better equipped to answer this question. But 1 know one thing for sure, that as an artist my biggest asset is that I am willing to learn.
What are your passions in life?
I am passionate about watching all films - from commercial potboilers to parallel films. I also watch a lot of foreign language films with English sub-titles. I love listening to Indian classical music and spending time with my loved ones. I am quite a chatterbox if I am left with my friends.
What does love mean to you?
Love is essential for every human being to survive. It's the unconditional feeling that makes you look beyond yourself And right now, I am in love with my work. I don't want to get into a relationship just for the heck of it. It will happen when it has to.
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