I have not come across the casting couch

Raise the toast for the new Indian face. The graceful lass from Pune, is set to make it big in Bollywood. Having won accolades for her performances in her debut film Garam Masala, she personifies confidence to the hilt. The young curvaceous teen exudes warmth. The young Geminian is passionate about facing the camera. Meet NARGIS who with her intense looks and curves is sure to hustle the male hormones. Excerpts:

Was Garam Masala a perfect launch pad?

Of course! With all biggies in tow – production house – Venus, director – Priyadarshan, co-actors – Akshay Kumar, John Abraham and Paresh Rawal, what more could a new actor asked for?

All you'll girls in the female lead were new. Do you feel you role was meatier than the others?

Yes we were new. And we played a similar character – that of an air hostess and all of them were being wooed by Akshay Kumar. Speaking about my role, my character 'Pooja' did got recognition from the young and old alike all over. It was performance oriented one and was that of a girl with her head firmly on her shoulders. When she finds out that Akshay is a flirt and a two-timer, she decides to end the relationship. She feels for John Abraham who is sensible and loves and cares for her only. With three heroines around it might be a different ball game!
I knew about it since the casting and I never had any starry qualms about the same. Each had their own identity, style and glamour. What more, the film has strike it rich at the box-office windows.

How did you bag this role?

It got this role at the behest of Nirupama Menon from Suniel Shetty's Popcorn Company. But the going was not a bed of roses. It was only after few auditions that I bagged the role of Pooja.

What made you choose acting as your profession?

I wanted to become a pilot. But my friends wanted to take up modelling. I did my first commercial ad for Dawar Chawanprash with Govinda. He had then predicted that one day he wanted to see me as an actress. His wish turned out to be true. Finally here I'm.

Isn't it you started modelling with John Abraham?

I did ramp shows as a model. I was a Gladrags discovery from West zone. John too was a model then. Call it a coincidence of all sorts. Together we did our first campaign. We were both chosen as the brand ambassador for a Gujarat-based web-site.

Do you take any acting trainings?

While in Pune, I was tutored by Deepak Mores. In Mumbai, I did undergo crash courses in acting from a well-known theatre personality Mukul Srivastava.

What kind of dream roles are you aspiring to play?

I would like to play the role of a girl-next-door who is bubbly and vivacious. I like dancing around the trees, particularly the 'sarson ka khet' kind in Karan Johar's film.

If given an option, whom will you choose as your male lead?

Akshay Kumar.

Why?

He is an institution in himself. He is above par…. be it in romantic, comedy or action scenes. On the other hand he is a source of inspiration to his new co-stars.

What is your say about the 'skin show' by many new and up-coming heroines?

I'm not a game for it. I have my own conservation. The 'skin show' funda, according to me is a short-term goal.

What next?

There are few big and good projects under consideration. I will let you know once I ink the deal.

While selecting a film, what is important to you?

First the story, then my role and overall they should be genuine film makers who has love for the medium.

Did you ever have to face the casting couch?

I have not come across such a couch. In fact, I have met all respected makers who are older enough to be my father. Rather than the couch, it should be the cradle…!

If you are not shooting what do you do then?

I have few hobbies. I love to listen to old Hindi songs. I further update myself by reading encyclopaedias. The newer hobby in my kitty is kick-boxing.