they gave me 'U' certificate

Actor-filmmaker Pooja Bhatt says she has broken a record of sorts with "Holiday" as it is the first film from the Bhatt banner to get a 'U' certificate without any cuts.

"It is a family film and for the first time in the Bhatt 'khandan' a film has got a 'U' certificate without any cuts. It is a record. We had got a 'U' in 'Tammana' and 'Sur' but with a few cuts and now I have broken the record," Pooja told in an interview.

"Holiday", starring Dino Morea and Onjolee Nair, hit the screens Friday and is Pooja's third film. The director points out that newcomer Onjolee faces the camera without any makeup.

"In today's time there is so much pressure on women to be perfect. The special thing about 'Holiday' is that you have a heroine who says don't hide behind your makeup - take your makeup off and face the world the way you are."

Dino plays a dance instructor in the film.

"About Dino people used to say he is not a dancer. That only Hrithik Roshan or Shahid Kapur can dance, but if you watch the film you won't say Dino is not a dancer."

The film is Pooja's baby, as she didn't take any help from her father for it on the sets.

"I am very proud of 'Holiday' because for the first time I have made a film without Bhatt saab. If there is any flaw in the film, I will be responsible for it. And if the film succeeds at box office - I can say proudly I am Mahesh Bhatt's daughter.

"After watching the film, Bhatt saab sent me a message, 'I can die peacefully now'. That's the greatest compliment you could get from your father."

She is candid about her domineering image. "If a woman talks a little loudly they say she is a fascist but if a man puts you on hold for five minutes on the phone you will say he is very ambitious.

"You are a journalist, you won't get a bite if you don't push and shout. Similarly, I won't get a shot if I don't shout."

The film was screened late last year at Kara Film Festival in Karachi and was received well.

"General (Pervez) Musharraf came for the closing ceremony and thanked all Indian artistes. I almost fell off the chair because he took my name and said 'I know Pooja is here and I know she has done some good work'. So it is a great compliment for you when your enemy praises you."

Pooja also takes credit for introducing models in the industry, John Abraham being a prime example. "It is easier to work with models," she says.

"The reason is they are familiar with the camera and know how to hold themselves in front of the still camera or when the camera rolls. You don't have to teach them the basics. The fallacy that models can't act, I think, we proved wrong with John," she added.

She insists she has just taken a break from acting.

"I have not quit acting, I have a taken a break from acting. I think after doing movies like 'Daddy', 'Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin', 'Sir', 'Zakhm' and 'Tamanna', you get a little spoilt for roles. Unless the role is as challenging as 'Zakhm' or as special as 'Everybody Says I Am Fine', why should I act?"

Pooja, who tied the knot with VJ-turned-hotelier Munish Makhija, believes a good marriage means no change in you and a bad marriage forces you to change.

"So luckily for me I met a man who is big enough in his heart to be able to absorb me the way I am."