Posted:
"I would never have a one night stand" - Asin
Asin gets into a zen mode. Filmfare listens in
Asin's career has been no less than a miracle. She's had five 100 crore hits out of which four have been back to back. Let's just say she's blessed with both lady luck and the beauty of Aphrodite proportions. She believes in forgiving malice with a good heart. She won't gossip. Instead she steers clear of any negative influence. The seven sins seem like distant Martian philosophy when you meet her. But like all mortals, she's far from the end of the journey. In fact, having conquered the box-office gauntlet, Asin's focus now is to satisfy the performer in her. She is ready to sacrifice the best offers until she finds a role that does justice to the artiste within. It's almost like she doesn't have time for matters of the heart. If she's figured out her right man, she won't spill the beans. Instead she talks of her on-screen men and industry friends. She revels on having made it on her own. Excerpts from a candid summer chat...
Q. The South Industry is more disciplined as compared to Bollywood. How do you manage with the work ethic here?
I'm flexible. Having worked in the South, I'm used to waking up at 3 am and getting ready for a 7 am call time. I worked with KPAC Lalitha in a Malayalam film, my debut. She taught me something that has stayed with me. She had a heavy costume and make up. She was ready at 7 am and kept waiting for the director to call her for the scene. The shoot ended late in the night but she wasn't called. I felt bad for her and told her, "I am sorry Chechi but don't you feel bad that you waited like this whole day?" She replied, "Not at all. It's my job to be there whenever they need me. I'll be here tomorrow morning again irrespective of when they need me or not." I was in school at that time and this advice stuck with me. I stick to the call time. I have never understood the concept of being fashionably late.
Q. You're a 100-crore heroine but you haven't worked with Shah Rukh Khan yet.
It sounds clichd but I've grown up watching Shah Rukh Khan. I remember we were returning from a school picnic when the movie Kuch Kuch Hota Hai was being shown in the bus. Though we'd reached home, I didn't want to get off the bus. Shah Rukh, Yash Raj Films and Karan Johar were names one associated with Hindi films. It would be lovely to work with them if the right project comes along. But honestly, now I want to do films with well-etched characters. The number of releases in a year is no longer a criterion. Artistic satisfaction is. There's no point running to stay in the same place.
Q. You haven't yet worked with the younger lot, like Ranbir Kapoor, Imran Khan, Ranveer Singh… as yet.
I hope the right project comes along. They would be closer to my age and the whole energy and vibe would be young, the interaction would be fun and freer.
Q. What is your take on industry friendships? It is believed that two actresses can never be friends. Do you agree?
I regularly keep in touch with Sonam Kapoor and Jacqueline Fernandes. Somehow, we've managed to click and the friendship has survived over the years. They're chilled out and we have a great time together. I've never had ego or insecurity issues with anyone. I don't know if it's right to use the term 'friends' because it hints at a kind of familiarity. But if need be I can pick up the phone and call up or drop by at Aamir Khan's, Salman Khan's or Akshay Kumar's house. I share good professional as well as personal equations with them even though they're stalwarts.
Q. Is it important to have an influential boyfriend in the industry?
I'm glad I have made it without a boyfriend or a sugar daddy, without a godfather or 'giggles'. I have come this far even though I had no remote connection with the industry nor did I have any formal training. It's not easy to make that shift from the South to the North. You've a lot of expectations to meet.
Q. How difficult is it for a single girl to survive in this industry?
It's as easy or difficult for a career-minded single girl in any other profession. The problems, pressures and stress faced by a girl aren't particularly different just because it's the film industry. I'm good as long as I've got family support. My parents know me and what's going on in my life. They are the only people I owe an explanation to.
Q. How do you deal with men hitting on you?
ot of people indulge in harmless flirting as a pastime. But if you're not in that zone you politely tell them that you don't encourage such things. People are sensible enough to know when to back off but there are some persistent ones. I was too naive to know these things initially. But I believe integrity and class shows through. I've never had any serious trouble.
Q. Have girls hit on you?
Yes. I had an admirer when I was in my first year of college. I told her it's sweet and I'm flattered but I'm straight.
Q. Do you remember your first crush?
I'm not someone who falls for people easily. I didn't have such fancies even as a teenager. If I have to like a person I need to connect with that person. Even if it's just a crush. To bring out an iota of reaction from my side requires effort. (Laughs) It's weird.
Q. When did you learn about the birds and the bees?
Very early. My parents have been forthright and frank with me. Amongst my friends, I was the first one to know. My mother is a doctor. She had books on gynecology and obstetrics at home. I'd ask her about the weird diagrams and she'd explain them to me. I appreciate that I was told the truth. So when I actually faced things I wasn't shocked.
Q. Do you remember your first date?
It's hard to believe but I had my first date after I turned 25. It was not planned but just happened by fluke as my other friends didn't turn up.
Q. Have you ever had a boyfriend?
No.😆😆
Q. Really?
It takes a lot. I need to find someone who's compatible and who understands me. I've not even been looking for one. Nor am I in an atmosphere conducive to having guys of the same age around. I haven't dated any guy nor do I come from a background where dating is allowed. It's awkward to explain this to people from Mumbai and Delhi. But people down South understand this.
Q. So where are all the stories of your marriage coming from?
It's so weird. My childhood friends stay in different parts of the world. We decided to meet up in the US for New Years. So we had a vacation. But when I returned I heard rumours about me taking off to America to meet my boyfriend. I tried ignoring the rumours but there was no sign of them stopping. So I had to clarify.
Q. But there's no smoke without fire…
(Laughs) Here, we do have smoke machines and there can be smoke without fire.
Q. How do you deal with it?
Sometimes journalists write things to fill up space or to just get back at me because I didn't answer their call. At times news is floated as a part of PR strategy, which is weird. I'm the sensitive sort. I get affected. After a point it gets irritating.
Q. What's your take on one-night stands?
I would never have a night stand. I wouldn't act on the basis of pure physical attraction or temporary satisfaction. Any relation requires emotional investment. I wouldn't even entertain the thought.
Q. Is it better to marry a man you love or someone who loves you?
Ideally, I'd love to have a balance of both. It'll be sad to pick just one.
Q. What is your idea of love?
Love is non-selfish. Love is to extend oneself to nurture the overall development of the other person. Love means sacrifice and it's always about the other person - even if you're not a factor in that person's happiness.
Q. What is stopping you from falling in love?
I'm yet to find a man I can be crazy about. I've never experienced love at first sight. There can be lust at first sight but love is beyond that. Everyone looks for love and so do I. But everything has its time and place.
Q. What are your views on Botox and cosmetic surgery?
It's an individual choice and I'm not judgmental about it. But personally, I'd never go under the knife. I keep away even from medicines. I'm happy the way I am. I'd rather avoid anything artificial. I'd prefer aging gracefully. I am pretty content with my looks.
Book Talk
Anupamaa
12