Parag Maniar
Could you relate to the character of Desdemona?
Yes I could! Desdemona stands by her love like a hard rock and I have the same quality in me.
What was your reaction when Vishal approached you with the script?
I had seen Maqbool and loved it immensely. So when Vishal approached me saying that he was remaking Othello I had decided that no matter what I was going to do this film. It was a perfect chance for me to exploit my talent. I instantly said a yes. I felt more confident once Vishal narrated the script to me.Would you say that Omkara is your first dark and grim film?
In fact it is the other way round. Omkara has its lighter moments. In fact the first half is filled with light sequences that make the film extremely enjoyable. It is only after the interval that the film gets serious.
But the atmosphere on the sets told things otherwise. It is heard that Ajay Devgan played a prank on the unit…
That's true (laughs)! He had got these bhangwale laddoos and distributed them amongst the unit. Thank God I never had any because I keep a check on my diet. But my spotboy and my hairdresser had and so did Vishal Bharadwaj. By the end of it the whole unit was on a high. Shooting was cancelled that day (laughs).
What other films do you have on hand?
I am committed to Zoya's film. It's called Love Story. I am also doing Soham's next that is being produced by Karan Johar. These films will start only next year so I think its too early to talk about them.
Is it true that in Zoya's film your character is similar to that what Shah Rukh Khan played in Darr?
What rubbish! The only thing I can say that Zoya's film is a love story. My role is not what SRK did in Darr.
With you having signed a film with Karan's banner you two have patched up…
Yes! See I have no regrets about not doing films. Like I don't remorse over walking out of Kaho Na Pyar Hai and Kal Ho Na Ho. But yes I do regret losing out on friendship. I lost nine months on Karan's friendship and I think it was not worth it. I am glad I am doing his film now.
People say that you are devoted to Shahid?
Yes I am and I have no qualms admitting to it. I am an Indian girl at heart. I have my values right. I love him just like any normal girl would love her lover.
People also say that you want to settle down with him for good?
Marriage is not on the cards at the moment. I cannot even think of it. Shahid and I both want to focus on our careers. Also I want to continue to work for another eight to ten years. And thankfully I am getting some really interesting work at this stage of my career.
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