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I don't know if you guys already read this interview of amrita rao before
How did Bollywood happen?
Getting into films was a childhood dream, which I had kept to myself. But I guess I was destined to be an actress. I had just finished Class 10. I was 15. It was the summer vacation. I heard of an audition for a fairness crme ad film. I tried my luck, and I got it. And then, even as I joined college, modelling assignments started pouring in —Close-up, Coke, Pepsi Bru, Perk…. A few of the ad films got noticed. And that got me film roles — Ab Ke Baras, Ishq Vishq, The Legend of Bhagat Singh Mai Hoon Na. This was in 2003. Vivah happened two years later, and is still going on. Things began for me on a fantastic note with back-to-back hits.
You started off very young. Any regrets?
Actually, no, because even after so many films, I still have so much to look forward to … so many years ahead of me.
You come from a family that has nothing to do with films. How did you cope with the big bad world of Bollywood?
Actually, it's not such a big bad world. When you are an insider you realise there are different levels, as in every industry. The level you come from, you automatically begin to deal with that level. You avoid anything that looks remotely shady.
What about the casting couch?
I don't know if anything like that exists. I have not seen it or experienced it. I didn't have to really struggle to get my roles I have dealt with highly professional people and production houses, like Tips, Ken Ghosh, Raj Kumar Santoshi Rajshree…. So, I have not had to deal with anything sleazy. I suppose the casting couch is a desperate measure, which unfortunately some people succumb to. It's a personal choice. But finally, no one can force you to do anything you don't want to do.
It is believed that models don't make good actresses. Your take on that?
I think it's a myth. It's a generalisation, and like all other generalisations, it's not true. Look at Bipasha Basu, Sushmita Sen Gul Penag. They were models who are also fine actresses.
What about competition?
Yes, there's more competition in movies than in modelling. When you are a model, no one says 'That shampoo girl is better than the coffee girl'. But once you enter films, you have to be prepared for it — comparisons and criticisms. You have to be strong enough to deal with it. You are only as good as your last film. As an actress you have to gamble with your name and reputation. What if you are not received well by the audiences? What if you are written off by the media? You are constantly plagued by such questions.
How do you deal with over-exposure?
It's easy to lose one's freshness. We need to keep doing different kinds of roles to remain in the public eye. But then, if over-exposure was bad, then Hollywood actresses would have been the first targets. People like Julia Roberts have survived for so long because of their creativity and versatility. But again, you cannot have too many releases in a year. You need to space them out and choose roles that leave a lasting impression.
Your take on beauty pageants?
It gives winners an opportunity to become goodwill ambassadors of their country. People want glamorous symbols to go with compassion. It let's these people do a lot of good work.
You are being politically correct.
Well, these pageants also provide a huge platform to the world of glamour. They are steppingstones to the world of modelling and movies.
What do you think of the Aishwarya-Abhishek wedding? Will it last?
I think it is the most historic wedding to happen in Bollywood. Most Bollywood marriages have lasted. Look at Shah Rukh Khan, Anil Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor, Sri Devi … all big names. Their marriages have lasted.
How do you handle gossip and rumour-mongering?
They come with the territory. It does hurt because you are human. But you have to learn to live with it. You have to take it as part of the fame and find other things to help you find a balance. The best way to deal with gossip is to keep quiet and not react. It's practically impossible to go door-to-door telling people what they've heard is not true.
'I am ready for an item number'
Ultimate fantasy: I'm glad my characters gave me the opportunity to connect with my generation of people. Punam in Vivah was a very mature role of a small town girl. Yes, a lot of guys have complimented me on the role. And I feel happy that guys still like such girls.
Muse's views: It is a compliment to be MF Hussain's muse after Madhuri, and I still cannot believe it's true. The fact that he has immortalised me in his canvas would freeze as a historical moment in my career.
Big banners, bigger co-stars: I remember when Sushmita won the Miss Universe crown, every schoolgirl including me wanted to be like her. I never imagined that I would get to do such a beautiful role with her in Main Hoon Na.
Item girl: For me, sensuality lies in the attitude and expression and not the clothes. I would love to work with Farah Khan in a guest appearance song or, as you call it, an item number.
On working with King Khan: I worked with Shah Rukh first in Main Hoon Na and now in My name is Gonsalves. Now I know why they call him the Badshah. His response can only make your reflexes better.
A day off in her life: Lazying around, catching up with friends and relatives, watching a movie and driving around the city...
Romancing Shahid, onscreen: I know Shahid since Ishq Vishq and we get along well with each other.
Waiting for Mr Right? I believe there is no Mr Right. If you find the right person and want to spent the rest of your life with him, then you would have to make it work towards making it right.
How did Bollywood happen?
Getting into films was a childhood dream, which I had kept to myself. But I guess I was destined to be an actress. I had just finished Class 10. I was 15. It was the summer vacation. I heard of an audition for a fairness crme ad film. I tried my luck, and I got it. And then, even as I joined college, modelling assignments started pouring in —Close-up, Coke, Pepsi Bru, Perk…. A few of the ad films got noticed. And that got me film roles — Ab Ke Baras, Ishq Vishq, The Legend of Bhagat Singh Mai Hoon Na. This was in 2003. Vivah happened two years later, and is still going on. Things began for me on a fantastic note with back-to-back hits.
You started off very young. Any regrets?
Actually, no, because even after so many films, I still have so much to look forward to … so many years ahead of me.
You come from a family that has nothing to do with films. How did you cope with the big bad world of Bollywood?
Actually, it's not such a big bad world. When you are an insider you realise there are different levels, as in every industry. The level you come from, you automatically begin to deal with that level. You avoid anything that looks remotely shady.
What about the casting couch?
I don't know if anything like that exists. I have not seen it or experienced it. I didn't have to really struggle to get my roles I have dealt with highly professional people and production houses, like Tips, Ken Ghosh, Raj Kumar Santoshi Rajshree…. So, I have not had to deal with anything sleazy. I suppose the casting couch is a desperate measure, which unfortunately some people succumb to. It's a personal choice. But finally, no one can force you to do anything you don't want to do.
It is believed that models don't make good actresses. Your take on that?
I think it's a myth. It's a generalisation, and like all other generalisations, it's not true. Look at Bipasha Basu, Sushmita Sen Gul Penag. They were models who are also fine actresses.
What about competition?
Yes, there's more competition in movies than in modelling. When you are a model, no one says 'That shampoo girl is better than the coffee girl'. But once you enter films, you have to be prepared for it — comparisons and criticisms. You have to be strong enough to deal with it. You are only as good as your last film. As an actress you have to gamble with your name and reputation. What if you are not received well by the audiences? What if you are written off by the media? You are constantly plagued by such questions.
How do you deal with over-exposure?
It's easy to lose one's freshness. We need to keep doing different kinds of roles to remain in the public eye. But then, if over-exposure was bad, then Hollywood actresses would have been the first targets. People like Julia Roberts have survived for so long because of their creativity and versatility. But again, you cannot have too many releases in a year. You need to space them out and choose roles that leave a lasting impression.
Your take on beauty pageants?
It gives winners an opportunity to become goodwill ambassadors of their country. People want glamorous symbols to go with compassion. It let's these people do a lot of good work.
You are being politically correct.
Well, these pageants also provide a huge platform to the world of glamour. They are steppingstones to the world of modelling and movies.
What do you think of the Aishwarya-Abhishek wedding? Will it last?
I think it is the most historic wedding to happen in Bollywood. Most Bollywood marriages have lasted. Look at Shah Rukh Khan, Anil Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor, Sri Devi … all big names. Their marriages have lasted.
How do you handle gossip and rumour-mongering?
They come with the territory. It does hurt because you are human. But you have to learn to live with it. You have to take it as part of the fame and find other things to help you find a balance. The best way to deal with gossip is to keep quiet and not react. It's practically impossible to go door-to-door telling people what they've heard is not true.
'I am ready for an item number'
Ultimate fantasy: I'm glad my characters gave me the opportunity to connect with my generation of people. Punam in Vivah was a very mature role of a small town girl. Yes, a lot of guys have complimented me on the role. And I feel happy that guys still like such girls.
Muse's views: It is a compliment to be MF Hussain's muse after Madhuri, and I still cannot believe it's true. The fact that he has immortalised me in his canvas would freeze as a historical moment in my career.
Big banners, bigger co-stars: I remember when Sushmita won the Miss Universe crown, every schoolgirl including me wanted to be like her. I never imagined that I would get to do such a beautiful role with her in Main Hoon Na.
Item girl: For me, sensuality lies in the attitude and expression and not the clothes. I would love to work with Farah Khan in a guest appearance song or, as you call it, an item number.
On working with King Khan: I worked with Shah Rukh first in Main Hoon Na and now in My name is Gonsalves. Now I know why they call him the Badshah. His response can only make your reflexes better.
A day off in her life: Lazying around, catching up with friends and relatives, watching a movie and driving around the city...
Romancing Shahid, onscreen: I know Shahid since Ishq Vishq and we get along well with each other.
Waiting for Mr Right? I believe there is no Mr Right. If you find the right person and want to spent the rest of your life with him, then you would have to make it work towards making it right.
Indias Got Talent 11
Cricket
Anupamaa
3