Amrita Rao Interview about Shahid-article

She got great fame after 'Main Hoon Na' but she was recognized as a 'real' actress only after the success of 'Vivah'. Her role of a simple girl was not only appreciated in North India but the audiences in Gujarat and abroad also appreciated her.

After 'Vivah' Amrita will be seen in director E.Niwas's film 'My name is Anthony Gonsalves". We catch up with her as she eagerly awaits the release of her next film.

Q. Tell us something about your character in the film 'My Name Is Anthony Gonsalves'?
A. I am playing a Catholic girl named Riya who works as an assistant director under the biggest woman film maker of the industry.

In this film I am playing a today's girl who decides what's good and what's bad for her, herself. In spite of being in film industry she is a simple girl and her clothes are traditional rather than glamorous.

My character is not imaginary but inspired from the assistants whom I see at work. I really hope I won't let them down.

Q. For the homework involved in this role, which assistant director inspired you the most?
A. I studied many assistant directors of this film. Along with their expressions; I also noticed how they take care of all our little needs. I remember an incident which happened during "Main Hoon Na".

I had gone to audition for the role at Shahrukh Khan's office and Farah Khan had given me the scene where I had to say to Shahrukh Khan with tears in my eyes that I hate my father because he wanted a son.

Farah left after giving the scene. I was so excited that before she came I asked the assistant director Jagrit to explain the scene to me.

It was his first experience at explaining a scene to someone and he explained the scene so beautifully and nicely that when Farah came she didn't have to do it and I did the scene in one take.

She asked me to do the scene again and I was immediately selected. I think an assistant director plays an important role in making any scene easy.

Q. What do you have to say about Nikhil as an actor?
A. According to me Nikhil's second name is self confidence. He is very dedicated towards his work. It was his childhood dream to be on the silver screen.I am very happy his dream is coming true. I have done many films but this is Nikhil's first film, so I wish that this film proves to be a perfect launch for him.

Q. This film also has Mithun Chakraborty. How was it working with him?
A. I am very happy that he is back into acting. Our film industry needs actors who can act with maturity and understand the seriousness of acting. After Amitabh ji, Mithun ji has all these qualities. Mithun ji is can be called the life of this film. In this film, Mithun ji is playing the role of a church Father.

Q. This film is a thriller. How much space is there for you as an actress in the film to perform?
A. This film has two plots. In one Anthony wants to be a film star and is in love with Riya which I play and the other plot is about the people related to Anthony. I think this film is best to launch a new actor.

Q. It is being said that the promos of this film matches that of 'Johnny Gaddar'.
A. I have seen the promos of 'Johnny Gaddar' which is about guns and murders and the background is also very dark. On the other hand, our film is about the common dreams of a common man.

Q. What is the reason behind you becoming choosy after 'Vivah'?
A. I always sign any film with care and a lot of thought because taking a risk in this industry can get quite costly.

Q. Your name was linked with Shahid first and now it's been done with Nikhil. How do you feel about it?
A. (Laughs) Everybody had forgotten that but you made me remember it. I feel rumours come and go always and I don't bother about them.

For Nikhil it was a new thing, so, at first he got worried thinking what his parents will think about him. I told him that this is the first phase of stardom. Few things will be in your favour and few won't. You will have to make the things which are not, favourable.

Q. Tell us something about your forthcoming films?
A. My next releases will be Anil Kapoor's 'Shortcut' and Shyam Benegal's 'Mahadev'.

Q. We have heard that Shayam Benegal's 'Mahadev' will now be called 'Aur Mahadev'.
A. (Laughs) I don't have any knowledge regarding this.

Q. Tell us something about David Dhawan's 'Hook Ya Crook' and 'Victory'?
A. As of now the set up of David ji's film 'Hook Ya Crook's is not ready, so this film is on hold. And yes, I had been contacted regarding 'Victory'. Harman Baweja is the hero of the film.

Q. You were recently being given the Dada Sahab Phalke award. How do you feel about that?
A. Yes, I got a letter from Dada Sahab Phalke Academy that they want to felicitate me for my performance in 'Vivah'. In fact people are confused about this award. Dada Sahab Phalke Award is divided into two categories, one for Life time Achievement and the other is the normal Dada Sahab Phalke Award.

This award comes under the category of National Award. I am very happy that I got this award at such an early age. I am indebted towards all of them who chose me for the award.

Q. Are you happy with your simple girl image?
A. According to me simplicity has different meanings for every person. According to some a simple girl means someone who is non glamorous but is the life of every party, special for her neighbors and with a good sense of humor.

If people see me as a simple girl with all these qualities then I will be happy to remain with this image all my life.

Q. What are your future plans?
A. I want to attain my goals slowly. If I say today that I have attained all my goals then I will have nothing to work for and if you have no desire then your growth stops. I really don't want my growth to stop.