Mauritian maid: Bhumika Chawla

With her monosyllabic answers, reserve and distance play with the media, Bhumika Chawla is certainly not the best interview candidate. But then she isn't running for the title of Miss. Congeniality either. So if you can cut through the frost, the actor is a complete revelation. Luckily we did, so here's some Chawla chatter…

Bollywood has seen so little of you, Bhumika?
(Smiles) Let's keep it that way or else I will be all over the place and you wouldn't know what to do of me! On a serious note, I keep shuttling between Mumbai and South, so work keeps me busy. That's the reason you don't see me. Besides, I am not a Page 3 person.

Tell us, ditto the film title; are you a heart person too?
Yes to an extent. I listen to my intuitions and follow my instincts to a great deal. So neither is everything dictated by my head nor do I pamper my heart. The decisions I take are sane.

So the yin and the yang have equal role play, huh?
(Laughs) You bet!

What is the role that you play?
I play a Doctor in the film. It is a first for me in the sense that I haven't played a Doctor ever before. She is a simple girl who is happens to be very candid with her emotions.

Reports say that the Mauritius schedule was great?
Very true, I had a blast shooting there. It was the most peaceful shooting experience that I have had in recent times. As an actor, I treasure that a great deal. I need the right atmosphere to give a good take. I guess that's true with most actors. It was 25 days of Mauritian bliss. The vibe on the sets was very relaxed. We had a very easy going unit. So the experience has been memorable.

Punjabis are compulsive foodies. You didn't tell us about that…
Oh yes, the food was great too. Like you said I love food and let me tell you that their food is so much like ours. Besides 60% of the eateries are Indian, so yes, I did pig out.

All in all, des in Pardes…
(Smiles) Very much so!

You are paired opposite Karan. How was he to work with?
He is a complete natural. Also, what I have observed of him is that he is very subtle with his expressions. He doesn't have to work too hard at getting them right. Besides what I liked about him is that he is a very simple and hardworking boy. For a debutant, he has done a commendable job!

Did you drop him some tips on makeup, shots, camera angles, etc?
Didn't have to, he was pretty much sure of what was required of him. It was the case with most of us. Romesh sir's briefing is so clear that he hardly lets you wallow in doubts. So no, I didn't get a chance to throw my weight around Karan and instruct, 'Look here, do this!'. Disappointingly, none of that happened.

Tell us about Revathy; did the director in her peep on the sets?
I am going to sound boring but no, not once did she wear the hat of a director. She was very warm and the only thing that she was keen was that we improvise, which is a wonderful thing.

Expectedly enough, we now come to the Bachchan magic…
Oh, he s brilliant! His enthusiasm will put an entire college campus to shame. He is so full of life, raring to go that you hardly realize that this man is actually pushing 60! But the best thing about him is that even after surviving 3 decades in the industry, Mr.Bachchan still has the humility to accept 'Director knows best' and he completely surrenders to him.

What about the music, looks like Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy have yet another winner on their hands…
I think the music is lovely! I particularly love 'Mere Munna' and Jaane Kyun.

We like the title track better!
You tempting me to take the easy way out- 'I love all the songs!'

Okay okay, so after this one; will you be again packing bags to go down south?
Not really, I have a couple of releases here. After Dil Jo Bhi Kahey, I have Benaam opposite Ajay Devgan, Family with Akshay Kumar and then Gandhi v/s Gandhi. So no, I am not going to give you a reason to complain!

Bundle 'Dil Jo Bhi Kahey' in one word for us…
Enjoyable!