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GETTING INTO FILMS
I think I am absolutely made for cinema. In fact, right from my childhood, acting was my only passion and I could never see myself anywhere else but on the big screen. As a child, I used to accompany my sister Karisma for her shoots. And from then, I was determined to face the camera someday and fulfill my own starry dreams.
People feel that I've got everything on a platter. But believe it or not, it has been a constant struggle for me too. There is tremendous effort which goes into being an actor. It's only by sheer willpower and hard work that I've been able to enjoy the pinnacle of success. Of course, my mother and sister are a large part of my success. They are my biggest pillars who encouraged me to fulfill my dream of becoming an actress. They've been my strength at every stage...
MY BOLLYWOOD CAREER
My first steps in Bollywood began with Refugee' opposite Abhishek Bachchan in 2000. Though the film didn't do well, people appreciated my performance. They said not only does she look good, she can act well too. Incidentally, I was supposed to debut with Rakesh Roshan's Kaho Na Pyaar Hai' along with Hrithik Roshan. But things didn't work out the way all of us wanted them to, and nobody can be blamed for it. Later, of course, Hrithik and I went on to do many films together.
I was very fortunate to do challenging roles in movies like Chameli', Yuva', Dev' and Omkara', to name a few. Today, from Subhash Ghai, Karan Johar and Rajkumar Hirani to Imtiaz Ali, I've worked with the industry's best directors. And all through, I have struck a balance between movies and my personal life. I've never said that I'll work 24 hours a day and I can never be like that. I will always give importance to both my personal and professional life.
I think I am absolutely made for cinema. In fact, right from my childhood, acting was my only passion and I could never see myself anywhere else but on the big screen. As a child, I used to accompany my sister Karisma for her shoots. And from then, I was determined to face the camera someday and fulfill my own starry dreams.
People feel that I've got everything on a platter. But believe it or not, it has been a constant struggle for me too. There is tremendous effort which goes into being an actor. It's only by sheer willpower and hard work that I've been able to enjoy the pinnacle of success. Of course, my mother and sister are a large part of my success. They are my biggest pillars who encouraged me to fulfill my dream of becoming an actress. They've been my strength at every stage...
MY BOLLYWOOD CAREER
My first steps in Bollywood began with Refugee' opposite Abhishek Bachchan in 2000. Though the film didn't do well, people appreciated my performance. They said not only does she look good, she can act well too. Incidentally, I was supposed to debut with Rakesh Roshan's Kaho Na Pyaar Hai' along with Hrithik Roshan. But things didn't work out the way all of us wanted them to, and nobody can be blamed for it. Later, of course, Hrithik and I went on to do many films together.
I was very fortunate to do challenging roles in movies like Chameli', Yuva', Dev' and Omkara', to name a few. Today, from Subhash Ghai, Karan Johar and Rajkumar Hirani to Imtiaz Ali, I've worked with the industry's best directors. And all through, I have struck a balance between movies and my personal life. I've never said that I'll work 24 hours a day and I can never be like that. I will always give importance to both my personal and professional life.
Mum certainly makes my world go round. I am extremely close to her. In fact, mom, Karisma and I are like the Holy Trinity. Both Lolo and I are very attached to mom. I can't even explain what she means to me. We (Lolo and me) are always there for her and she is always there for us. She is our pillar. She has brought us up to be what we are and I'm too fortunate to have such a fantastic mother. We literally worship the ground she walks on.
ME & MY SISTER LOLO
Lolo and I are inseparable; there is no doubt about that. From the time we were children, we've been very attached to each other. When she was making a career in films, I used to be with her throughout and travelled with her. She is actually my best friend and elder sister " both rolled into one.
In fact, I remember times when I bunked school just to be with her at her shoots. So today it feels like I've had a 25-year-long career, which started with being on her sets! What I loved most was seeing her dance with Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar. And now they are my co-stars. So it's like life has indeed come a full circle.
MEETING SAIF ALI KHAN
I always felt Saif was one of the best looking men I had ever come across. Though I'd worked with him earlier in films like LOC' and Omkara', we weren't friends till we did Tashan' in 2007. What instantly drew me to him was his sense of humour and love for adventure. During Tashan', we took off on a long motorcycle ride through the countryside... I think I surprised him by asking if I could go along.
SAIF & I
Even though Saif and I come from different cultural backgrounds, it has never affected our relationship. We are in a very comfortable space and have always been so. I've always been candid about my feelings for Saif, for I feel if you're in love, there's nothing to hide. And if you do, I feel in some way you're disrespecting your partner.
Saif has varied interests and his taste in music is spectacular. It impresses me a lot. Earlier, I enjoyed jazz and the blues, but Saif introduced me to hard and soft rock. Besides music, over the last five years, I have also learnt the art of appreciating and choosing roles with substance and not length, from him. We are very open with each other and indulge in healthy discussions when it comes to everything.
MY MARRIAGE WAS UNDER A HUGE MEDIA SCANNER
However, before tying the knot, there was a lot of speculation about our relationship. But it didn't bother us at all. We are from the industry and we are accustomed to rumours and such. The media kept speculating about our wedding date. But all along, we knew that when the time was right, we would ourselves go ahead and make it official.
LIFE AFTER MARRIAGE
I think my life has changed only in the minds of the people, not in mine. I don't know why people keep going on and on about how marriage changes a person. I lived with Saif for five years before we got married, so life is the same even now. One important thing is that we don't take each other for granted. Whether we are busy with our respective shoots or not, we make time to be with each other. That's the key to a successful marriage.
In a marriage, I think the most important thing is to make time for your spouse despite your busy schedule. Your career will always be there but it's also important to make time for your loved ones. And I have always done that. Films will come and go, but your family will always be there for you.
Saif also gives me a lot of space and loves me to be my own person. He is not the typical husband. He has never asked me about the movies I do and never will. That's the kind of relationship we share. Yes, there are times when I ask him which movie he is doing next, but he has never asked me, Who are you shooting for?' or Which actor are you working with?' till date. He doesn't interfere in my decisions.
I always felt Saif was one of the best looking men I had ever come across. Though I'd worked with him earlier in films like LOC' and Omkara', we weren't friends till we did Tashan' in 2007. What instantly drew me to him was his sense of humour and love for adventure. During Tashan', we took off on a long motorcycle ride through the countryside... I think I surprised him by asking if I could go along.
SAIF & I
Even though Saif and I come from different cultural backgrounds, it has never affected our relationship. We are in a very comfortable space and have always been so. I've always been candid about my feelings for Saif, for I feel if you're in love, there's nothing to hide. And if you do, I feel in some way you're disrespecting your partner.
Saif has varied interests and his taste in music is spectacular. It impresses me a lot. Earlier, I enjoyed jazz and the blues, but Saif introduced me to hard and soft rock. Besides music, over the last five years, I have also learnt the art of appreciating and choosing roles with substance and not length, from him. We are very open with each other and indulge in healthy discussions when it comes to everything.
MY MARRIAGE WAS UNDER A HUGE MEDIA SCANNER
However, before tying the knot, there was a lot of speculation about our relationship. But it didn't bother us at all. We are from the industry and we are accustomed to rumours and such. The media kept speculating about our wedding date. But all along, we knew that when the time was right, we would ourselves go ahead and make it official.
LIFE AFTER MARRIAGE
I think my life has changed only in the minds of the people, not in mine. I don't know why people keep going on and on about how marriage changes a person. I lived with Saif for five years before we got married, so life is the same even now. One important thing is that we don't take each other for granted. Whether we are busy with our respective shoots or not, we make time to be with each other. That's the key to a successful marriage.
In a marriage, I think the most important thing is to make time for your spouse despite your busy schedule. Your career will always be there but it's also important to make time for your loved ones. And I have always done that. Films will come and go, but your family will always be there for you.
Saif also gives me a lot of space and loves me to be my own person. He is not the typical husband. He has never asked me about the movies I do and never will. That's the kind of relationship we share. Yes, there are times when I ask him which movie he is doing next, but he has never asked me, Who are you shooting for?' or Which actor are you working with?' till date. He doesn't interfere in my decisions.
EQUATION WITH MY MOM-IN-LAW & SOHA
I am extremely close to both my mom-in-law (Sharmila Tagore) and sister-in-law Soha. But I am more attached to my mother-in-law. She is a beautiful lady and I deeply love and respect her.
Our relationship has been built over the years. She is encouraging and understanding towards my career. We also understand each other's likes and dislikes very well, and that's the reason why I feel we bond so well. In fact, Saif and his mom have become even closer because of the deep bond his mom and I share.
Soha is a lovely and wonderful person too. She is very bright and we call her the pillar of the family because she handles everything for everyone. We are very happy for her and hopefully her wedding with actor Kunal Khemu will be scheduled sometime next year.
EQUATION WITH SARA & IBRAHIM
With Sara and Ibrahim, the equation I share is more like friendship because they have a wonderful mother who has done a splendid job in bringing them up. Sara and Ibrahim will always be special to me and will come first, even before my own kids.
I am extremely close to both my mom-in-law (Sharmila Tagore) and sister-in-law Soha. But I am more attached to my mother-in-law. She is a beautiful lady and I deeply love and respect her.
Our relationship has been built over the years. She is encouraging and understanding towards my career. We also understand each other's likes and dislikes very well, and that's the reason why I feel we bond so well. In fact, Saif and his mom have become even closer because of the deep bond his mom and I share.
Soha is a lovely and wonderful person too. She is very bright and we call her the pillar of the family because she handles everything for everyone. We are very happy for her and hopefully her wedding with actor Kunal Khemu will be scheduled sometime next year.
EQUATION WITH SARA & IBRAHIM
With Sara and Ibrahim, the equation I share is more like friendship because they have a wonderful mother who has done a splendid job in bringing them up. Sara and Ibrahim will always be special to me and will come first, even before my own kids.
CHOOSING FILMS
As for my career so far, I've been lucky to have chosen the right kind of scripts and I hope I can continue to do so. As far as my choice of roles goes today, it would be driven by how my fans would like to see me. It's an artiste's prerogative to decide what roles to do. My choice of film depends a lot on my co-stars. I'm not very choosy or picky about my scripts. Today, I prefer actors who can complement my age. And no matter how wonderful these young actors may be, we might make an odd couple " at least that is what I think.
MY FAVOURITE CO-STARS
I have always been comfortable with all my co-stars. Interestingly, I've known them since my childhood as they were my sister's co-stars as well. I would love to work with Hrithik Roshan and Abhishek Bachchan again as they have been fabulous co-stars. And, of course, there is my all-time favourite " Aamir Khan. It's always a pleasure to work with him. He's a sheer perfectionist and there is always so much to learn from him! Salman Khan is again a favourite. He is the darling of the masses, people adore him and so do I.
LINKUPS & RUMOURS
Thankfully for me, I am over that phase of linkups with my co-stars. And now that I am married, all this really doesn't bother me. I feel the key is to realize that we are here to work in this industry. I'm not over-friendly with anyone; I don't get into anyone's personal space because I don't want people to get into mine. I have a life outside of films. And I'm happy that way!
As for my career so far, I've been lucky to have chosen the right kind of scripts and I hope I can continue to do so. As far as my choice of roles goes today, it would be driven by how my fans would like to see me. It's an artiste's prerogative to decide what roles to do. My choice of film depends a lot on my co-stars. I'm not very choosy or picky about my scripts. Today, I prefer actors who can complement my age. And no matter how wonderful these young actors may be, we might make an odd couple " at least that is what I think.
MY FAVOURITE CO-STARS
I have always been comfortable with all my co-stars. Interestingly, I've known them since my childhood as they were my sister's co-stars as well. I would love to work with Hrithik Roshan and Abhishek Bachchan again as they have been fabulous co-stars. And, of course, there is my all-time favourite " Aamir Khan. It's always a pleasure to work with him. He's a sheer perfectionist and there is always so much to learn from him! Salman Khan is again a favourite. He is the darling of the masses, people adore him and so do I.
LINKUPS & RUMOURS
Thankfully for me, I am over that phase of linkups with my co-stars. And now that I am married, all this really doesn't bother me. I feel the key is to realize that we are here to work in this industry. I'm not over-friendly with anyone; I don't get into anyone's personal space because I don't want people to get into mine. I have a life outside of films. And I'm happy that way!
MY ASSOCIATION WITH HEAD & SHOULDERS BRAND
I have been associated with the hair brand " Head & Shoulders " for the last eight years now and it's been a wonderful experience. I feel it's one of the most trusted brands not only in India but also globally. In fact, my mother has been using Head & Shoulders shampoo for the last 20 years. It's a big honour to be a part of a brand which has so much history of its own. Now, I think I have become synonymous with Head & Shoulders because I have also been using it for many years.
MY PERSONAL STYLE
People call me a fashionista because my idea of fashion is very different from what is popular. I like to wear things that I am comfortable in. I love clothes that look good, even if someone says it's not fashionable at the moment. And my choices mostly have always been right.
UPCOMING MOVIES
Currently, I am shooting for Bajrangi Bhaijaan' with Salman Khan and I am really excited about it because it's a very different film. And I can assure you that it's going to be an extremely fun film!
FUTURE PLANS
Like I said earlier, I don't plan anything. I don't treat life like an insurance policy. Instead, I am very clear about what I want in life and take each day as it comes. But yes, I want to have a healthy and happy life.
As far as planning a family is concerned, Saif and I are not thinking of having a baby for the next two-three years. In fact, the thought is not even on our minds right now. There's so much to do at this stage. And we've barely been married for two years! I take my decisions from my heart, and yes, I want to work and have a family as well. In fact, if I have my way, I will work till I am 80!
I have been associated with the hair brand " Head & Shoulders " for the last eight years now and it's been a wonderful experience. I feel it's one of the most trusted brands not only in India but also globally. In fact, my mother has been using Head & Shoulders shampoo for the last 20 years. It's a big honour to be a part of a brand which has so much history of its own. Now, I think I have become synonymous with Head & Shoulders because I have also been using it for many years.
MY PERSONAL STYLE
People call me a fashionista because my idea of fashion is very different from what is popular. I like to wear things that I am comfortable in. I love clothes that look good, even if someone says it's not fashionable at the moment. And my choices mostly have always been right.
UPCOMING MOVIES
Currently, I am shooting for Bajrangi Bhaijaan' with Salman Khan and I am really excited about it because it's a very different film. And I can assure you that it's going to be an extremely fun film!
FUTURE PLANS
Like I said earlier, I don't plan anything. I don't treat life like an insurance policy. Instead, I am very clear about what I want in life and take each day as it comes. But yes, I want to have a healthy and happy life.
As far as planning a family is concerned, Saif and I are not thinking of having a baby for the next two-three years. In fact, the thought is not even on our minds right now. There's so much to do at this stage. And we've barely been married for two years! I take my decisions from my heart, and yes, I want to work and have a family as well. In fact, if I have my way, I will work till I am 80!
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