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The latest Paki import, Sana Nawaz, shrugs off adaa and tehzeeb. No demure damsel, she is trained in martial arts and matches punches with apna Sunny in Kaafila. Never mind if the cops back home chide her about working opposite "Paki-basher" Sunny
I am very happy, but contrary to the popular belief that Pakistani actors are dying to be in Hindi films, I am not really desperate. I have had 60 releases in six years, with as many as 17 releases in 2002 alone as a leading lady. Hindi films are only a big bonus. At the end of the day, the fact remains that even if I were to do a Mughal-e-Azam here, I would still remain a Pakistani actor - an outsider! You are aware of the latest skimpy-dress code of our heroines. Have you any inhibitions about revealing?
Everything depends on the project and the role. I am answerable to my fans back home. So I will not take up any role that could hurt their sentiments. In any case, I believe that a woman's sex-appeal lies more in concealing than in revealing. Owing to several Pakistan-bashing screen appearances, Sunny isn't very popular across the border. Didn't your fans back home object to your debuting in a Hindi film opposite him?
People do tend to mix up our professional and personal stances. When I went home after a schedule of Kaafila, there was a sense of betrayal amongst my fans. I remember how the cops would stop me and question me about signing a film opposite Sunny! I would patiently explain that Sunny is an actor and what he plays on-screen is just another character. In a cross-border script, who would he bash but the Pakistanis? Finally, they would let me pass! Have you ever essayed the role of a Hindu girl in any of your films?
Certainly, I have played a Sikh as well as a Hindu girl in a couple of films. In Musalmaan, I was an Indian Officer who helps Pakistanis on humanitarian grounds. It was a huge hit. You play the unconventional role of Alvira in Kaafila. How did a demure Pakistani girl handle the gruelling action?
(Bristling with anger) I'm trained in martial arts and I did plenty of action in my last big hit Ghar Kab Aaoge. I also played the role of an Indian army officer in Musalmaan as I explained earlier. I'm certainly no demure damsel! I can ride horses and bikes. I sure can pack in a powerful punch. In Kaafila too I am togged in an Afghani garb and have some fabulous action on horse-back as well as on the ground.
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I respect him as my senior and was apprehensive about working with such a big star at the outset. But my doubts were totally unfounded. Sunnyji is punctual, helpful, down-to-earth, friendly but reserved! He has instilled a lot of confidence in me. What are you shopping for in India?
I am not much into shopping, that is mom's calling. She is going crazy picking up sarees and jewellery. I am more involved with my work and busy looking at the offers here. So far nothing substantial has come up.
Anupamaa
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