What have you learnt from all your years as an actor?
I have never learnt acting and I believe acting can't be learnt. It's an emotion you need to feel. A lot of your personality comes out when you are acting. There are different sides of your personality that a director can tap. So, basically it's what you are from the inside that comes across on screen " the camera can't lie. That's why, when you see my performances, you see my passion and my love for my work. Ever since I was a child, I have wanted to be an actor. I think that comes across.
You have stayed away from TV and Hollywood.
I want to do what excites me. Everybody's like " you don't want to be a producer? I don't have any expertise in being a producer, so I am not going to do it. I am not interested in TV right now. As far as Hollywood goes, I think Irrfan Khan and all are doing a spectacular job, making India proud. But for me, it's different because I can't go away for so long. I love my home and my time here. I would go to LA maybe for a holiday.
Why aren't you on any social media platform?
I am a private person; a little traditional and old-school. But my fans keep me alive on these platforms " that's the most important part. If I like somebody, I write them a letter. I won't put it on twitter. It's such a personal thing. I love handwritten letters over emails. That's my personality. I could write a note to my husband, or my niece. It's so much more real.
Is keeping your private life away from the media glare becoming increasingly difficult?
Maintaining any sort of a life now is difficult, especially with the social-media invasion, paparazzi, so many blogs, newspapers, magazines... Back in the day, when Refugee released, there were only two trade newspapers. But now it's like an explosion. One must move with the times and understand that it's okay.
Do you think industry friendships and equations are overrated?
I think they are. I have very few friends in the industry and I prefer not to socialise in the industry. We have lots of friends outside the industry as well. That's why I like to travel. The film industry is an incestuous place. When you work there and socialise with the same people, it gets too much after a point. I love the few friends that I have made (within the industry).
You have said in many interviews that you don't watch many movies, even your own films.
I don't watch my own films for sure. But on a flight, I like catching up on Hindi movies " it's great. I haven't seen any films now. But I am travelling to London next week, and I am definitely going to watchTanu Weds Manu Returns because everybody's recommending it.
http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/acting-cant-be-learnt/article7336892.ece
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