Cool baby

Her performances in Hungama, Baghban, Dhoom and Deewane Huye Paagal, have won her fame and recognition in the Hindi film industry. She was also in the news recently for her voice being dubbed in Deewane Huye Paagal but the actress is nonetheless undaunted and is looking at what seems to be a long successful career ahead in the film industry. She's easily accessible, has a no-nonsense attitude and is pretty cool when you speak to her. Meet Rimi Sen, the cool babe in town. Excerpts from an interview ... How did you get into films?
I have always nursed a dream to act, right from childhood. After my studies, I convinced my mother that I wanted to act, and I came to Mumbai with her, and with lots of hope. After doing the rounds, I got into advertisements and was lucky to get the Coke advertisement with Aamir Khan. I instantly got noticed and that's how my first offer for films rolled in. What is your academic background?
I'm basically from Kolkata, and I did my studies there. I'm a Commerce graduate, from Kolkata University. Were you an active participant in school and college plays?
Not really. I would love to do theatre and drama, as I believe those who come from a theatre background have a great advantage while acting in a film. Acting in films are akin to taking a walk - it's very easy. If you look actors who have a theatre background, you'll know they are all brilliant actors. But for some reason, I never managed to do plays in school and college. The only thing I perhaps regret doing is theatre. Did you have any formal training in acting?
I don't believe in this concept of learning acting from someone, or in an institution. Acting, according to me is 100 per cent in-born talent that cannot be taught. Either you have it in you, or you don't. And I don't think that I would have been any better if I had attended a school.

Is your family supportive of your venture?
No, no one, except my grandfather, encouraged me in this direction. I'm an only child and my parents were not too happy me being into acting. I took a great risk in coming to the Hindi film industry. Now that I've done reasonably well for myself, it's cool. Had I not succeeded, I would have got hell from many people back home. Nothing succeeds like success, you know.

What are your hobbies?
I love watching films, both Hindi and English. This is my favourite way of chilling out. I'm not much into reading or music.

Did you feel nervous acting with Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal in Deewane Huye Paagal?
No, not really. I had already started shooting for a film with Akshay when this film happened. In Hungama, I had interacted with Pareshji. Hence, there was no nervousness. And I think I have managed to put across my confidence in my roles. It was reported you lost a lot of weight for your role in Dhoom?
Yes, both my producer and director felt that I needed to lose some weight, to look svelte and glamorous, as Sweety in Dhoom. I joined a course in Power Yoga and lost eight kgs. I was glad that the audience liked my new look. You got noticed amidst big names in Baghban?
If a film is a hit, then everything about the film is noticed and comes in for praise. But if it flops, then even a brilliant performance is wasted. It's just a question of the film making it big. Yes, I did enjoy my role in Baghban. There were quite a few stars in it and though I had a small role, people did tell me that I did a good job.

Your forthcoming films?
I'm doing Phir Hera Pheri, Golmaal and is also doing a special appearance in Dhoom 2. A few more are on the anvil.