I’m not a fighter cock’ - Esha Deol

In Meghna Gulzar's 'Honeymoon', unlike your co-star Fardeen, you have no experience of honeymoon…

Yeah, but I have married friends, so I will take their inputs (laughs). And, so what if I haven't been on honeymoon, in the movie I am going to enjoy the experience.

Your mom said ultimately you had to shed clothes for success?
You have to. There's no choice. I realised that if I have to, then I might as well get a good body to shed my clothes.

Was it a tussle convincing yourself?
I'm not uncomfortable showing skin because I have grown up playing football in shorts. But I was scared when told to wear a bikini in 'Dhoom'. I had sleepless nights.

I thought my parents will throw me out of the house. I thought what if the movie doesn't do well, I am finished and you guys would say - 'aur kuch nahin raha to ab yeh kar rahi hai'.

How did your family react to your sexy image?
Mom was 'Wow! Is that Jennifer Lopez?' I have not asked Sunny and Bobby bhaiya. I don't want to know. (laughs). I don't want dad to see 'Dhoom'. No daughter would want her Punjabi orthodox father to see her in 'Dhoom.'

You must be missing being part of Dhoom II?
Yes, I would have loved to be part of 'Dhoom II' because it was something I really needed in my career. I thank Adi for trusting me and wish him all the best for 'Dhoom II'.

Bangkok weather didn't suit you. Is that why you slapped Amrita Rao during the 'Pyare Mohan' shoot?
I'm not a mad woman to just go and slap someone. I have worked with Celina, Lara, Kareena, Bipasha and Ayesha Takia. I am not a fighter cock by nature, but she got me to a boiling point.

So I don't regret it at all. If you see the film you won't believe that we had a scuffle because we shared such good chemistry. She is a nice and pleasant girl. So, as much the incident shocked you guys, it shocked me too.
r_faheem@dnaindia.net