I don't find hunks appealing'-Konkona

Shubha Shetty-Saha

Actor-director Konkona Sen speaks on role playing, her 'non- Bollywood' looks and her taste in men

How was the 'Mixed Doubles' experience?
'Mixed Doubles' exceeded my expectations. I am thrilled. It's great to see people accepting such movies.

You play the mother of a seven-year-old in the film. Don't you think this is early in your career?
When you are an actor, you should be ready to play any kind of role that challenges you. I could play a college student in one movie, and an older woman in some other.

Small-budget films seem to attract you. Would you be comfortable in a big-budget commercial film?
'Page 3' was a commercial success. I am also doing another commercial film - Vishal Bharadwaj's 'Othello'. It depends on the films being offered. But I do seem to have a preference for the small- budget ones as the producers don't stick to the formula. They are ready to take risks.

Is it that you give your best in your mother's (Aparna Sen) films - '15 Park Avenue' and 'Mr & Mrs Iyer' winning much appreciation?
I think so. But it's not something I do on purpose. My mom pushes me hard. I am normally very lazy. She manages to bring out the best in me. She is more of a friend.

What is the variety in roles and set-up that you are looking for?
I am looking for light-hearted roles. I did comedy in 'Mixed Doubles'. I am delving into horror in 'Deadline'. I am also doing a Bengali film 'Doshor' on fidelity and betrayal.
Does the atypical 'Hindi film heroine' look sometimes work against you?
I don't usually do those kinds of roles. I prefer doing the different ones.

Are you and Ranvir Shorey seeing each other?
I don't want to answer this one.

You are said to be a loner...
I am afraid I don't know myself. Yes, I prefer being alone. If you call that being a loner, then perhaps I am.

For someone from Kolkata, was Bollywood a culture shock?
Not really. It's not like Mumbai is New York and Kolkata is Jabalpur. I am comfortable with the big-city culture as I have been in most cities of India.

What is your idea of romance and a life partner?
I don't think I am a romantic person. Regarding my life partner - the list is long. But I will have to make do with fewer qualities. I want sense of humour, honesty, compassion and yes, looks do matter. I don't like hunks. I don't find them appealing.