ongelee nair hopes 4 nichi in hindi films

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Posted: 20 years ago

ONGELEE NAIR HOPES FOR NICHE IN HINDI MOVIES

By S. Kokroo - Eye TV India Bureau

An Encounter

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The Mahesh Bhatt camp is known for launching new faces in its movies. Pooja Bhatt cannot be far behind. She has launched a newcomer in his 'Holiday' released last Friday. Unconventional is an adjective that best describes Ongelee Nair -- be it her name, her refreshingly forthright attitude or her looks, There is hardly one like her in the Hindi film industry. Uncharacteristically mature and tough talking for her age, this 21-year-old debutante stars in 'Holiday', opposite Dino Morea. She talks about herself, her first film, and much more with smashits.

Excerpts of our chat with her:

How would you describe your character of Muskaan in 'Holiday'?

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I play this 19-year-old, low-on-confidence, college kid who goes to Goa for a holiday. There she meets Dino, a dance instructor who teaches her to express herself through the medium of dance. With Dino's constant encouragement, she undergoes a personality transformation. It's like the ugly duckling-turned-swan story, except that the focus is on the internal transformation.

What really brings about the metamorphosis?

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You know, it's amazing how someone from outside your world can cause your life to change. In this film, Dino is a complete stranger. Muskaan doesn't really find acceptance among her own people. When she realizes that she's a fantastic dancer, she also feels that she may be a failure at academics, but has other hidden talents. She finally discovers the 'one' thing she's good at. Plus, if someone is appreciative and supportive of you, you automatically begin to have more self-confidence.

And then do they inevitably fall in love?

Yes, but theirs is a love that grows from friendship and mutual affection. I know people might ask, 'how can a Latino dude fall for a chashmish (someone who wears spectacles)?' But look around, and you'll see such odd pairs everywhere. It's all about who makes you feel loved, secure and stable.

Did you always want to become an actress?

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No, I wanted to be a dancer. I am a trained dancer and know a lot of styles. I was excited about 'Holiday' because it required someone who could learn authentic Latin American dancing and I was up for the challenge. We kept pushing ourselves through the film. The dance steps were difficult, but I'd go through dance championship tapes and tell my choreographer let's do something scary like this.

How was Pooja Bhatt as director?

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She reminded me of my mother -- a strict disciplinarian. But that was the only way she could get work out of us. Goa automatically put us in the holiday mode and Pooja would have to yell to get us back into the work mode, especially Dino, who is like a kid. He'd say -- let's not shoot today, Pooja, let's party. Since she's been an actress before, she's very sensitive with performers and understands their difficulties. Even our crew was wonderful. I was the baby and everyone wants to adopt me now!

Did it pinch you that you had to replace Pooja's cousin Smiley?

It would have been a problem if it were unjust. Besides, she eventually did get another film, which even released before mine. This is show business -- you win some, you lose some.

Replacements happen all the time, but this was a public one. Did that make you uncomfortable?

There is a tremendous amount of money and effort that goes into the making of a film. Pooja had to take a directorial call and she did. I think it's all destiny. There I was, teaching dance, with no clue about this film. If I were asked to leave the film, I'd be upset too, but everyone has a different way of dealing with problems. I feel the way Smiley went about talking about it was immature.

What's your impression of the filmmaking business?

Beneath the glamour, filmmaking is a tedious process. Also, it's distressing to see that months and months of hard work get shrunk to a couple of hours only. It's like the viewers see me only for a few hours of all I've done?

Do you think you'll find a niche in Hindi films?

I am very realistic. I know I don't have Aishwarya's complexion, Bipasha's figure or Kareena's attitude. To an extent, that is a drawback. But today, a lot of different films are being made, so I have faith that I will find my place in the sun.

Any offers yet?

No. A lot of actors debut with a glam look and then go on to do different roles. I have done the opposite. I look exactly like myself in my first film. So, I do wonder if the people will offer me films after seeing 'Holiday'. Most people don't have the vision. I have a few years to make my mark and earn money, so I will take whatever I get. But I don't want to kill myself when I see my work 20 years down the line.

What are your plans this Valentine?

Nothing just relaxing and enjoying with my family.

Any boyfriend on the scene?

No comments. No, seriously, I want to be known only for my work. I don't want to talk about my personal life.