'Beware of those who say: Sleep with me'

'Beware of those who say: Sleep with me'

Parizaad Khan
Posted online: Saturday, February 18, 2006 at 1141 hours IST
Updated: Saturday, February 18, 2006 at 1217 hours IST

Mumbai, February 18: After Salaam Namaste and Bunty aur Babli, Tania Zaetta, Bollywood's favourite Australian, gives tips to firang wannabes.

Research, research, research

Never believe anyone who says 'Sleep with me, I'll make you a star'. It's never going to happen. Researching the people involved in the film is important. Ask others in the industry, surf the net. I've heard a lot of horror stories about the industry's casting couch, but have never been in a bad situation because I'm quite the research queen.

Pick and choose

Don't jump at the first role that's offered to you. I turned down several item numbers and a couple of roles before I actually said yes to one. It was difficult to say no, but I had to concentrate on what was going to get me farthest in the long run.

Wardrobe malfunction Sex sells. But when you're a foreigner trying to make it in Bollywood, don't buy that, however hard they try and convince you. Many film companies in India seem to have the impression that foreign girls walk around only in bikinis. Don't get talked into wearing skimpy clothes for every role or scene. If I play a prostitute, I will wear mini skirts and show cleavage, but that's only because the role demands it. Item action You didn't see me wearing a bikini and dancing around a pole so far because I wanted to have a reputation as an actor instead of a dancer. I didn't want to be stereotyped as an item girl and not get any serious acting roles after that. Now after acting in Bunty aur Babli and Salaam Namaste, I'm getting offers for songs, which are the main focus of the film - something on the lines of Aishwarya's Kajra re. Heat wave Foreigners feel the heat much more than Indians do. I just want to be by the pool all day, and when I see the crew walking around in long sleeves and jeans, I sweat! Recently, I was shooting in Goa for my upcoming film, Mr Black Mr White and it was terribly hot and humid. My hair refused to stay in place. It was sopping wet and looked like I had just stepped out of a pool. After struggling with my hair for the longest time, we decided to go with a slicked back-ponytail, which became my look for part of the film.

I also carry a small battery-powered hand fan everywhere and wear an anti-shine moisturiser under my make-up.