'They were both unbearable' Abhay Deol

THE SET OF Aisha certainly did not suffer from a dearth of attractive women ' one can have his or her pick from female lead Sonam Kapoor, her younger sister producer Rhea Kapoor, the 'she's irresistible in a bikini' Ira Dubey or part-Australian model Lisa Haydon.

But quiz Abhay Deol on who he thought was the hottest of the lot and he reverts with a simple, "Nammo, Sonam's make up artist." Diplomatic? Sure, but the reply also bears a touch of the avant-garde actor's occasionally quirky, mostly impish charm.

Notorious for his affinity for atypical cinema director Rajshree Ojha's Aisha, a romantic comedy based on Jane Austen's Emma, is a far cry from Deol's usual fare (think Manorama Six Feet Under or the revolutionary Dev D).

Busy shooting for filmmaker Zoya Akhtar's Zindagi Milegi Na Dobara alongside Farhan Akhtar, Hrithik Roshan, Katrina Kaif and Kalki Kochen in Spain, the actor certainly regrets not being able to join the cast and crew of Aisha in promoting the film.

However, to compensate for his absence, Deol e-mailed City Times answers to queries on the movie and lets us in on how he became a part of it.

Aisha is a bit of a departure from the unconventional roles you've done in these last few years ' what made you take it on?

I first read it as a script written by my friend Devika Bhagat. I've always liked her work and enjoyed reading this one too. If I enjoy reading a script, I'm open to being an actor in the film.

Have your read Jane Austen's Emma?

No I haven't. Although my director Rajshree did give me a DVD of Emma to watch, it's still lying in my cupboard unopened!

Tell us a bit about Arjun, the new Mr. Knightley?

I'm far from the character of Arjun in real life. I liked his honesty, and intelligence (which is not to say that I am not!) He is very perceptive and whenever he gets upset with Aisha, he let's her know it. There is nothing to dislike about him and perhaps that's the one thing I don't like about him. He's too 'perfect'!

What sort of prep work was involved for this role?

We did a few readings as a cast to get to know one another and understand each individual's approach. I took Salsa lessons from choreographer Ashley Lobo as it was required for my character and I also took horse-riding lessons.

You're not really a song-and-dance type of actor ' what really goes through your mind while shooting for such routines?

'What am I doing here?', 'Why am I doing this?', 'I don't even like this song', 'my co-star can't dance to save her life', 'why did our industry get stuck with this damn routine', etc, etc. Of course, I don't think of all of that at once. It changes from song to song and film to film.

What were the Kapoor siblings like on the sets of Aisha?

They were both unbearable! The older one for being so sweet and friendly, the younger one for being so grounded and intelligent! We constantly chatted on set, and creatively they were both in sync with each other.

Tell us a bit more about working with Sonam Kapoor.

She looks beautiful in a womanly way but she's very much a little girl inside. She shows concern for everyone and works really hard. I think she gets that from her dad. She can be fun and talkative sometimes, quiet and introverted at other times. She's very intelligent and naturally talented. I think she has tremendous potential in this field.

Apparently, Sonam Kapoor recommended you for this film ' given the chance, what sort of a role would recommend her for?

I would recommend her for something dramatic as I think she has a natural inclination towards drama.😆😆

What does Rajshree Ojha bring to this film?

She is the reason the script got written in the first place. It is her vision, her baby. She had a clear idea of, for example, how Arjun should be played. She had a clear idea of what makes Aisha tick. She created the atmosphere around Aisha, set up the world, made the movie.

You've done quite a few low-budget but successful films ' has money ever influenced your decisions?

Money is important; we all have a life and a family to support. But it's not the driving force behind my decisions. The amount I would charge depends on the movie. An edgy, experimental or original film might require all the help it can get, as they are considered risky. Taking a price cut or a back-end deal is common practice around the world in such cases. Safe genres like romantic comedies are where one can and should get paid well.

Short takes

Abhay Deol on...

An unforgettable memory from the sets of Aisha: 'The Queen's Come' ' it's a dessert from a restaurant in Rishikesh.

The rumour that he was unhappy with the extravagant budget for Sonam Kapoor's wardrobe in the film: Yes that was a good one! No point answering rumours. Because that's what they are.

Co-star Lisa Haydon resembling Angelina Jolie: I don't think she bears a resemblance to Angelina J. Lisa is incredibly beautiful for sure, and she is even more humble. She's the kind of person you can depend on in times of need. She does not fuss over her look or outfit, has no arrogance, and is very professional, sensitive and friendly.

His sense of style: Casual, comfortable.

His favourite look: Just out of bed

A song that's always on his mind: Dark Shines by Muse

A book that interests him: Life of Pi by Yann Martel

A film he considers a classic romantic comedy: When Harry Met Sally and Chupke Chupke

The 'mystery girl' media reports claim he's been seen with: If I answered that, it wouldn't be a mystery!

Understanding women: I stopped trying. Now I just go with the flow. Suddenly, I started to understand them better.