By IndiaFM News Bureau, December 30th, 2004 - 1030 hrs IST
Unapologetically feminine, that's Soha Ali Khan. Serene beauty is her ticket to style. Saif Ali Khan's younger sibling makes her foray into Bollywood with Anant Mahadevan's Dil Maange More set to twinkle in theatres this Friday.
Sporting beige formal wear, Soha cuts an articulate picture as she fields and fobs media Q-n-A with calm intelligence. In an interview with IndiaFM, the gorgeous Khan tells us about matching beats with Shahid, yesteryear actresses and picks on the best advice that big bro' Saif gave her?
Why the delay in joining filmdom?
Since Saif was already into films, it was a conscious decision on my part to stay away from films. Meanwhile I was working with Citibank and also involved with an NGO. Besides, I was in Britain for about 4 years.
And how did the change in decision happen?
Well, I then came down to Mumbai. And while staying in the city, I got into close contact with Bollywood. It's then that I developed an inclination for it.
And how have you liked it?
It's been good. The media has been kind to me. The profession demands that you work for long stretches and odd hours. But you have to do it, so you might as well love it. Besides, Bollywood is a very seductive place to say no it.
How does it feel like to do a Bollywood kitsch film?
Actually, since this is my first, I really don't understand, how a formulaic film should taste like. So what I am doing is new work for me.
Since you have done a regional film, how will you ensure that filmmakers don't shy away from trying you for various genres?
By doing different types of work. It's tricky but I am giving it my best.
How was Shahid to work with?
Shahid is a perfect dancer. Matching steps with him is no mean feat.
What about choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant?
She is fabulous at her job. I share a great comfort-zone with her. And if there are certain sequences that I cannot do, we mutually work it out to suit the requirement of the song.
Your role in the film
Well, I play Neha in Dil Maange More. She is a college kid who is very lovable but has an ambitious streak in her that takes her from Samarpur to Mumbai. Her equation with Nikhil (Shahid) is what engines the plot.
What do you think about yesteryear actresses?
I think they were ultra-glamorous. I love their exaggerated kajal streaks and high buns that added so much drama to their look.
How is Saif as a person?
He is an extremely sensitive and well-meaning person. And he cares a lot about others.
How about some fast track questions?
Fine with it
The last time you dozed off in a theatre
?Too many to count
One Bollywood actor who you think is exquisitely styled
Mr. Bachchan
One actress who is a style diva
Sushmita is very classy. I like Rani a lot too.
The first name that hits you when I say classy
My Mom
When I say wacky
My brother
A super advice that Bro' gave you
He keeps asking me to go easy on my dialogue. I almost run out of breath while spouting my lines!
One disgusting habit
May be not disgusting but I keep arching my brow
Recurring dream
My teeth are falling away.
The best advice mom has parted you
My mom asks me to know myself better, as that is what is going to reflect on screen
The best compliment that someone has paid you
That I have beautiful eyes and a great smile
And does that mean anything to you...
Yes. Feels nice that people like you. But I would really appreciate if people said that I am a warm person, or they like being in my company. Such remarks are special.
Marriage
Deserves more respect
Life
...is what you make of it
Love is
The most important action and emotion
A yesteryear actress whom you greatly admire
My mom. I think Waheeda Rehman was distinctive too
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