You were called a behenji and almost written off. And now you are winning awards one after another...
I think that God has been very kind. Even when I was going through a low, in terms of talent if I may say so, directors always had faith in me. And you know what? You can't write off a person because of clothes. That's so superficial. In hindsight, I am grateful to God that I went through that period of confusion in every way. The clarity that emerged is non-negotiable. I started getting work that challenged and fulfilled me.
That period was difficult, wasn't it?
It was a real low. As I said, I was confused. But I wasn't pessimistic and that saw me through. Paa released and I felt reassured as an actor.
And now, do you feel vindicated? It's human nature...
(Interrupts) That's human nature all right, but I have reached a stage where I can identify people who offer constructive criticism. And what anyone else says about me doesn't bother me. Believe it or not, I have stopped reading everything that is written about me. I have even stopped watching my own interviews on television; I know what I have said, why should I watch it?
Paa, Ishqiya or No One Killed Jessica?
Can you differentiate between your sons?
There is a difference between living persons and films…
These three films, which gave me such diverse characters to portray, are a part of me. I feel a sense of ownership for them. And I am not giving you an esoteric reply
Would you have been able to play the brash Rani Mukerji in No One Killed Jessica? You masked the expletives in Ishqiya.
I will not mouth those expletives in person. But as an actor, yes, I will do it with lan, with belief and conviction. But you know, Rani has done that role so well that she has left no scope for one to imagine anyone else in that role.
After you played Sabrina Lall in No One Killed Jessica, what do you think of the Aarushi case?
Justice must prevail. I read that there is a candle march happening to support the Aarushi case. I would love to go, but I think I am shooting for Sujoy Ghosh's Kahaani on that day.
You are playing Silk Smitha in Ekta Kapoor's The Dirty Picture. Silk Smitha was voluptuous. Are you going to put on weight for that film?
I have still to discuss that with Milan Luthria. I hope they don't ask me to gain weight. But if that's what the role requires, I shall do it. That's the fun. To be someone you are not.
Vishal Bhardwaj was supposed to make Ishqiya 2 with you. What happened?
That you should ask the producer. I think that's not happened because Abhishek Chaubey, who directed the first part is now working on some other script.
Are you dating UTV CEO Siddharth Roy Kapur?
(Smiles) He was the producer of my last film No One Killed Jessica.
That I know. And your answer doesn't answer my question. You mean that it was a fling and it is over?
I don't believe in flings.
Then?
Well, I see him everyday. He stays is my neighbourhood.
He is dashing and a debonair…
I agree.
And?
So, he is worth considering (laughs).
Worth considering for…?
I am in a much happier space now. | 
comment:
p_commentcount