Q. After the success of Raaz 3, horror seems to be your favorite genre.
A
Is there a problem with doing horror films? If the films are doing well, then what’s the big deal? In our industry few horror films are made and fewer agree to do it because actresses get less chance to show off their acting skills. But if I’m being offered a good role, why should I reject it? I agree that Raaz 3 and Aatma released back to back. But I didn’t plan it. It just happened.
A
Is there a problem with doing horror films? If the films are doing well, then what’s the big deal? In our industry few horror films are made and fewer agree to do it because actresses get less chance to show off their acting skills. But if I’m being offered a good role, why should I reject it? I agree that Raaz 3 and Aatma released back to back. But I didn’t plan it. It just happened.
Q. Do you agree that Raaz 3 has given a new lease of life to your career?
A
I’ve been in the film industry for 12 years. I’m grateful for the kind of films I’ve done and the kind of life I’ve enjoyed. But some of my films flopped and I lost many opportunities. Things are in my favour now. I’m getting due respect. I feel proud when people come up to me with new ideas. After I’ve given a nod they go ahead and make the film. Being a woman, if I enjoy this power to facilitate something new then it’s great. This doesn’t happen overnight, it takes time and effort.
Q. After working with A-listers like Ranbir Kapoor, Abhishek Bachchan and Emraan Hashmi you agreedto pair with Nawazzudin Siddiqui in Aatma…
A
Nawazuddin is one of our most talented actors. Anyone will blindly agree to work with him. What’s the criterion to be an A-lister? Looks? An actor is an actor. The correct casting is most important. While most films centre around heroes - because people admire and love to see them – some films are based on characters. Such films need actors like Nawazuddin. Every character in Aatma needed to be credible. And we wanted an actor who could give his 100 per cent without date hassles.
Q. Do you believe in the supernatural?
A
Yes, I believe in spirits. Though, I’ve never seen a spirit till date. I don’t wish to see one either. Don’t scare me please! If a spirit appears in front of me, I might just die.
Q. Can you remember an eerie experience?
A
Long time back, I was shooting for Vikram Bhatt’s Gunaah at Mukesh Mills. Apparently, the mill had once caught fire in which many people had died. Since then it’s considered haunted - particularly the second floor. Anyway, I was supposed to deliver my dialogue, while walking towards the trolley. But the moment Vikram would say ‘action’, I’d forget my lines. This continued for a couple of times. Generally, I’m good with memorising my dialogue so this was strange. Then one attendant from Mukesh Mills came to me and said, “Madame please tie your hair.” He went on to reveal that the previous month a dancer from Saroj Khan’s group had fallen victim to a spirit during the dance shoot and had soon died. On hearing this, Vikram called for a priest to perform rituals the next day. After a while we heard that the priest too had died. I decided never to go there again.
Q. Are you superstitious?
A
I strongly believe in the evil eye. Initially, I didn’t. But after entering in films, I’d often fall sick. So my mother tied a red thread on my wrist as protection from the evil eye. My mom has made me wear so many rings – a diamond one, a pearl one...! She believes in gems. But I’m religious not ritualistic.
Q. Would you say this is the best phase of your career?
A
An actor’s life is full of uncertainty. If a film works one Friday then the actor is a hit and if it doesn’t work he’s dubbed a flop. The media too adopts a harsh attitude towards you. But if you’ve been consistently working for a long time, then the media and the industry accepts you the way you are. This being called the ‘best phase of my career’ has been suggested by the media. I just continue working because I love my work. As you grow, your approach towards life changes and that depth can be seen in your craft.
Q. The best compliment you’ve received as an actor…
A
My character, Sanaya in Raaz 3, was negative. Despite this, the audience loved me. After the first preview, an elderly lady pulled my cheeks affectionately and said, “Beta you’ve done great work”. I felt good. The role was that of a fading actress, who resorts to black magic to destroy a younger and successful rival. I don’t think any of my peers would have agreed to do this role. So, this was a big challenge.
Q. How much significance do you give to marriage?
A
I am orthodox. For me, marriage is essential. Every girl should go through this phase. Having kids is a crucial part of life and you can’t deny it. But there are many couples who decide not to have kids. Everyone understands life in his or her own way. I believe that if you happen to find your soul mate, someone with whom you’d love to spend your life then you should get married to him.
Q. What should a girl look for in a guy before she marries him?
A
Love should be the first thing. Love is the only foundation of marriage or a relationship. A relationship can’t survive if there’s no love. It’s important that the person I marry accepts me the way I am and respects me and my work. He should be able to stand beside me with confidence. It takes a lot to stand next to a successful woman. I wish he possesses these qualities.
Q. Do you believe that failed relationships eat away valuable years?
A
Every relationship teaches you something or the other. Whatever happens happens for the best. Something good will definitely happen after the breakup. Perhaps that person didn’t deserve you. May be you will come across someone better than him.
Q. How do you fight the depression after a breakup?
A
Feeling depressed is natural, especially after a breakup. Even I get depressed but then you’re not left with any choice. You cry, you scream, you lock yourself in a room. You have to go through that phase. You can’t avoid that. But I don’t remain depressed for a long time. That shouldn’t happen either. It’s good to get over it as soon as possible.
Q. Reportedly, there was a stalker at your gym. Isn’t it wiser to have a gym at home?
A
Since the past few years, I go to a gym in Bandra and have become attached to this place. A guy in the gym was the pesky kind. But I didn’t get affected. Eventually, he gave up or else I’d have dealt with him harshly. Stars shouldn’t get affected by all this and confine themselves to their homes. I love to exercise with people around. I’m independent. I love freedom. I travel alone as well. Why should I have a gym at home?
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