Her latest, 'Shaka Laka Boom Boom' could be the vehicle she has been waiting for to hitch on to for making a career on the silver screen. In this interview the beautiful damsel from Kolkata talks on her new film and other aspects of her life.
Q: How was the response of the people for 'Shaka Laka Boom Boom' in London?
A: The response of the movie is brilliant and shining than ever overseas which is great. One thing I realized that all the people were talking about 'Shaka Laka Boom Boom'. The feeling was very good. Upen and me went to all possible Asian radio and television stations and gave really long interviews.
There were kids waiting for us outside which was absolutely wonderful. Even the non -Asians were talking about the songs coming on their television. BBC also made a small documentary on Upen and me.
Q: So what are your expectations?
A: Honestly everybody has great expectations because at the end of the day only an artiste knows whether the movie is good or bad, how much hard work goes into it and within an hour or even ten minutes, the audience starts giving its opinion.
Q: So what kind of response are you getting till now?
A: As of now, touchwood, by God's grace, the reactions have been brilliant. People are liking the songs and the look of the film. Also the assimilation of the star cast is very fresh, which is very very good.
There is Upen, there is Kangna, both new faces. Then there is Bobby and myself and then there is a whole mixture which happens between the four of us, which is absolutely wonderful.
Q: There is a confusion about who is paired with whom.
A: (Laughs) It would be best if you watch the movie and find out.
Q: There is a make over for all the cast in the film. Is it a character make-over?
A: Well it is obviously related to the role because we are totally playing individual characters. Plus the story is based in the States and is related to the music industry. We have tried our best to give a look of how we would be according to the character. These characters live in America so you have to have feel a little American.
Q: You are playing a PR professional. So what do you feel about their role in a celeb's life?
A: PR pros play a very important part in a celebrity's life. Also they become the face of the artiste at the end of the day because most of the times artistes are not available for comment.
Q: How did you get this film?
A: I started as a guest appearance in the film to be very honest with you. After the first schedule, Mr. Darshan decided to cast me in the lead role as well which was a wonderful opportunity for me.
Q: So why did you agree to do a guest appearance?
A: I did this guest appearance because I just wanted to work with Mr. Darshan. I love his films because his films have a lot of emotions in them, they have everything that we Indians are all about; the deewanapan, rangilapan of Bollywood is there.
Q: Is there other thing as well in the pipe-line with Mr. Darshan?
A: I would love to do more work with him but at present he would be the best person to tell you about future projects.
Q: Do two actresses working together gel well. How was your chemistry with Kangna?
A: Honestly speaking, you cannot be friends with every person; it's just not an actress. Sometimes you are just an acquaintance. It is just a misunderstanding of the fact that sometimes people are just acquaintances and don't end up being the best of friends.
Sometimes people meet for the first time and just connect instantly and become good friends. Kangna is a very sweet girl. We are cordial towards each other. But it would be false to say we are the best of friends and we chatted all the time on the sets. Probably our mental wave lengths are different. But that does not mean we are having problems or cold vibes.
Q: Have you grown over time?
A: That is totally your call. I cannot judge myself that well because when you become a person who is constantly in front of camera and in front of public views, you lose track of judging yourself. I may think I have grown up as an actor but you may not think that way.
Q: Do you think media adds fuel to fire?
A: Sometimes yes. But there is no smoke without fire. Sometimes things do start with misunderstandings which cause fire to happen.
Q: Do you think it is necessary to have a godfather in the industry?
A: I wish it was not necessary but you need to belong to a certain camp so know that three movies for a year are set with the camp. You know that no matter how badly you do you will still be promoted, you still get an award. I had no one pushing me in the industry and if you are talking about a godfather then in my case it has been Suneel Darshan.
Q: Upen has called you the oomph factor of the film. What do you have to say about that?
A: Upen is also the oomph factor of the film. He has worked very hard. He is a wonderful boy and yes I do add to the glamour quotient of the film because Sheena is a very glamorous girl in the film.
Q: Your take on the music of this film.
A: It is not typical Himesh music. It is something different that Himesh has created and there is a ghazal called 'Na Mumkin Hai Tum Bin Jeena' which is a very touchy song on its own and I like the music very much.
Q: Are you particular about the kinds of roles that you would do?
A: I'm not in a stage to be particular. I am very particular about the kind of directors and the production values I work with.
Q: Do you believe in the story of the movie? Does such thing exist in the industry?
A: Yes it does. I have faced it myself from the time I came into Bollywood. Rivalry exists here too. In every industry there is rivalry. In some it is more, in others it is less. But rivalry is what makes you go forward and ruins you as well.
Q: What next?
A: I will be working on one project with Vikram Bhatt and there are two films with Mukta Arts. I want to do really nice films and I might be doing a comedy and you will be hearing about it soon .Then there is No Entry Part Two which will be starting next year.
I have realized that I have not given myself time and wish to do two to three films this year. I'm getting a lot of endorsements. I had have struck a big deal with Catch mineral waters. I will be endorsing a watch also. I want to balance my personal and professional life.