Parmita Katkar, who sizzled the audience and set ablaze many hearts with her item dance number in Page3, is all set to get launched in the lead role in Husn - Love and Betrayal. The actress talks about monsoons in Mumbai and her formulae to deal with it.

Q: Do you enjoy the monsoons?
A: I do, provided it doesn't rain too much or bring life to a standstill.

Q: Do you prefer getting wet or do you like staying indoors?
A: I prefer staying indoors, but when I am with my family I definitely go out with everybody to get wet in the rain. Every monsoon I get a chance to meet my family and it's fun hanging out with cousins and relatives.

Q: Do you prefer to stay in Mumbai in the rainy season?
A: I have been more than lucky that whenever it rains incessantly in Mumbai, I am not in town. In 2005, when the city was flooded, I was in Bangalore. I was in that city even on June 27 this year when it rained a lot here in Mumbai. I prefer Delhi during monsoons though, because the weather doesn't get cold even after showers.

Q: Any favourite holiday destination during the monsoons?
A: During monsoons, I would rather prefer going for a long drive then getting trapped at some resort.

Q: Do you like your rainwear in bright colours or neutral shades?
A: I don't use wind cheaters, and unlike those who prefer girly colours like pink, I love the authentic Burberry shade in umbrellas.

Q: What kind of food do you prefer in the monsoons? Do you follow any particular diet?
A: Nothing special as such, I just avoid eating roadside junk and oily snacks like pakoras and vada pao because I had a very bad experience before. I had fallen ill after eating contaminated outside food. I just make sure that I drink mineral water when I am outdoors.

Q: Is it necessary to have a car during the monsoons in Mumbai?
A: Yes, very much. I have experienced the problems one comes across without it. I remember the time when I had to stand queue up for tickets at the bus stand, getting drenched to the bone.

By the time I reached the auditions, my whole make-up used to get washed off. I had to put it on all over again. It was miserable when I didn't have my own vehicle.

Q: What precautions should one take in the season?
A: A lot of people prefer wearing flat-soled footwear during rains but I differ. I think wearing heels is better during the rains. It keeps the legs from getting wet and muddy. One can wear short-length clothing, like capris or shorts. Even boots are nice. You got to be fashionable, without looking stupid.

Q: Any bad experience related to the monsoons that you can recall at the moment?
A: Nothing much except for a bout of typhoid last year. And yes, every year because of water seepage the ceilings and walls in my house get horrible so I have to get them painted every year in August or September.

Q: Suggestions for B. M. C.
A: More than B. M. C. , I would like to suggest people to keep the city clean. B. M. C. is too small to look after such a big city. I have seen people in BMWs, lowering their window screens and throwing garbage out on the streets. They just keep their house clean and give a damn about the city. It has to be a joint effort to keep the city clean.

Q: What if 26/7 happens again?
A: Hope it doesn't happen again. But if it does, we all should be well-prepared. All we need to do is keep the city clean. -Jayant Mishra