In order to find out the truth behind all the myth surrounding the cute actress, Devansh Patel tries to be her perfect partner for some time and finds out how compatible the actress is in a relationship, how seriously serious D'Souza is when it comes to her marriage and how well equipped is Genelia if she was to handle both, her profession and her marriage.
Whatever the prognosis, she says with a dry smile; she has "extreme fondness" for those kinds of roles and a relationship which she shares in Life Partner. Her single life is just about to get messed up in this exclusive interview.
Judging by the audiences reactions, Life Partner doesn't look like over the top forced in comedy.
Your right. It isn't over the top. It's a situational comedy. Life Partner is for those who are all in a relationship.
It ain't preachy too, is it?
No it's not. In my case, my role to be precise, I am in love with Karan played by Fardeen Khan. We have a fairly long courting period. Neither a love marriage nor an arranged marriage can solve the problems taking place in a relationship. A good married life is all what you need at the end of the day. Now that's not preachy, that's common sense.
Are you a good singer off camera? And was it a deliberate move by the play back to sing the 'Kuke' song in a way that sounds not worth hearing?
Firstly, I am not a good singer off camera and on camera. Well, the 'Kuke' song is a chartbuster song. So even if it's sung deliberately in a bad way, it has worked for us.
Not that it was sung like that. But there is certain connect to my role and the way I sing it which has appealed to all. My role of Sanjana is the most untalented character in the world.
She is filthy rich, pampered and spoilt. She wakes up in the morning thinking of her profession as a hobby and that's where things fall flat on her face.
You must've got friends who are married. Any bit of info you tried to dig out from them on their respective relationships which could've helped you for the film?
Yes, I've got friends who are married but I didn't find the need to go and explore their personal relationships out. What I see in Sanjana is very much what I see in an outsider today. Sanjana is a brat like most of today's girls are in real life.
That's quite a statement I should say.
Well not really a statement but a fact. Today's women are confident. They can manage themselves. They can get up and change the world. Most guys would agree with that and get married. There is always this chauvinist characteristic about the guys which come out. I am a chauvinist too and why not.
How safe and secure should one's marriage life be in today's time?
There is no guarantee for life, forget marriage. I think that marriages are made in heaven and I feel people do get married because they feel complete with their respective partner.
Would you then go for an arranged marriage or a love marriage?
I'd certainly go for a love marriage.
Did Fardeen share his love marriage stories with you?
Fardeen says that before he got married to Natasha, they were adventurous, they spent a lot of time together with friends and there were loads of fun moments between the two. This made his relationship strong and even stronger when they got married.
What would you look in your ideal man before marriage?
I would definitely want someone who is an outburst. He should be 'gharelu', 'sanskari' and do whatever I say. My wish should be his command. I like men who listen to their women and not order them and take them for granted just because they are in a relationship. They have to be courteous and respectful.
You think by playing a chirpy, cheerful brat in both your films (Jaane Tu and Life Partner), some part of your talent may be left undiscovered?
I don't think so. I am not in a hurry to grow up too. There is a time and place for everything. I'm sure there will be more substantial roles coming my way. I don't think you can take away talent from anyone.
What is also to be noted is the fact that two bubbly and chirpy girls I've played in Jaane Tu and Life Partner aren't the same. They have different characteristics. There will be a day when another side of Genelia D'Souza will soon be discovered.
You didn't get along well with Govinda?
(Laughs) That was deliberate right? He is a blast. We've grown up watching his films since school and college days. I have looked up to him but sadly looking down upon him in Life Partner because I constantly fight with him.
It was tough playing that part because I can't hate a person whom I like and admire so much, whether it's films or not. Sanjana hates Govinda but Genelia loves him.
Would you be able to balance your professional and personal life after you're married?
I don't think it is difficult at all to manage ones professional and personal life after you find your life partner. It's possible and it should be because marriage isn't the end of everything. It's a new beginning in itself.
Anything you'd like to mention about the director duo turned producers?
I don't know why Abbas Mustan wanted to produce Life Partner but I'm sure they loved the subject. They as producers were outstanding. Though they are directors and can give their inputs in every scene they want, they tried not to. They came on the sets to be a part of the unit and not to be a part of the director.
As an actor, what precisely do you look out for when you see your co-stars filming a scene?
Everything. The timing, where the camera is coming from, how is the co-actor's body language, how many takes does he or she give, the way they express their emotions and laughter, etc. As an actor, I am always aware of what's happening around me and on the sets and I like being that way.
Sum up marriage in a word
Life Partner.