Bipasha Basu can be credited with redefining the image of the Hindi film heroine in the last two years that she has been around with her unwillingness to play a submissive role or be bogged down by formulistic rules of feminine conduct.
The star of films like "Jism" says she is comfortable with kissing on screen, but adds firmly that she can't do anything vulgar. "If I did, I wouldn't be able to look myself in the eye."
Drawing the line, she asserts that that she believes in "exuding sex appeal" but "wouldn't know where to look" if she took clothes like some of the actresses around.
Her role in Hindi cinema seems more crucial than ever at a time when her statement on sexuality has been subverted by her strip-to-succeed successors. But Bips seldom blame any one of them.
According to her: "I don't blame any of the girls, nor the producers or directors. Our audiences are so hybridised in profile. Our films are catering to 'A', 'B' and 'C' centres. At the end of the day this is a moneymaking business."
"It would be wrong of me to judge the sexy films that have come after "Jism". But going by the promos they look forced and false. There's so much strained physical intimacy in these films, it's almost like wrestling. I don't think for even a minute that these films are sensuous. They're all about sleazy, violent sex. Sorry, these are not the kind of films I want to be seen in or be in.".
The sultry siren is also very much ecstatic about her beau's new found success. Though John still remains the center of her personal life but marrying the hunk is very much a distant option.
"I feel totally elated by his success in "Dhoom". Not just because he's my boyfriend but because he's a very hardworking, intense and good actor. Yes, I'd like to marry John. But I don't know where we'll go five years from now," gushes Bong bombshell.
Ask her about the prevalent rumors in Bollywood alleging physical abuse by the handsome hunk and she gives a wry smile to say, "Today we've been together for two-and- and-a-half years. We no longer question each other. We just smile and say, 'One more'."
