The petite actress, who's playing two completely different roles — an innocent babe in the woods in one and a sexy, saucy village girl in another — speaks to CS about playing various roles, competition and dealing with compliments!
Slipping into character
As an actor, you should be able to slip into any character. It's your job and I don't think it should be so difficult. I am shooting for two very different roles simultaneously, but that shouldn't make any difference, because there are directors who help you bring out the character.
But yes, if I was playing a very complicated role, where the film rests on my shoulder, then it would be difficult to get out of it and focus on another. Like Priyanka Chopra's role in 7 Saat Khoon Maaf or Vidya Balan in The Dirty Picture — both of them were brilliant in the films.
The spirit of competition
Your only competition should be with yourself. There will be newer and fresher actresses every next Friday — that's the nature of the business. You can't give yourself heartburn over it.
That doesn't mean I get insecure and start signing whatever films I get. I've always done limited work and I will continue to do limited work that I'm proud of. That will always be my policy.
Hey sexy!
Films that I'm really proud of include Yahaan, Bachna Ae Haseeno and Kidnap. The last one made me see myself in a new light. I didn't know I could look sexy! And in fact, even now, I have a problem believing anyone if they say I'm looking sexy. I thank them but I don't really believe them. I'm a true Capricorn that way — we have a problem with compliments.
On my wishlist
There are so many directors I want to work with. There are so many new directors coming up who have great ideas and a fresh perspective on so many things.
Among actors too, there so many of them whose work I have admired at some or the other time. What I would really love to do is a different kind of a romantic film, something even I would like to see as an audience.