She has had three releases so far — Ghajini, London Dreams and Ready — of which two have been blockbusters. Unlike heroines who would have made the most of it by going on a signing spree, Asin has taken the slow and steady route. Three films in three years is nothing short of harakiri but Asin, who has always claimed to be secure in her space, is not bothered by competition. What matters to her are the script, her character, the director, producer and co-artistes — in that order. "I try for the best combination," she says. So far, her strategy has paid off. Chances are she will score again with Housefull 2 that is slated to hit theatres on April 5 followed by Bol Bachchan which releases on July 12, going by the track record of filmmakers Sajid Khan and Rohit Shetty who have rolled out consecutive hits.
Two blockbusters out of three releases. Does that give you a high?
I am a level-headed person, so success doesn't give me a unnatural high nor does failure keep me down. That solely cannot determine my happiness. Life has been very stable so far and I am keeping my fingers crossed for Housefull 2.
What prompted you to do a multi-starrer like Housefull 2?
Several reasons, starting with the opportunity to work with a lot of senior and contemporary actors. Working in this film has been a great experience and good fun. We had a long schedule in London and we literally had a houseful of actors. Johnny Lever, Boman Irani, Rishiji, Randhirji — I bonded well with all of them. There was a personal connect with Rishiji who plays my dad in the film and Randhirji who plays my uncle. Even Mithunda was encouraging and supportive. He said that he has been closely following my career. Not just after I entered Bollywood with Ghajini but even when I was doing South films. I was really touched.
With so many actors in the film, it would be interesting to know what is your role.
Well, it's a mainstream film and I play the lead role opposite Akshay Kumar. Let's not intellectualise it. It is a commercially entertaining film with Sajid Khan's stamp of comedy. For me at this point, it is important to be part of mainstream cinema. Both the Sajids (producer Nadiadwala and director Khan) have proved themselves in this genre and it makes sense to be a part of this franchise.
After the Khans (Aamir and Salman), you are working for the first time with Akshay Kumar. How was the experience?
It was a riot working with Akshay. He has so much energy and is quite a joker with his pranks. John (Abraham) and he gel well together and with the two Sajids around it was a lively set. I was always smiling, so much so that Akshay started addressing me 'constant smiley'.
Looks like you had a lot of fun shooting for the film.
Oh yes! I would play word games with Rishiji and Riteish (Deshmukh). Also, Rishiji has some beautiful songs on his iPad that we kept listening to. Then there was our girl gang including Jacqueline (Fernandez), Shazahn (Padamsee) and Zareen (Khan) who would bond on BB (Blackberry). In the middle of the night, we would eat cakes and pizzas and then have a round of guilty confessions. All of us were together for the long climax scene that was shot over a few days and that's how we bonded.
Usually when two or more actresses get together, there is an undercurrent of rivalry.
I am only concerned about my role and not about what others are doing. I take people at face-value and don't look at the baggage they carry or over-analyse them.
After Housefull 2, you have the remake of the 1979 Golmaal, Bol Bachchan coming up.
Let me tell you that Bol Bachchan is not exactly a remake of Golmaal. Yes, the core idea has been taken from that, but a lot of changes have been made. I am shooting for it in Jaipur after which we will be moving to Wai.
Recently, you were in the news for turning down Shootout At Wadala while Sanjay Gupta claimed that you had never been approached for the role...
(Cuts in) It's weird why he should lie or be in denial but the fact is that I had been approached for the film by Swati Shetty of Balaji Motion Pictures and I have my reasons for not doing it. Beyond that I have nothing to say as I'm least interested in being a part of some PR stunt by Mr Gupta for his movie or for himself.
Haven't you also been approached for Special Chhabbis directed by Neeraj Pandey and starring Akshay Kumar?
I was approached but I can't tell you anything beyond that.
What kind of roles are you looking out for?
I would like to do a performance-oriented role but in the space of a commercial cinema. I want to focus on projects which combine both, like a Ghajini, in which I played a strong character.
Are you doing any films in the South?
No, I have a body of work there and I don't want to repeat myself as far as the roles are concerned.
Won't you lose out to other upcoming heroines there?
I have done my share of work and only something better or exciting can entice me to do a film there.
Talking about your South films, many of them have been remade in Hindi. What is your take on this trend?
Remakes are healthy. The story gets a wider group of audience, which in turn gets a new story . Most of my films including Ghajini, Pokkiri (Wanted), Bodyguard and Khakha Khakha (Force) have been remade. Another film of mine Sami is being remade as Thanedaar Returns. However, I would like my first Telugu film Amma Nanna O Tamil Ammayi to be remade in Hindi. It's a nice family-oriented story. It means, 'Father, mother and that girl in my life'. It has romance, songs and a great story.
In the three years that you have been in Bollywood, you have maintained a low profile but now you are suddenly seen at various events.
Yes, I have started going for events organised by friends. I have worked with Riteish in Housefull 2, so naturally I attended his wedding, Farah (Khan) and I go back a long way, which is why you saw me at her party.
You have also upped the glamour quotient with your sartorial sense. What gives?
That's a conscious decision. I realised that in Bollywood, a lot more importance is given to how well you are turned out. Earlier I didn't care for styles or trends. Though I wore designer outfits I did not care so much about my appearance. Now, I am taking a little more interest and putting my thoughts into the styling, which reflects my personality. Like for Riteish's sangeet, I wore a colourful lehenga but avoided embroidery or bling. The colors took centre-stage as it reflected the vibrancy, fun and dancing that signifies the ceremony. For the wedding, I decided to take the traditional route and since I am a Mallu, I wore my mum's white and gold border saree which connects me to my roots. It was simple, yet elegant. The response has been encouraging. My basic style of dressing is uncomplicated. Understated, chic and elegant, that's me.
Even your Mirinda ads are reflecting the change.
Yes, it was Raju Hirani's idea. He has directed the ad campaign and he told me to sport a short hairdo. Frankly, I am open to experimentation and would like to cut my hair short but being a mainstream heroine that is not possible, so I sported a short hair piece.
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