Image Courtesy: Rohan Shrestha
You rose to fame with Ekta Kapoor's TV soap, Kasamh Se. How did you handle the adulation that you got suddenly?
In the first two years of making it big on TV, I had no clue what was happening. I was very young then and missed doing normal things like going to college or hanging out with my friends, because I worked all day long. When I started getting popular, I was very happy; but I was left with no time to enjoy it. In television, fame comes really fast. If your show clicks, your career is made. But it was also something that kept disturbing me a lot. Initially, I got excited with it but eventually it started getting to me because I couldn't do anything normal anymore. But I learnt how to handle it eventually.
Ekta Kapoor once called you her 'blue-eyed baby'. What's your equation with her today?
(Laughs) Really? Initially, when I started working, I didn't know her; I had only heard about her. She would give me advice. And after that we became friends. Also, her mother Shobhaji offered moral support to me. I know that Ekta is always going to be there for me and vice versa. Professionally, she's extremely busy and so am I. I'm happy that she's doing fabulously well for herself. But we don't discuss work with each other.
Like you, Vidya Balan started her career with television. Now she's reigning the silver screen with her remarkable performances. Do you want to follow her footsteps?
(Smiles) Vidya is one of my favourite actors and I think she is just brilliant in everything she does. I totally idolise her but I don't think I can model my career on somebody else.
If you are offered a good TV soap, would you take the offer?
TV is a medium that will remain very close to my heart but right now going back is a complete no-no. I bid goodbye to TV when I did my first film, Rock On!!.
How has your journey in Bollywood been so far?
I will always be grateful to Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar and Abhishek Kapoor for giving me Rock On!! I was very young then and I didn't have many friends in the industry. I don't think anybody took me seriously at that time because they must have thought I'm just a one-film wonder and that's where it would probably end. Thankfully, after my fabulous debut, I bagged Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai, and now Bol Bachchan has happened. But I still think that I will always have to struggle, since I am not an industry kid. I think outsiders don't fit in as well as star kids do.
Explain...
We outsiders are not given as many chances; it's very rare to bag a great film. But star kids are offered films on a platter, even though most of the time their films flop! With all due respect, I think I am honest when I say it's always going to be difficult for outsiders.
How do you plan to deal with this kind of competition around?
If I start taking any kind of competition seriously, I will be out of this industry within a month. Random things are written and spoken about us, and if you start thinking too much, it's never going to work out. At some point of time, I simply have to cut off.
Are you wary of all the back-biting and bitching in the industry?
(Smiles) I don't let such things affect me. Initially, when you hear someone say something bad about you as a human being, you will react or take it in a certain way, depending on your personality. But after a point, you just have to stop thinking and reacting to it. Earlier, I would get hassled and disturbed but then I realised that there is no point. You are up alone against everybody. You can't go around town explaining yourself to people, even if the rumours are not true.
Where do you see yourself some years down the line?
I've never really planned things for myself. When I was doing TV, I never thought I would get a film offer from somebody like Farhan Akhtar. Even after that, I had never thought I would do so many films. However, I don't want a short-lived career and I don't just want to do roles which everybody does. I want to make my own story.
How difficult is it to prove yourself in the industry?
It is very difficult. You could be a great actor and very hard working, your films could be doing very well yet the industry will take a while to wake up to you. It may not be your fault. Most of the times, it's about what's destined for you. Still, I am happy with the way things are going for me. It has taken me a while, but I'm getting there. This process could have happened faster, but I have no regrets. I am lucky to get these opportunities — because nobody from TV has been a household name at the age of 17. I just hope I get good roles and am able to prove my versatility.
After Bol Bachchan, what projects do you have lined up?
I have I, Me Aur Main with John Abraham that I am really looking forward to. I finally get to play my age on screen. Nobody really knows who I am or what I am like in real life. This role will give me a chance to bring in shades of myself on the screen. I have never done a role like this. I play a bohemian girl, who's free-spirited and has a mind of her own. I don't think anyone has seen me like that before. This role will definitely change people's perception of me.
Are you seeing anyone?
I am not into anything serious. I've always maintained that if I am committed to someone, everyone will know about it. But I do guard my personal life a little too much.
Any crushes?
When I was in college, I had my fair share of crushes and infatuations. There have been a few people in my life but nobody worth talking about. Also, I don't prance around with anyone. That's why you don't see me photographed or linked with anyone. But yes, I've always had my share of fun in relationships and I'm happy about it.
In the film industry, you have to be glamourous. Do you have any stylists working for you?
We all do. In fact, it all depends from commitment to commitment. In your day-to-day life, we all do not require stylists unless we are attending an event. It takes a while for everybody to figure out their own style. We have to study ourselves and know what looks best on us, what our body type is and then make a decision, even though we might have a stylist.
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