“I definitely know far more as an actress from my Boom days”
Q New York has got you recognition as an actor, despite your ‘acting’ for all these years. Your career was all about being a glamorous dancing doll till now. How do you feel now that the chorus has changed from you can’t act to you can?
A I have always said that I had to learn with every film and performing in front of the camera, so it did take me some time to find my own space. As for my previous films, I wanted to establish myself in every house with the audience, and in order to do that, one needs to be part of commercial cinema that has greater reach. Of course, I enjoyed doing those films, but one can demonstrate one’s range as an actor when they have a more defined role like I did in New York. It was wonderful working in a film like that. I am now looking for scripts that give me the scope to perform.
Q Why do you think there is so much interest in your equation/relationship with Salman Khan?
A Salman has been a superstar for the last twenty years, so of course the media and public are interested in his life. I am an actress, so people are all the more curious about us, as we are both public figures.
Q You are reigning at the top of the stakes in Bollywood at the moment…
A I am very privileged to be in this position, doing a job that I love and being financially secure. It seems like it’s been a long time coming, though to some people it’s not been that long since I started.
Q How much do you think you have improved from your first day of shooting on the disastrous Boom in 2003 to now?
A As I mentioned earlier, I learn with every film I do. I feel I definitely know far more as an actress from my Boom days. I was too young back then. I have found myself now.
Q Forthcoming films?
A There’s Priyadarshan’s De Dhana Dhan with Akshay Kumar, Raj Kumar Santoshi’s Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani with Ranbir Kapoor and Prakash Jha’s Rajniti. These are my next projects.
Q Which actors/actresses do you enjoy working with?
A Akshay Kumar and Sushmita Sen. My favourite Hindi film is Rekha’s Umrao Jaan.
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