‘I’m still a mediocre actor’

You’ve had a hit film after a while,so this must be a good feeling?

I don’t think like that. I’ve always focused on choosing characters over projects. From Sakeena,Bittu,Simran,Aayat,Aisha to now Zoya in Raanjhanaa,people remember the name of my character. As an actor,the only choice I can make is to pick up interesting characters and make sure they are memorable. If the film does well than its sone pe suhaga. My ambition is not to be the biggest star in the country but to be the best actor.

Interesting you say that since the only template films you did were Players and Thank You,which also didn’t work?

I did Players because I felt I’d have a good time working on it. I needed a break from intense films. I got to drive some damn cool cars. I looked quite hot. Usually Abbas Mustan films do well. It’s all destiny.

Did you have a point to prove with Raanjhanaa?

Not really but I did give my all to this film. I was a neurotic emotional wreck by the end of the film. It took us 15 days to shoot the climax and it was the most creatively satisfying yet emotionally draining experience of my life. There were instances when I wouldn’t stop crying even after the director called ‘cut.’ There were moments when I couldn’t breathe.

What was the toughest bit about playing Zoya?

It was difficult to achieve a fine balance between not making her evil and yet playing her as a flawed character. I wanted today’s girls to identify with Zoya. My take was that she is flawed and yes,she made some high-risk choices but she had no other choice. I had to be in love with her to play her and make her real,which took some time. We didn’t have any readings for the film. Aanand (director Aanand L Rai) sir doesn’t believe in workshops or rehearsals. He gave us the space to interpret the character and directs his actors in a way that actors don’t feel as if they are being directed.

What prompted you to take up Bhaag Milkha Bhaag?

It’s a small role but I always wanted to be a part of a cult film. I’d rather do a small role in an iconic film than a big role in a mediocre film. Milkha gets inspired to be Milkha because of the character I play. I interpreted her as a dream that echoes through the film.

The general perception about you is that you are not pushy enough about your career. Agree?

I don’t want to be pushy and hardcore. I like to take things at my own pace. I like to travel,be with my friends and live a life rather than just run from one studio to another. I need a reserve. I want to grow as a person and as an artiste. I’m still a mediocre actor. I have to get better and for that I need more experiences—if I don’t live a life I can’t portray it on screen. I’m very pushy for my work but not to get projects.

Can you go up to a director and tell him you want to work with him?

I’ve told Dibakar Banerjee and Shimit Amin that I’d like to work with them but I feel it’s unfair to put directors in this position. These guys know that I’m around and if they want me,they can cast me.

You’ve positioned yourself as a fashionista but do you ever feel that it gets in the way of your work.

There’s way too much talk about the clothes?

I don’t think so. Filmmakers are still casting me

as the simple,no make-up girl. Don’t forget our directors are very intelligent. In my films,I’m always the character and never Sonam Kapoor. Anyways,I’d rather be known for my fashion than controversies.