High Alert

Singapore is a fun place to shoot,especially when you have a mad bunch of people around. Each one is either mimicking or ragging the other.

How was it sharing screen space with Katrina Kaif and Neha Dhupia?
Most of my scenes are with Kat. Neha has a parallel role. Working with Kat is always fun. I have known her for many years and we really hit it off during Race. This one was an extension.

You have gone completely de-glam in Red Alert. What was it about the role that appealed to you?
Being a city girl,I was clueless about the Naxalites and the Naxal movement. But now,when I pick up newspapers,there is at least one story every two days regarding the Naxal movements. I play Lakshmi,whose life changes drastically after a particular incident and she then becomes a Naxalite.

How did you prepare for the role and did you have any reservations against doing it?
On the contrary,I was thrilled with the role. After Kalpurush (an award-winning Bengali film),I was looking forward to something challenging and different. The writer of the film,Aruna Raje,aided me with the research,and this in turn helped me play the role well. And with the film having won so many accolades,it certainly feels good.

Suneil Shetty is a co-star in both these films. How was it working with him?
Anna is a fantastic person to work with. He is so down-to-earth and laidback. He will never pressurise you with your scenes on the sets.

In spite of gaining critical acclaim for serious roles,you are still considered a glam doll. Do you mind this tag?
Of course not. That’s what I became famous for and that’s what Bollywood is all about. It is known for the jhatkas and matkas.

Sameera Reddy is also a big name in the South.
This is all thanks to my last superhit Vaaranam Aayiram.

How do you juggle between Hindi,Bengali and South Indian film industries?
Right now,Chennai and Mumbai are like Colaba and Bandra. I travel very often but I make sure I am balancing regional cinema and Bollywood. While I have two Hindi releases,Asal in Tamil releases in January.

Are you doing Race 2?
I am not going to comment on this. Abbas-Mustan will announce it when they want to.