Discovery of India

About a year ago,my manager called and asked if I was interested in meeting an Indian director who was coming to Los Angeles to look for an American actress for his next film.

Sarah Thompson feels connected to Indian films,people and culture through her Bollywood debut Raajneeti

After a host of English films and soaps,how did a hardcore Indian film like Raajneeti happen?
About a year ago,my manager called and asked if I was interested in meeting an Indian director who was coming to Los Angeles to look for an American actress for his next film. I had always been fascinated by India,so I immediately said yes. Prakashji (Jha) and I had breakfast and immediately hit it off. He described the plot and the character of Sarah Collins,and I was riveted.

Since the movie deals with the politics of an Indian state,how important was the background study?
It was very important. When I first met Prakashji,he told me Indians have three main passions: cinema,cricket,and politics. So I wanted to be as well informed as I could on the subject before we shot. I did a lot of studying and asked Prakashji a million questions on the sets.

How closely do you follow the politics of your country?
Very closely. I believe everyone should follow the politics of his or her country and do their best to participate.

Were you aware of Prakash Jhas works before signing the film?
I wasnt well-versed in Hindi films before Raajneeti came along. But when I found out I was going to meet Prakashji,I gave myself a crash course. Now Im obsessed with Indian cinema,and of course,two of my favourite films are Apaharan and Gangaajal. As an American,I tend to be exposed to India through Rajasthan and the Taj Mahal. Prakashjis films were fascinating in their willingness to show another side. And its that fearlessness that attracts me to any artiste.

Ranbir Kapoor is Bollywoods current heartthrob. Were you aware of it when you shared screen space with him?
Very much so. From the moment I arrived in India,I saw his face everywherecommercials,billboards and magazine covers. His heartthrob status was immediately apparent.

Katrina Kaif is the only other female lead in the film. Were you insecure of sharing screen space with her?
Of course. Katrina is an incredibly beautiful and talented actress. Who wouldnt be insecure about sharing screen space with her? We play very different characters,though,and I think we both bring something unique to the film.

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Do you plan to venture into Bollywood more often now?
I would love nothing more than to do another Indian film. Shooting Raajneeti was one of the best experiences of my career,and I have positively fallen in love with Indian culture. Ive been studying Hindi for the past six months and am giving myself a thorough education in Hindi films.

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