Journalism of Courage
Jiah Khan tells Natasha Sahgal why she replaced hot pants with saris in Housefull
You play a traditional role in Housefull.
Yes,Ive always wanted to try and do films that are different from my previous ones. A traditional character is something that Ive never done before and also something that audiences would have never expected from me. Though,you must keep in mind that in Housefull,everything is not as it seems.
Almost never. For the film,Aki Narula created some fabulous costumes and I felt like a princess in them. Since Im not used wearing Indian clothes,it took some time to get used to wearing the saris and dancing in them. By the end of the shoot,I was really comfortable in the attire. Im glad I did this because its part of my culture.
You have no Bollywood background but have still managed to work with the top actors like Amitabh Bachchan,Aamir Khan and now Akshay Kumar.
God has been on my side. I consider myself extremely lucky to have opportunities like this just come to me.
But after the main lead in Nishabd,why have you been doing only brief roles?
I only take up roles that I feel something for. I want to wake up and be excited about the film that Im part of. I think that Im relatively young in the industry and Im ready to take it slow and not concentrate on the number of films. I dont want a long role in a film that I wouldnt like to watch.
Have you watched Chance Pe Dance?
I was not in the country when it released and so didnt get a chance to see it.
Having moved to Mumbai at the age of 18,do you miss your family?
Whenever I have two weeks off,I rush to London to meet them. They are busy with their lives and its great to catch up with them.
Do they watch your films?
My sisters are not really into Bollywood,but they do watch my films.
Do they support your career choice?
My mom is a film producer in Britain and so she understands the entertainment industry. My entire family will always be supportive.
What else are you doing?
Currently,Im helping to raise funds for victims in Haiti. Living in Mumbai,I couldnt bear to sit in my AC car wearing Christian Louboutin shoes while a child was begging next to me. This child doesnt have a reason to smile about anything and it breaks my heart. This is why I now give all my free time to charitable causes.
