Glamour is in my DNA

Was it very different shooting for a Hollywood film?
I’ve always believed we give way too much importance to Hollywood. It’s just another office. Sure, their office space is bigger, with better infrastructure. But we must not forget that we Indians can work even if there is a computer shutdown.

What did you do in New York?
I lived it up. After playing another character for the better part of the day, I was only too happy to come back to being Sushmita. I used to take Sundays off, so I could do all the touristy things. Since my sister Neelam and Randeep (Hooda) were also there, I was having my own little private party.

Nobody would’ve associated you with a film like Chingari.
When Kalpana Lajmi came to me, she said my character was a combination of goddess Kali and Durga. That clinched it for me. I’m a huge bhakt and this is my tribute to the goddess.

Kalpana first came to you with Singhasan, but you turned her down.
Yes, because it wasn’t what I wanted to do with Kalpana. Chingari is what we were meant to do. To be Sushmita and be able to keep the camera at a close range of 400 feet wasn’t easy. When the camera is so close, you can’t lie. I had to leave behind the thinking woman’s mind and become my character. I also had to convey Basanti’s wonderment. Let me tell you that after Chingari, nothing about cinema scares me. I’m proud of this film.

Were you scared of the de-glam look?
I was petrified of coming out of my make-up van with only Johnson’s baby oil and kohl. But Basanti is quite glam. Or maybe, glamour is in my DNA.

How did you get the body language of a prostitute right?
Well, let’s just say that from my debut Dastak to Chingari, I’ve learnt to let go. It was a part of Sushmita that I didn’t know existed. I had no qualms about taking on the shamelessness of the character. You have to understand that this performance is not mine, it’s a gift from the goddess to me.

What is the kissing controversy surrounding you and your Chingari co-star Anuj Sawhney?
This question doesn’t even dignify an answer. It created enough trouble between me and the producer. I almost didn’t even market the film. I don’t ascribe to such sleazy behaviour.

Is there a smooching scene in the film?
There is no smooching in the film at all. New actors are going on a rampage talking about something that’s not even there, for cheap publicity.

But, are you open to smooching on screen?
Sure, if the smooch is an integral part of the film and if I like the guy I’m smooching.

Any wish list?
(Laughs) Okay now, let’s not go there. Next question, please.

What’s happening with your production company and the film project Rani Laxmibai?
First of all, let me tell you that I’ve finally named my two companies. The first is called Tantra Entertainment Pvt Ltd and we’ll be making movies and ads under this banner. The other is a leisure company, Sensazione, which is Italian for ‘vibration’. Sensazione is in partnership with my friend Rajat Dalmiya. We’ve already bought a 12,000 sq ft place in Kolkata to make a nightclub. Eventually, I want to own a chain of spas and hotels. As for Rani Laxmibai, the research is on.

When are you getting down to writing your autobiography?
I keep writing, but I have to assemble all of it. Let’s say I’ll write once I get a break from living.

Heard you’re all fired up for Tanuja Chandra’s Rockin’?
(Shouts excitedly) This one is the most alive and electrifying role I’ve ever done. My character, Kriya, is so mesmerising and alive. I had fun handling the acoustic guitar and getting into the complete live wire mode.

Madonna, J Lo, Britney—who’s your ideal rock star?
Madonna any day, because Britney copies her and I like the original. J Lo has got tremendous sexiness with little-girl appeal, but Madonna is a woman. She’s unapologetic about who she is and has lived life on her own terms. I can’t help loving her.