Nargis Fakhri: Back to the roots

Tell us about your life before Rockstar….

I am an international model,I work overseas. The only reason I started modelling was because I had a dream of travelling the world. And believe me,modelling proved to be the perfect way to see a new place,taste new food,learn new languages,meet new people and earn a great living too. I thoroughly enjoyed travelling the world and being a part of some very interesting experiences.

Was it always on your mind to become a Bollywood actress?

It was never a plan,but I am glad it happened. I am always open to new challenges,and this ones worked out very well for me.

What was your first reaction when you saw yourself on the big screen?

Its a strange feeling when you see yourself for the first time on the huge screen,but it was an interesting experience. I actually started criticising what looked good or bad. I also felt a little shy watching myself that huge.

Did you get a lip job done? It appears so in the film…

n No I havent got any lip job. I am just super obsessed with lip-plumper and I didnt know that everything on screen becomes larger than life so I guess it appears to be like that. I guess I wont be using it anymore!

Your performance was criticised in the film. How do you take criticism?

I look forward to criticism as much as praises. I actually prefer it to compliments because from that I can grow to become better. I want to give my best,so if you have to point out to something where I am going wrong then please do,so that I can work on it and make it better.

Now that you are one film old,how thorough are you with the language?

When I first arrived I was in an office for 10 hours a day from Monday through Sunday for almost three months learning Hindi and doing some strange acting exercises with Imtiaz Ali,the director of Rockstar. I ended up learning a lot of Hindi,but when I went back to New York for a few months I sort of forgot most of it. But I have planned to dedicate at least an hour everyday to learn the language. Im able to write and read Hindi now. I read slow,but I am happy that I learnt it,I feel proud. Learning a new language is the most amazing feeling ever.

What are your upcoming films?

I have my team working with me and we are going through a lot of scripts but I have still not found something I like. After being a part of a phenomenon like Rockstar,I want my next project to be equally fantastic. I am not in a hurry,I am willing to wait.

Now that the film is done,are you still in touch with your co-star Ranbir Kapoor?

Yes,I am in touch with him,how can I not be? Both Imtiaz and Ranbir are like family to me. We are all very busy right now but whenever we get time,we catch up.

What do you think about Bollywood? Tell us about your favourite actor,actress and the films that you love watching.

Well,I love Bollywood,I love the movies. It sounds lame but I never had a favourite anything in life,I dont even have a favourite colour or food. So I cant tell you my favourite movie or actor. Every actor and actress gives something different to each film.

So how was the Rockstar experience?

Rockstar was something that I feel the universe gave me as a gift. During the process,I got to learn a lot about myself and I grew as a human being. Firstly,it was strange how this movie was shot in Prague which is my mothers hometown,it felt good to be there. I got to be closer to my mother by being in Prague. It was like homecoming,where I had loads of fun. As for my father,India was the closest I could ever get to remembering him (he is no more). It was amazing that I came to India as there were so many things that reminded me of my childhood,like the dessertsI remembered my favorite laddoos and the kheer and the rasmalai,and then I remember hating bhindi (lady fingers),but I love them now. I got an opportunity to get back to my roots.