Stepping Up

What are you playing in the film?
I play an aspiring model,who is trying to make it big in Mumbai. She is saddled with a boyfriend who is a cocaine addict,and how she copes with him and her dreams is an important aspect of the film.

How would you describe the film’s director,Sudhir Mishra?
Sudhir is an actor’s director who writes very strong,textured parts. The best part about Tera… was that it was shot in locations that Sudhir has discovered during his nightly jaunts. He has presented Mumbai as never before.

Which film are you presently shooting for?
I am in the midst of newcomer Neerav Ghosh’s Soundtrack and Sai Kabir’s Chemistry.

What kind of challenges did you face for Soundtrack,in which you play a deaf girl?
The film is the official remake of It’s All Gone Pete Tong,which is based on the true story of a popular Czech DJ Kristov Masalin. He became deaf due to excessive noise levels but I play a girl who is born deaf,yet is generally very upbeat about life. Portraying her was a challenge because I cannot perceive life without sound,and I talk non-stop,and here I had to play a deaf girl who talks through sign language.

What is Chemistry all about?
It’s an out-and-out comedy about the chemistry between a boy (Shreyas Talpade) who likes kulfis and a girl who is very ambitious. The film is my first attempt at comedy.

What’s happening to Accident,your film with Shiney Ahuja?
The film is another first for me,as I had never done anything in the horror genre. It should release sometime next year.

Are you excited about Deepa Mehta’s Midnight’s Children?
I am very excited about the film and waiting to start shooting for it in February. But I am not allowed to speak about my part right now.

How would you describe this phase of your career?
I am content with what I have on my plate and don’t resent the fact that I am not part of hardcore mainstream cinema.

Will you be doing a film for your brother Saif Ali Khan’s home production?
Saif is presently busy with Agent Vinod. When he has a part for me in any of his productions,I am sure he will ask me.

geety.sahgal@expressindia.com