Femme fatale

The actress says she did meet Kashmiri girls but drew more from the director’s brief as the girls were all “sweet and soft-spoken” as opposed to her character who was supposed to walk like a man. The aforementioned scene is one that is vivid in her memory. “It was the most humiliating experience of my life. Blackening someone’s face is the ultimate form of humiliation and to add to that there were more than a hundred women hitting me in that scene. In fact,I had to be hospitalised as a small stone went into my ear accidentally,” she recalls.

Understandably,the actress is upbeat about the film which could mark her as an actress,who after a decade in the movies,has evolved. “A different kind of audience liked Corporate,which was among my first attempts at a deglamorised role and I am very curious to watch the reactions to the film,” avers Basu,adding,“Movies such as Lamhaa should be watched. We have braved stone pelting,mobs and as a woman,it was very scary so I hope people will support this kind of a film.”

Quick to rattle off the goings-on in Kashmir,Basu,says that (for an actor) being aware of political and social realities around is important. “I am politically aware because my father was very particular that we know what’s happening around us. In fact I was invited on several shows etc to participate in discussions about Kashmir but I refused to do so because words can be twisted and turned and I don’t want to draw my film into a controversy.”

After comedies,romantic drama,thriller and regional films such as Sab Charitra Kalpanik and niche multiplex films such as Pankh,Bipasha now seems poised for a serious stint—Lamhaa is likely to be followed by Aakrosh,a film opposite Ajay Devgn directed by Priyadarshan on the honour killings in Bihar. Fortunately soon after there is Dum Maro Dum about drugs,rock n roll and thrills opposite Abhishek Bachchan but on her wish list for the time being is an action film.

“I never really plan but at this stage I would love to do an action film because I am really very fit and would look convincing in a role like that.”
Speaking of fitness,her first fitness DVD BB Love Yourself—she has a similar sounding handle on Twitter— has been a sellout,she informs.
“I got a lot of good feedback on it and I feel happy that it’s helping. I knew that the exercise programme would show results.”

She rubbishes reports of turning director though,“There are very few negatives to being an actor,so it is unlikely that I will turn director anytime soon. It is a tough and thankless job. Shooting for a DVD itself was enough for me.”
However,the second,more advanced version of the DVD is on its way and Basu promises that it will be leaner and meaner with even better results. “I am planning a December-January release for the second part.”

Over the last 10 years that she has been part of the film industry,Basu,who broke away from the fair and lovely stereotype making dusky synonymous with sexy,has earned her spurs in glamorous roles and Lamhaa,according to Dholakia,could also land her films of a different type. The actress,on her part is willing to experiment with roles but is not in favour of reducing the glamour quotient anytime soon.

“As an actor,it is important to keep your USP going. At the end of the day,glamour is central to the film industry… I try to present myself in a refreshing manner each time in a new role and I guess that has worked for me,” she reasons.
Another thing that is unlikely to change anytime soon with Basu,is her honesty giving credit where it’s due. Speaking of her career spanning 10 years,she says,“The only thing that keeps you going are the people around you. Abbas-Mustan,Akshay Kumar and Bobby Deol were the first people from the industry who gave me a break in the film industry. They were amazing co-stars,supportive and encouraging.”

“With Raaz I started enjoying my work and for that the credit goes to Mukesh,Mahesh and Vikram Bhatt. It was a role that gave me a lot of meat to sink my teeth into. In fact,both Jism and Raaz were driven and carried by the film’s heroine and gave me a wonderful opportunity.
“And Anil and Boney Kapoor,I would like to thank for No Entry. The film helped me break away from my inhibitions about the Bollywood naach-gaana.”

It is said that only the brave can survive the push and shove of showbiz. Basu has managed well. In her trademark unfussy style she dismisses the idea of big,bad Bollywood. “It is my firm belief that if you are confident and professional,you will be accepted. I am not part of any camp or a film family but my experience here has been very positive.”