Both the films had stars like Atul Kulkarni, Manisha Koirala, Kay Kay Menon, Nauhid Cyrusi, Ranvir Shorey, Sonali Kulkarni, Parvin Dabas, still these didn’t appeal to the audience, so it’s just luck. I think I have to be doubly cautious in choosing films!

Q*. Don’t you ever think that despite being a National Award winner, you are wasting your energy in striving for a good role in Bollywood!

No, I don’t think that I am wasting my energy but I surely feel bad. Again, such thoughts are temporary, I understand that success is the aftermath of struggle and it becomes ephemeral for people who get it easily.

Q*. Most of your films show the problems with women. Is it merely a co-incident?

Even I don’t know it! Maybe my directors feel that I can portray such characters better. It’s not the case with Mumbai, this Bengali film, ‘Trishna’ that I’m doing now has me portraying several shades.

Q*. Item songs are quite an easy way to get a place in Bollywood. Why didn’t you try for any such number yet?

Because no one has yet offered me one! If offered, I’ll definitely do an item number. I don’t think there is anything wrong in it.

Q*. Have you marked any limit beyond which you won’t go for any character?

There are always lines which are never meant to be crossed. I accept only those characters that appeal to me the most and can satisfy the actor in me. I am not like other heroines who throw tantrums or make a fuss about the kissing or bikini act.

... contd.