A whole lot of films are in the pipeline.
Yes, Halla Bol, Salaame Ishq, Guru —all these are on the floors. Eklavya is complete.
How was working with Big B on Eklavya?
Humbling. He’s been so effusive with me that I almost feel embarrassed.
He apparently is a fan of yours?
I read some nice things he said about me. He told me they couldn’t take their eyes off me in Parineeta.
What’s this about quitting Rituparno’s film?
Yes, that’s true. The film has been delayed. They wanted to rush into production within two months of my having heard the script but I needed more time. When it happens next year, inshallah, I will be there. If they want to do it this year, they’ll have to recast.
You’ve been working with newcomers like Raju Hirani and Nikhil Advani.
We’ve had great fun on Nikhil Advani’s set. He and his team are a bunch of livewires.
What about Mani Ratnam?
He’s a dream come true. I don’t know how he does it, but the way he makes you connect with his characters—it works instantly.
You’re being choosy about roles. How is that taken in the industry?
.I refuse a lot of films because I can’t work like a machine. I need my space. I need to enjoy what I do and I need to unwind.
Have the big banners approached you yet?
Raj Kumar Santoshi and Mani Ratnam. Raju Hirani is not small either. Eklavya was with Vinod Chopra. So, I have a perfect mix of both.
Tell us about Halla Bol?It’s about an actor’s journey from a reel hero to a real-life hero. I play his lover.
