Image Courtesy: Jatin Kampani
In one of your latest interviews you had said that at this point in your career, you only want to do meaty films.
I have been a fan of the genre of films that Hollywood actresses like Naomi Watts and Nicole Kidman have done. And I think that slowly, women in our industry are also getting to play such parts. I am glad that I got to do Aatma because it is on those lines. It’s not a character that piggybacks on heroes. It’s a film where you have something to do.
Piggybacking on heroes seems to have become the trend though. Everyone from Kareena Kapoor to Katrina Kaif is doing it.
I would love to piggyback on Salman Khan. Since I wouldn’t have much to do, I’d wish to do a film with him. He is Salman Khan, so people are going to watch his films
anyway. If I am lucky, I’ll get to do one or two such films. But you know, you feel a sense of pride when you play substantial characters. You feel strong, you feel like an actor.
And you get to learn so many things…
Yes, and there are so many creative people on the sets and everybody wants to make a good film, which is even better. In fact, people on the sets of Aatma are also like that.
Everyone is a little anal and a little crazy because they all want to do their best. So the environment is charged.
First Raaz 3 and now Aatma. Two horror films in quick succession. You’ve done a few supernatural films in the past too. What about this genre fascinates you so much?
See, I don’t really categorise films according to their genres. I think every film tells a story. Aatma is very different from Raaz 3. While Raaz 3 was dark, Aatma is all about real emotions. In fact, it’s a completely dynamic film. It’s just a coincidence that I’m doing two horror films back-to-back. According to me, the story is king. And the scope to perform in this film is great.
Director Suparn Verma recently stated that you accepted Aatma after just one narration. True?
I loved the film the moment I heard it. I have something interesting to do in this film. I didn’t even think I was capable of the kind of emotions I am portraying in it.
It can’t be easy doing such heavy-duty movies one after the other?
You know, I kind of zone out and listen to music on the sets. It’s my way to disconnect from all the intense happenings around, so that I can rejuvenate my mind. After
performing an emotional scene, I put my headphones on and shut everything else out. You are required to do that with films like Raaz 3 and Aatma. But I agree, it can get real and painful sometimes.
Are you hinting at your breakdown on the sets of Aatma that happened a while ago?
It happened while I was shooting for Raaz 3 too. I broke down on the sets of Raaz 3 because the scene was so dark that I couldn’t believe I pushed myself to do it well.
After the scene was over, I burst out crying. I couldn’t wait for even a second. While shooting for Aatma, I just flowed into it because it was an emotional scene. I know that we are in a harsh business but we are only human.
The movie has you playing a mother on the big screen for the first time.
When I started working on this film, I realised that every woman has a mother in her. I have never done anything so emotional before. I haven’t even done anything connected to a child, so it’s all new. You have to have great discipline while working with a child. You have to be more focussed, more patient and absolutely real. Also, the child has to take to you. And Doyel (the child actor in Aatma) has taken to me. She is like my own little baby.
Is that why you are so protective of her?
I would be protective of any child. We have a really nice time even when we are not shooting. She calls me didi and we have a lot of fun together. That has a lot to do with the fact that both of us are big brats. She is one of the cutest kids I’ve ever met. I love her a lot.
But your close friends have always maintained that you are more goofy than bratty.
Well, I am a brat in a good way. I mean I am naughty but not bad. Plus, Doyel and I are quite similar. So our chemistry is going to be a lot of fun to watch on the big screen.
Besides Salman Khan, is there any other hero on your wish list at the moment?
(Laughs) So many of them. Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar — basically anyone who makes it safe for me.
Do you regret never playing it safe in your career?
(Pauses) God plans things for you. And I think I have been very lucky with whatever I have done. Yes, I have been foolish at times. I have made mistakes. I have not been smart or sharp about things. Yet, I am doing pretty well for myself. So I can safely say that there is a God above who loves me very much. I am happy with whatever work I am doing at
present. At least, I am excited to be on the sets.
Besides Aatma what are you looking forward to in the near future?
I am looking forward to taking a break from these dark and edgy films I’ve been doing. They drain you emotionally. I want to relax for a while now.
