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Aaliyah PEOPLE MAGAZINE Interview
Soch is an interesting film wherein I play Sanjay Kapoors obsessive frustrated wife who is over suspicious all the time. Things turn ugly and I get murdered. The suspense in the film is chilling. In fact, my first Hindi film offer was from the director of Soch, Sushen Bhatnagar. He thought I would be ideal in the wifes part. When I heard the script I liked it immensely. I like subjects which are exciting but wouldnt mind doing the run of the mill too. Given a chance, I want to experience all kinds of cinema. Tell us about your forthcoming film Dhund-The Fog. Dhund-The Fog is a special film for me as it has a heroine-oriented role that revolves around me. I am full-fledged heroine in this film. (laughs) Earlier I was in a two bit appearance or a smaller role. I play a girl who wants to be a model but has a rival in another contestant. There are a number of problems between them and how it turns into a thriller. It has been a fabulous experience doing the film as we are all relatively new in the cast so we would help each other out and even look out in scenes and give cues. So the shooting was quite a smooth sailing. Was the transition from a doctor to a model an easy one? Well, yes in some ways. You see I had done my MBBS and had plans to go ahead with my MD. But one fine day when I was at a bus stop with my then boyfriend-now-husband Mufzal, we saw a hoarding of the Gladrags competition. He encouraged me to participate in it, as I was beautiful. By fluke I won. It was 1996. Then the ball started rolling. Modeling assignments poured in by the dozen. I had to travel a lot, which I enjoyed. I even went to Singapore for the Asian Super Model contest and won there too. After that I started getting film offers. Three years ago I did a Telegu film too called Tamdu. It was with Pawan Kalyan, Chiranjeevis brother wherein I had a parallel role with Preeti Jhangiani. The film was a big hit there. They were very helpful with dialogues and little little tips of better appearance on screen acting and personality wise. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of acting. How did the Mrs World contest happen? The Mrs World contest was another unexpected adventure in my life. No one had heard about such a contest though the contest has been organized annually since 1984. So we had a short notice period as just 10 days before the contest we learned about it and my friends and family wanted me to participate. So I took up the challenge. Sheetal design studio got the clothes and arranged for the rest of the requirements too. So how are you enjoying acting? Bollywood has welcomed me with open arms. Actually acting seemed the natural step after having done numerous ad films and campaigns. Not to forget the ramp shows. So you crave for something else, something different and better. Films are a good alternative. I have got offers for item numbers too. Like the one I am doing in a Telegu film with a newcomer Sachin. Dancing at a disco and dancing for a film song are as different as chalk and cheese. There is too much hard work and too many things to look after. Yet it is an unforgettable experience. I have been immensely lucky to have got such brilliant directors and co-stars to work with. Everyone here has been very helpful and considerate towards a newcomer like me. I had heard horror stories like having to wait on the sets, stars throwing tantrums etc, but none of it (touchwood) has happened to me. Acting has been quite a smooth ride. Do you feel that your glamourous looks over shadow your personality? Looks are a problem when people think you are just a bimbo. Though I have a medical degree, they cant imagine a beautiful woman with brains. But once they know you, they realize that the person is intelligent yet they want to exploit only the beautiful side of an actresses. The other problem I face is that the industry is not read for a married actress. Even though the audiences are more open minded about it, the makers think other wise. No one has obvious said it out aloud in front of me but I can sense their hesitation in casting me in projects. It is just not fair. How is the experience as a parent? Parenting is a joy because my baby is my world. A child can give you unconditional love which no other relation can give. Everyone expects something or the other in a relationship but kids they love you for what you are and how you are. There is no pretense required before a kid. Of course, having a kid means lot of responsibility for life but the measure is too small compared to the joy and love you receive from your child. Doesnt gossip hinder your personal life? My husband is quite a cool person. He understands the occupational hazards of working in the industry. Initially it used to bother me but not anymore. When I heard somewhere that it was written that Akshay Kumar had the hots for me. I laughed a lot and so did my husband. So these things happen. My family trusts me and I trust them to have faith in me. In fact, my husband is quite a big support urging me to do my best and go to bigger levels in life. So life is bliss! |
