'Priyanka made some smart choices'

Lara Dutta, who is clearly excited to be part of a biggie like Jhoom Barabar Jhoom, tells Sandhya Iyer that she's tired of her glamourous image

Jhoom Barabar Jhoom is your biggest film so far, isn’t it?

Yup, I’m very excited about this one. It’s with Yash Raj and I’ve always been keen to work with them.

Working with director Shaad Ali must have been interesting?

Yes, he has this very desi, mad, quirky style and it’s something I’ve never done before. I’m playing a Pakistani women in the film, very sophisticated and stylish. But even within that framework, there’s a graph to my character, which was exciting.

You’ve worked with Abhishek Bachchan in Mumbai Se Aya Mera Dost. How was it working with him this time?

Abhishek has come a long way as an actor. He was a newcomer when I did that film with him. I feel success has made Abhishek more confident as an actor. As for our rapport, he’s always been a brat, looking out to play pranks.

Though you started reasonably well with Suneel Darshan’s Andaz, you’ve faced several roadblocks in your career? Much like Abhishek, isn’t it?

Sure. But honestly, in all these three years, I was just figuring out what would be correct for me as an actress. I was experimenting with different roles and genres –drama, comedy, action and checking out what I could do best. Also, I was finding out which banners and people I enjoy working with. I was never really looking out for just hit films. It has been a fabulous learning experience and in many ways, my career has just begun.

So you were never looking for just commercial success?

No, I wasn’t. I’m not in the number game. In the long term, I want to be known as a good actress, who can deliver. I want to be in a position where people expect something out of me as an actress. I’m tired of hearing ‘Oh you looked so gorgeous in that film’ etc. I need good roles to prove myself as an actress.

Do you think filmmakers are reluctant to give you meaty parts, precisely because of your image and good looks?

Yes, I think there is a mental block. Out modeling background anyway comes in the way. They feel an actress cannot play a strong, layered character unless she has ordinary, girl-next-door looks. But things are starting to change thankfully.


Priyanka Chopra and you started out together. Today, she’s so much ahead…

Our priorities have been very different. She took the tried and tested route, hung on big heroes…I didn’t do that. Ultimately, she’ll have to prove herself as an actress. When I signed films, my main objective was to experiment and have fun. Of course, this is not to say that the films Priyanka did were not good. Don, Krrish…all were brilliant films. She made some smart choices.


How come big banners didn’t approach you initially?

No, I have been fairly lucky. I got to work with Dharma Productions in Kaal very early on. Also, I’m working with Yash Raj in less than three years of being in the industry. It’s a break that doesn’t come so easily.

You had a huge hit in No Entry in 2005 and also had a meaty role in it? Do you believe you were adequately benefited by its success?

Of course, I was. All the films I got like Bhagam Bhag, Partner and Jhoom Barabar Jhoom is thanks to No Entry.

Marriage plans?

Good lord, I’m not getting married anytime soon.