AMISHA PATEL
"My Character In Yeh Zindagi..."

Amisha Patel is sitting pretty on her perch as the current cherry topping on the cake of success. After the phenomenal victory that Gadar scored all over the country, the actress silenced all her detractors who wrote her off as a one film wonder following her first release Kaho Na Pyaar Hai opposite the nation's man of the moment Hrithik Roshan.

Not content to rest on her laurels however, the beautiful young lady is all set to grace the silver screen once again this month with her latest film Yeh Zindagi Ka Safar under the directorial baton of the acclaimed Tanuja Chandra.

We caught up with Amisha for a quick bite of what it's like to ride the crest of success.

What does it feel like to have two hits in a row?
I have to say it's an amazing experience. There are very few words to describe the kind of elation it brings. I can't thank the audience enough for having accepted me so whole-heartedly. But along with success one has to admit, there is an increasing apprehension and pressure to keep up with what the people want to see me do in the future. I have to be more responsible and careful in the work I do.

Wasn't there a feeling of neglection following the success of Kaho Na Pyaar Hai, with the Hrithik Roshan mania?
Not at all. Hrithik's success was very well deserved. Even at the award ceremonies I would get really excited when Kaho Na… won in a category because I had been part of the film. We had all worked together and were like a family. There was no question of any neglecting. The film was a tremendous hit and I got to act in it. I will always be proud of that.

Tell us a little about your latest film.
It's called Yeh Zindagi Ka Safar and is directed by Tanuja Chandra. It's off the beaten path and I'm really looking forward to its release. The film talks about how a perfect life can go wrong with one small incident. It explores the bond between a mother and daughter. In that sense there are may layers to the movie that have been tapped into quite beautifully.

What about your role?
My character in Yeh Zindagi… is by far the most glamourous role I have ever played. It's radically different from the one I played in Gadar. Here I play a popular singer - a famous personality. Her life is going on just as it should when suddenly something alters its course forever. The film is very women-oriented in a way, so my character had a lot of strength. I'm very excited about it.

This is the first time you've worked with Tanuja Chandra. What has the experience been like?
Oh, she's just a fantastic person and a really good director. It was great fun working with her. Besides Yeh Zindagi… had a very strong female chord to it, and I can't think of anyone but her who could've kind of understood and brought those emotions to life. She's done a great job with the movie.

How would you grade yourself as an actress after your first three films?
I have to say that I do notice a change in my performances. But that's natural. An actor grows with every performance. I'm no different. One has to mature and refine their screen presence with time and experience. I would say there is a good amount of growth that I have achieved as an actress over the last couple of years.

But what are your views on acting? Do you prefer to plan out your moves, or would you much rather go with the flow?
Well it depends I think. Acting is relative from person to person. For me personally it has to come purely by instinct. I can't plan in advance. I believe either you are a born actor or actress or you're not. There are really no two ways about it. You have to be able to feel those emotions that you are trying to convey. Only then will they ring true with the viewer.

You've had only two releases in two years. Your contemporaries have had many more.
That is probably because I am extremely careful about the films that I sign on. I need to be sure of what I am doing and whether doing a particular movie challenges me as an actress. Even the subject of the film is of primary importance to me. I don't mind doing fewer films. I just need to be satisfied with the ones that I do take on.

Is it true that you are doing another film with Hrithik Roshan?
That is correct. Hrithik and I are working on Aap Mujhe Achche Lagne Lage. It's a really good film and from what I have seen of it so far, it should go down really well with the audiences.