AMRITA RAO INTERVIEW

Bollywood newcomer Amrita Rao recently witnessed some box office success opposite Vivek Oberoi in Indra Kumar’s Masti. The Bollywood newcomer wastes no time returning to the big screen in another major release, Main Hoon Naa, alongside the likes of Shah Rukh Khan, Sushmita Sen and Zayed Khan. Radio Sargam Editor Robeel Haq caught up with the friendly youngster to find out more…

There's plenty of buzz surrounding the new generation of Bollywood. Are you the face of the future?
It's a really nice feeling being accepted as the new generation of Bollywood. Being described as a face of the future, together with the likes of Antara Mali and Kareena Kapoor, is like a blessing. It feels especially good because I don't even have a background in Indian cinema. I don't hail from a film family either. I simply came here two years ago and entered modelling. After doing some television commercials I got noticed and films such as Ishq Vishk came my way.

The setting of your much-awaited movie Main Hoon Na is another college. Will the film be similar to Ishq Vishk?
The only similarity between Main Hoon Na and Ishq Vishk is the college setting. Otherwise there complete contrast between my characters in both films. In Ishq Vishk I play a nice and simple girl. My character is very, very different in Main Hoon Na. I'm like a rock star with a crazy grunge look. There's lots of lip-gloss, nose rings and dreadlocks. We can safely say it's not a conventional image for any actress!

Did you enjoy working with the likes of Shah Rukh Khan, Sushmita Sen and Zayed Khan in Main Hoon Na?
It was a great experience working on this movie. It's obviously a great honour working with Shah Rukh Khan. Starring alongside one of the country's greatest actors is amazing, especially during the beginning of my career. He's so enthusiastic and energetic. It's impressive because his following is huge and the fans unconditionally accept him. However instead of taking things easy, he always gives one hundred percent. I enjoyed working with Sushmita Sen and Zayed Khan too. I think Sushmita Sen has a gorgeous personality to match her gorgeous looks. Zayed falls into my age group. We gelled together really well. His personality is very similar to the character he plays in Main Hoon Na.

What are your plans for the future?
Thankfully I've been receiving plenty of offers, but I want to remain selective. I've got three releases this year because Main Hoon Na was supposed to come out in 2003. It got delayed. However I've decided to only sign one or two films a year.

INTERVIEWED BY ROBEEL HAQ