RADIO SARGAM INTERVIEW: LARA DUTTA (KAAL)

1) Kaal is definitely one of the biggest films in your career so far. Could you tell us a little about the film and your character?
Kaal is a suspense thriller. It is a film that deals with the laws of the jungle and the consequences the main characters are to face when some of the laws are broken. Once the characters enter the jungle, the jungle doesn’t let them get out. It deals with their fight to make it out alive. I play Ishika, a fun sweet, superstitious character, who loves her boyfriend Dev and is very intuned to the circumstances taking place. The jungle fascinates and scares her at the same time.

2) The film is produced by Karan Johar and Shah Rukh Khan - two of the biggest names in the industry. Karan is a successful director, Shah Rukh Khan and successful actor. How do you rate the as producers? What made them so good?
Kaal was a pleasure to work on from the word ‘go’ Karan is so involved with every aspect that even though he is not directing, every little thing is taken care of. As an artist I was always confident and sure about the project. Shah Rukh is an amazing human being, his being involved made Kaal all the more special. Dharma Productions makes you realize what a pleasure and fascinating experience it is to make professional, good, productive cinema. Its an unforgetful experience.

3) There were a couple of romantic link-ups amongst the Kaal cast! Firstly you and John Abraham and then Esha Del and Ajay Devgan. Did it effect the atmosphere while shooting the movie?
Not at all. We are all professioals and rumours do not effect work.

4) You took the link-up with John Abraham in your stride. How come you were able to simply brush the rumour aside? Did it effect your friendship with both john and Bipasha?
I don’t believe in loosing sleep over baseless rumours. There was nothing to brush aside. Bipasha and I have known each other long enough to understand this and move along.

5) Whilst some beauty queens have found success in Bollywood, there are a few finding it difficult to carve a niche for themselves in Indian Cinema. How come you succeeded when the likes of Yukta Mokhey and Celina Jaitley are having difficulties?
There is a time for everyone. Everyone works hard. It is destiny and then there is chance. Each plays its cast and sometimes you get a good hand. Sometimes you don’t.

6) Obviously you are regularly compared to Priyanka Chopra, since you both debuted in the same film together andf won your titles in the same year. Whilst the media like making the comparisons, doyou ever find yourself looking at her career against your own? What do you think about her current success?
I am very happy Priyanka is doing well. She has worked hard and deserves it. I don’t compare my career to any. I don’t have the time, work comes first, comparis.

7) Aishwarya Rai is probably the most successful Bollywood beauty queen at the moment. Do you think she will succeed in Hollywood? What did you think of Bride and Prejudice?
Have not seen Bride and Prejudice. I think she is very beautiful and hope she does make it in Hollywood.

8) You have definitely attracted a large fan base, especially amongst the male population, who think you are the sexiest thing in Bollywood. Do you think you are the sexiest woman in Bollywood – if nor, who would be you pick?
I am sorry, but I’m also a lot more!!!

9) What other films are you currently working on?
No Entry and Dosti.

10) Your item number in Khakhee became really successful. Would yopu consider more item numbers in the future?
I’m not looking out for item numbers. They just happen. I loved doing Khakhee and really haven’t thought about whether I would do more.

WRITTEN BY ROBEEL HAQ