“I have no godfather in the industry”- Gauhar Khan

Model turned actor Gauhar Khan is on cloud nine these days. Finally she is paid her dues for the kind of talent she possess. She has been roped in by Yash Raj Films for the film Rocket Singh- Salesman of the Year. As of now she would not divulge any details on the film, but still she shared her experience of being a part of YRF films in an interview.

How was the experience of working in Rocket Singh?
It was a great experience working with a Director of Shimit Amin"s caliber. He is very particular about the cast of his film, and if he has showed faith in me, I too have given my 100 percent to it. Ranbir Kapoor is a real sweetheart. He is very down to earth. In fact, everybody on the sets gelled so well that it was like a big party. As I was among the few girls on the sets, these guys would gang-up and play pranks on me, but it was fun.

Did you ever foresee working with YRF?
Yes, in my dreams! Now my belief that dreams do come true has become stronger. I was offered lot of films during my Miss India days, but I turned down all of them, maybe because I was waiting for this kind of beginning.

You have been into modeling, VJ-ing; have done reality shows and now films, so what was the turning point in your career according to you?
As a part of Miss India pageant I personally got groomed, but that did not benefit me as far as career is concerned. As a VJ, I did not get the platform to showcase my talent. But when Jhalak… happened to me, I got the visibility in the form where audience could connect with me on personal, emotional and on talent level.

Did you expect this kind of trend in your career while you were taking up Jhalak…?
No, but I was sure of the visibility. I took up Jhalak as a platform where I can perform and showcase my talent. In the previous season Sanjay Leela Bhansali was looking for some talent for his film, but he didn"t pick anyone. I must say I am destiny"s child that I got noticed on the show and got short-listed by the ace production house.

How far your well-toned model-like body helped you in pulling off the steps gracefully in Jhalak…?
I do agree flexibility of the body does help, but dancing is just not about body. It"s in your soul and flows through your blood. Even a trained dancer cannot pull off the dancing steps gracefully, unless he is passionate about it.

Do you think finally you are paid your dues for the kind of talent you posses?
I have no godfather in the industry and if today I am part of such a big film, it is purely on the basis of my talent and I am proud of it.

What kinds of roles would you like to do?
I am fascinated by the trend of realistic cinema where situation, character and acts are for real. I would also love to do running around the trees kind of commercial films, as I am very filmy at heart. I would want to do something that stays with people even after the film is over.

Any film if remade, you would want to be a part of?
I would love to take up the challenge of playing the role of Manisha Koirala in Khamoshi. I would have also liked to be a part of Imtiaz Ali"s not Jab We Met, but Socha Na Tha. If old Khubsoorat is remade I would love to play Rekha"s character and definitely a classic like Mughal-e-Azam is always desired.

Which contemporary actress do you admire?
Konkona Sen Sharma fits in the broadened arena of the cinema today. She has touched upon the gamut of roles from being a mother, a daughter to an onscreen wife. Apart from Hindi commercial and Art cinema, she has done films in English and in regional languages. I wish to do something like what she has done.

Are you game for steamy hot scenes for a good role?
Though I come from a modeling background, but I don"t want to embarrass my family when they go to watch my films. They are use to my bold and glamorous attire, but I personally want to draw lines for myself while taking up any role.

Do you want to be an actor or a star?
I am an actor who wants to be a star!

Will you continue to be a model?
No. I have done a crash course in acting and that broke all the myths that I harbored about acting, and so now I feel more like an actor.