Films don't have to be real, every time

Courtesy: IndiaFM
Thursday, March 09, 2006

It was a music video which shot Hrishita Bhatt to fame. Then there were some more videos, after which she made her Bollywood debut with Asoka. Bhatt was mostly seen in the girl-next-door kind of roles. Then came Jawani Diwani where we could see a lot of her Jawani. And with Jigyaasa the girl who once swore to stay away from bikinis onscreen, breaks her resolution. We spoke to her just before Jigyaasa hits theatres!

What is the film Jigyaasa about?
It's the story of an actress. I play the title role. It's about how a girl comes from a small town and has dreams of becoming an actress. She goes through a lot but then finally makes it.

The film stars a host of actors Varsha Usgaonkar, Mukesh Tiwari and Naseer Abdullah. What can you tell us about your co-stars?
They are all polished actors. They, along with my director gave me a lot of support. This film is my director's vision. My work was to fit in what he wanted to make.

What made you sign on this film?
When I heard the script, it came across as a very bold and controversial film. It was a big risk for me. The audience has never seen me in such a role. I decided to do the film on the spur of the moment. I'm not saying that I identify with the character. But my director's narration had a lot of conviction. I don't identify with the character or story, at all. But this is fantasy. Films don't have to be real, every time. For me, it was just another role.

Is it true that the character is inspired by a recent real life actress?
It is not based on one particular actress. I'm sure there will be talks about a lot of actresses after this film! Maybe some completely new name will come out after this film. But we're not talking about anyone specific, in the film.

How was it working with the director, Faisal Saif?
It was great. Earlier, his film was selected for the Locarno film festival. He is very talented. The atmosphere on the sets was very easy. It was a bold film and it is important to have a high level of comfort.

Why is it that you call Jigyaasa the 'controversial girl'?
Jigyaasa's story is very controversial. Her journey has been controversial.

What can you tell us about the music of the film?
The music is minimal. The background score is great. There is an item number, a romantic number and a fusion kind of qawwali. We wanted to maintain the speed of the story.

Is it true that we won't see a hero as such, opposite you? And don't you think that will be harmful?
I don't exactly have anyone opposite me, in the conventional manner. Hrishita plays Jigyaasa who is a fictitious character. I would say that the hero of the film is the girl.

Tell us about your look in the film.
There are many looks in the film because I play an actress. I tried to look my best. I did some homework, keeping in mind that she has to look glamorous all the time.

How do you think the audience will react to your new image?
People just create any image. It's not like I had decided that I would do only sweet girl-next-door roles. After Huzur-E-Ala from Page 3 and Jawani Diwani , I think there has been a different image.The film is being promoted as having a mystery element. Let us in on the secret!
I don't want to say much. Let people watch the film and find out!

What next, after Jigyaasa?
I don't plan!

What about your forthcoming projects?
Right now, I'll talk about Jigyaasa.

Lastly, with Holi coming up... how do you plan to celebrate it?
I haven't played Holi since a couple of years. I always have some work or the other. If I celebrate this year, it will be with a lot of water and safe colors. It's quite a hassle to get that color off you.

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