Bipasha says "I'm passionate but not desperate"

By: Harneet Singh (Screen Weekly), IndiaFM
Monday, October 22, 2007

Phoonk De seems like another Beedi in your career. Did you expect it to turn out like this?
See, Beedi wasn't an instant hit. I had no inkling that it'll become so huge. In contrast Phoonk De in No Smoking is more of a mood song. It is not a dance number like Beedi. It's more sensual and dulcet. I like to listen to it when I'm driving. But the response for this song has been more immediate. I can sense that from the number of messages on my phone. And what's interesting is that it's not even my film. I think the combined talents of John and me, Vishal Bharadwaj's music, Rekha Bharadwaj's voice and Gulzar saab's lyrics has made the song a great package. And I'm very glad for it.

For someone who was termed as a non- dancer you've managed quite a few dancing hits to your name right from Mehbooba Mehbooba, No Entry, Beedi to now Phoonk De . Interesting?
It's fascinating actually. I've always maintained that I'm not a trained dancer. Sure, I've rhythm. But my dancing knowledge was restricted to dancing in a discotheque. It's really amazing that I've managed all these dancing numbers. You know a funny thing happened recently. I decided to join a dance class to learn a bit of jazz and salsa. I was amazed to see that in these dance classes Bollywood dancing is so popular. All my friends wanted to learn what I do on screen. So I decided against it. As for the dancing hits, they have all fallen in my lap.

That's how you explain your acting career also, don't you?
Yes I agree. I know that I'm hardworking but I'm not desperate. I've never gone to any extreme lengths to get a role. If something isn't working for me then I'm quite capable of trying out something new and intelligent. I know it's an insecure industry but thankfully I'm made differently. I feel very comfortable with the highs and the lows of my profession. I know that I've my own niche and I'm not competing with anyone. Every year magazines come up with these number games. I admit that I glance at the numbers but it doesn't affect me if I go down a couple of numbers.

So you don't want to be the No. 1 heroine?
I might feel good if somebody puts me at No. 1. But otherwise also I don't feel bad. Work is not the be all and end all of my life. I'm quite passionate about my work but I'm not desperate.

Apparently you were offered the female lead in No Smoking , why didn't you do it?
I would've done it if I were offered John's part.

Speaking of John Abraham with whom you're positively sizzling in the song, what's the raaz of the chemistry?
(Laughs) Yeah well even I think we look good together. I think that's because John and me have interesting features and bodies. There's also the comfort factor. But I must tell you that in Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal our chemistry is totally different. Instead of oomphy and sexy we'll come across as sweet and cute. These words have never been associated with John and me so I'm excited to see how the audience reacts to us.

The buzz is that you've gone deglam for Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal ?
I don't know how to interpret the word deglam. It conjures up images of a servant in oily plats. I haven't gone non-glam for the film. It's just that since I'm playing a medical student I'm not OTT glam. She's in a ponytail with her chashma and most of the times she's attired in track pants and jackets. Since the character is not glam I had to play her like that unlike Race where from frame one I'm dripping fashion since I play a model in the film.