Masumeh's second innings

Masumeh Makhija is back almost three years after Maqbool

Tell us about your forthcoming film Dus Kahania, how did you get the offer?
Dus Kahania is directed by Hansal Mehta and produced by White Feathers. It's a compilation of 10 different stories. The one in which I feature opposite Jimmy Shergill is tiled High on the Highway, and is written by Vishal Bharadwaj. All the 10 stories have messages to give, and are about relationships and emotions embedded in our lives. I have my agents in London and in Los Angeles. They look after my work, so it was via this network that I got the offer.

What about your other movie Alibagh and your character in it?
I can't say much about the movie. All I can say is that the story is very close to Mr. Dutt and he has written it from his heart. It has a very ensemble cast so it's very difficult to say who the lead is. Mr. Dutt is the right person to ask.

Has your third movie been given a title?
No, the title has not been fixed as yet. The rest you will come to know "dhire dhire" (slowly).

Your first film was directed by your sister Sona. Are you planning to team up with her again?
I hope so.

Your movie Maqbool, directed by Vishal Bharadwaj was nationally acclaimed. Are you looking forward to work with him again?
I would love to, for sure. At present, he is doing a lot more than just directing. If I am not mistaken, No Smoking is his production. To make a movie, first the characters have to be decided. Then the actors must fit into their roles well. Bharadwaj has to have the right film; I need to have the date. It all has to fit well.

You got nominated for the best female breakthrough, for Maqbool and Woh Lamhe, how did you feel?
I felt great, even through I couldn't get the trophy home. But the nomination itself meant a lot, as I wasn't the lead in either of the movies and the length of the role never bothered me. They were both different characters, and I love playing distinct characters each time.

Your initial movies didn't do well in the box office. They didn't let you etch your mark in the industry. Was that disappointing for you?
I am a kind of person who welcomes everything which comes my way, so whatever came, came. None of my movies have done well commercially, but I am satisfied with them. Today, it's an advantage for those who join the industry young as they get a lot of recognition, publicity by media plays a vital role in it. These days, before the movie is released, they are hyped so much.

Your passion?
Besides acting, it has to be dancing.

Your love?
I love to live a carefree life. Enjoy every moment that has been given by god.

You hate?
People who are cynical and jaded.

You like to be known as?
Masumeh, an actress.