I felt so bad whipping Akshay - Jiah Khan

Young Jiah Khan has encountered quite a few road blocks ever since she turned towards the world of films. If her entry into Bollywood was a faux pas of sorts with a missed opportunity in Emraan Hashmi starrer Tumsa Nahi Dekha a few years back, last year was even more disheartening for her, as she was replaced by Genelia D'Souza when Shahid Kapoor starrer Chance Pe Dance was almost complete. It didn't take much time for her to wipe off her tears and move on to Housefull. The scars still remain, understandably so, even as she looks forward to far better years ahead with bigger projects and stronger roles in the pipeline. This correspondent catches up with the young actor who is ready to shock audience with her contrasting portrayal of a simple girl and a seductive siren alternatively in Housefull.

After Nishabd and Ghajini, audience get to see the sensual side of Jiah in the 'suhaagraat' song (I Don't Know What To Do) in Housefull. That should keep them happy, right?
You know, I was so excited the moment I heard the song. It was so hilarious and you have to closely listen to the lyrics to really know what's happening in the background. I just freaked out in it and there was so much more fun in store when we started shooting for the song.

Yes, one can see an uncomfortable looking Akshay Kumar trying to make an escape from the bedroom.
True and the best part about Akshay is that he improvises a lot even as the camera is rolling. In fact as we moved ahead in the song's shoot, he only made it look funnier and funnier. It could have become a totally sexy song but we have avoided it to become one.

Well, seems the fun part included whipping Akshay as a part of the entire sexy rendezvous, right?
Oh, I felt so bad about it but then Farah (Khan), who was choreographing the song, wanted me to do that. It was actually a real whip and the idea was to make it all look hilarious on screen as I got the kinky side of affairs on. Akshay was quite a sport though and never complained.

It's after ages that one has seen a 'suhaagraat' track and that too with the bride wearing a saree.
This is for the first time that I was wearing a saree and I really enjoyed it. This is what I always meant to do for the big screen. And I guess regarding the 'suhaagraat' sequence being revisited then I guess it's all good because somewhere we are getting a little too serious about movies. We should retain such old world charm from the 80s. It is wonderful to see such entertaining films finally coming out now.

Well, talking about past, last year you shed quite some tears after the entire Chance Pe Dance episode.
(Says firmly) I have completely forgotten what happened last year. See, I have studied films and I understand that sometimes things don't quite work out. Eventually, it is a director's show and it's his film. He knows what is working and what is not and eventually, it is entirely his prerogative. Of course I was quite sad about the entire turn of events, who wouldn't be? But then I do respect all my directors, co-stars and producers; if they decide to so something then I have to abide by that. I am hired to play a role and do my best.

Aah, now see seems like you are taking a diplomatic stand. Really Jiah, have you indeed forgiven and forgotten?
See, it is not about forgiving or forgetting. It was a decision that was taken and one has to move on. Tomorrow, if they ask me to do another movie and it suits me as well, I would do that. Ken (Ghosh), the director of Chance Pe Dance, is a good guy. Though it was reported that there was bad blood between Ken and me, the fact is that there was none. That should set the record straight.

In a way though you must have felt like poetic justice coming your way when the film failed at the box office early this year.
Well, 'poetic justice' would be too harsh a word after all. When I chose the film, it was because I wanted to do it. This is why today even if a film doesn't work; I don't look back it with any negativity. I was quite satisfied with what had come my way and even if today someone would have come to me with that script and setup and asked me to work on it, I would have done that. There are lot of good films that do not do well at the box office. At the end of the day you can never be too sure about audience.

You must be quite sure about Housefull though, isn't it? After all it is your biggest film till date with a promise of good visibility to boost.
Absolutely (smiles). There are a lot of people who are excited about the film and reports have been great so far. I have been getting feelers on Facebook and Twitter from even those whom I don't know. The promotion has been amazing and I look back at the entire experience of doing the film and feel great that I did it. But then as I said, I don't want to be over confident about anything. I would rather wait and watch. Housefull is releasing soon after IPL and no wonder, it is the most awaited film today.