Sex, Retakes and Videotapes

 

 

“I came to Mumbai to become an actress, but destiny had other plans. I still get to act, but in blue films. I believe in God, and I also believe that whatever happens, happens for the good. Maybe that’s why I don’t have any regrets; in fact just like you, I’m happy with my choice. Maybe my choice would appear to be immoral and wrong to the society, but not to the world I belong to. Acting is in my blood and if this is the way I get to act, so be it. Just so you know, our movies are more widely watched than some of the stuff Bollywood churns out. In some western countries, girls in my profession get recognition and respect too.

The bitter truth about Bollywood is that for women (and for some men too), it is a place where you have to make compromises. Beyond the glitz and glamour, it is no better than the industry I belong to, where at least everything is in the open! I thought I had talent, but still I had to make the same compromises like everybody else, when I came here three years ago. After warming the beds of some producers and middlemen, I got teeny roles in movies and TV serials. But I failed to make a name for myself, moreover the income was miniscule and the producer would sometimes withhold the due payment. Mumbai isn’t a cheap place to live and it was getting increasingly difficult for me to survive here. Once, during a particularly bad phase (financially), my friend offered me a chance to work in blue films. The money was good, and I said yes after much introspection.

Now I do this work as a professional. I would have had to do the same thing in Bollywood to get good roles, the only difference here is – the ‘act’ is the role. The money is good, unlike in tinseltown where money and respect both were in short supply.

BRASS TACKS

The status of blue films is ambiguous under the Indian legal system. Possession of pornographic material is not illegal, but their distribution and publishing is. It’s hard to gauge the annual turnover of this ultra-secretive and underground industry.

But I would be lying if I said that I don’t fear disgrace, so I take precautions while shooting by changing my look and hairstyle. At a glance, nobody can recognise me from the screen. My movies are not sold in India; the demand mostly comes from Pakistan, Bangladesh and some Gulf countries.

Although there is a worldwide market, the Muslim countries post maximum demand.

I am a beautiful and sexy woman and I earn close to 15-20 lakhs a year, plus I’m a star, so I’m enjoying life. The person who’s my ‘partner’ in the movies is also my boyfriend in real life; we’re living-in. I haven’t planned anything for the future. Just that I wish to start my own business (in the food and beverage industry), after I retire…