The accidental actress

You always wanted to be a model, and films were never on your mind. So, how did you end-up getting signed by the Yash Raj banner?
It pretty much happened by fluke. I was asked by my modelling agency to go for the auditions at Yash Raj Films. I went there without any agenda in my mind, not knowing that this could be a turning point in my life. The rest, as they say, is history.

Shahrukh is someone with tremendous amount of experience, and it was your first time in front of the camera. Tell us about your first day of the shoot with SRK...
Working with Shahrukh Khan is an experience in itself. He makes his co-artist extremely comfortable while shooting, and especially when it’s your first time in front of the camera. I was a little worried and nervous thinking about sharing camera space with Shahrukh, but he made me so comfortable that instead of being nervous, I could concentrate on my work.

In Band Baaja Baaraat, you were working with a first-timer. What advice did you pass on to Ranveer that you might have learnt from SRK or Shahid?
The first time I met Ranveer, I was bowled over by his energy level, and I’d told him with a straight face to “be yourself!”

The chemistry between you two was rocking in Band Baaja Baaraat. Tell us about some fun moments that you remember. Who do you think you share the best on-screen chemistry with?
I know! Lots of people told us that we look great together. I have lost count of the fun moments we had during the shoot. We were one big family having a whale of a time! I have worked with SRK, Shahid, Akshay and Ranveer, and I feel that I look good with all of them on-screen. Mostly, I have been told that Ranveer and I look the best.

How much do you rate him in looks out of ten? Do you think looks matter a lot in this industry?
Ranveer is an unconventionally good-looking person. Out of ten, I will give him 7 – this is a very objective rating. Yes, looks matter to an extent, like if you are a very good-looking person, you may get get noticed for sure, but ultimately your acting skills will sustain you in the industry.

Tell us about your character in your upcoming movie Ladies vs Ricky Bahl.
My character is the strongest in Ladies vs Ricky Bahl. She is a con artist, who is going to con the real con artist in the film. My character in this film is very different from what I have played so far. I am very excited about this film as I also want to see if I have done justice to my character.

Now that you are a star, do you miss those days when you could live without any restrictions like for instance regarding your diet, roaming with friends, casual dating, friendly flirting, etc.?
Yes, sometimes I do especially miss roaming with friends. As far as casual dating and friendly flirting are concerned, the press make that up for me, so I don’t miss that at all! (Laughs)

According to you, how difficult is the industry for someone who has no godfather? If you were related to someone in the industry, would things have been any different for you?
There are a lot of actors in the industry without any support or back-up, and they are doing well for themselves. If I were related then yes, there would have been a lot of pressure on me to perform, and constant comparisons would have been drawn with the person I was related to.

What is your most memorable moment from this entire journey in Bollywood till now?
It is never the destination, but the entire journey that is important. Right from day one of my shoot until now, the experience has been enriching.

Whose advice do you take while selecting scripts/roles?
 I don’t ask for anyone’s advice. If I like the script and the role, I go for it. On the other hand, if the role and script don’t appeal to me, I don’t take it up.

What advice or word of caution would you like to give to all those young girls with no godfather in the industry who aspire to become actresses?
To those of you who have no godfather for a guide, I can only say that believe in yourself and never give up. I have come this far after a lot of struggle, and never ever did I think of giving up.