Bips raises the bar

I chat a lot, I laugh a lot, I make people laugh, I do silly things, I crack jokes on myself (knowingly and unknowingly), I like to beat people (laughs), and I like to irritate them. Basically I’m fun to be around. 

We have seen you do serious as well as comic roles. What kind of roles do you enjoy more?

I enjoy all kinds of cinema that I do. I think that the life of an actor is amazing because you get to be so many people – you are not just one Bipasha Basu; you are doing something different every day which is very exciting. There is no one particular genre that excites me. I think I’m excited every time I’m on a film set.

Once you choose a film, what kind of preparations follow?

It basically depends on the film and its requirement. For every film that I do, I need to have an understanding of the script, of my character, and of what the director wants me to do in terms of homework – I’ve done horse riding, underwater training, sword-fighting – and if the character needs a change in physicality or needs a particular kind of styling. I believe that 40% of your character is the way you look. It’s very important to look the part, and that too very convincingly. 

Apart from fitness and acting, what are your other passions?

I really don’t get much time because a lot of my life is about the work that I do. Acting and fitness are really high on my cards as I’m extremely passionate about them. Besides that, a little time for my family and friends. And then I sleep and eat too (laughs).

Do you think looking glamorous all the time is important for an actress today?

Looking glamorous is very important because it is a visual medium. You need to look right – that is attractive on screen. It is there even internationally. It is nice to look good, but every character comes with a requirement of its own. Bollywood sells fantasies. If you look good, it helps!

You’ve been in this industry for over a decade. How has the industry changed over these years?

Oh, tremendously! To start with, I was called unconventional and I have now become a conventional heroine. At that point of time, dusky actresses were not conventional Bollywood heroines. Only fair and light-eyed girls and the timid kinds could become actresses. Now the acceptance is varied; it is more about the character and not just about the way you look. Even in terms of fashion and films, if someone were to copy an actor or actress’ way of dressing, people would say “Arre this is very filmi!” But today, we are like role models to youngsters, and even fashion icons. Today, the actors and actresses have gotten fitter too. Earlier fitness was not that important. Now stories, directors and genres have also opened up. So yeah, according to me, everything is evolving. Step by step, baby steps, but yes it’s evolving.

What attracts you to a man?

Right now I’m not looking! But if I have to, he should be confident, honest, good looking, and physically fit with a great sense of humor. That’s like the whole package for me. I want everything!

What would you like to be remembered as?

I don’t want to be remembered. Just watch my movies while I’m there, that’s it!