‘I am not willing to show skin on screen’

Amrita Rao has had two releases this month with Shahid Kapoor, with whom she made her debut, Vaah! Life Ho To Aisi and Shikhar. Excerpts from an interview by Vickey Lalwani

Amrita Rao: A lucky mascot; and a still from Vaah! Life Ho To Aisi
Amrita Rao: A lucky mascot; and a still from Vaah! Life Ho To Aisi

What is Vaah! Life Ho to Aisi about?

Vaah! Life Ho To Aisi is essentially a fantasy film. We have taken many cinematic liberties. It was a perfect opportunity to have fun, without asking for logic.

How was it working with Mahesh Manjrekar as a director?

Mahesh was a class teacher when it came to dealing with kids. Shooting with children is difficult but great fun.

How was it shooting in Egypt for Vaah! Life Ho To Aisi?

We went to Egypt for a fantasy song. That place has lots of mystique to it. What was most exciting was the freezing cold there. It was fascinating to see the pyramids covered with snow.

You are being paired with Shahid Kapoor after a long time?

Considering the fact that our debut film Ishq Vishk did so well, that’s a bit surprising isn’t it? (smiles)

You think you’ll click together again?

We are in a precarious profession. What looks as a great decision at a given instant may turn out to be a foolish one after six months. However, I must say that Shahid is an excellent actor to be working with. In fact, from the day I started working with Shahid, he came across to me as a serious and dedicated actor who always puts his best foot forward.

You are called a lucky mascot. Is it a scary title?

It’s not a scary title. It’s just that we need to understand that everything I do in the world cannot click.

What is John Matthew Mathan’s Shikhar about?

Gaurav Gupta aka GG (Ajay Devgan) is the man who started with nothing and now believes that only money can fuel his ambitions. However, Guruji (Javed Sheikh), to the manor born, believes that wealth means nothing if not used for society. Caught in the tussle between the two is the unworldly Jaidev Vardhan (Shahid Kapoor), who while respecting his father’s philosophy, falls hook, line and sinker for Gaurav Gupta’s gilt-edged dreams.

Where do you come in?

I play Madhavi, Jai’s childhood friend from the ashram who tries to warn him but he refuses to listen and she has to watch helplessly as Jai gets tangled more and more in the deadly web spun by Gaurav Gupta and Natasha (Bipasha Basu) who is madly in love with Gaurav Gupta.

You never indulge in wearing skimpy and suggestive outfits?

Every actor has her own priorities. We all know what is our limit. I for one am not willing to show skin on screen. You can’t do a particular scene and then rationalise it saying the character demanded it.

Which are your forthcoming films?

Shikhar, Pyare Mohan, and Sooraj Barjatya and E Niwas’ next ventures. — TWF

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