BANGALORE: Perhaps there isn’t anyone who can attract more attention in the blink of an eye than Mallika Sherawat. It could be her million dollar smile, wholesome Bollywood body or bolder-than-thou reel and real life philosophy. But as she gallantly placed a golden Cobra crown on her silken locks and graciously struck a classic snake pose, she told the people gathered at Reliance Trends, “I am who I am because of you. I humbly thank you all.” Expresso caught up with the actress who made a quick stop-over in the city for the promotion of her latest movie, Hisss, directed by Jennifer Lynch.
What is Hisss all about?
Hiss is about a nagin (snake). It’s an ancient subject. The last nagin movie came 24 years ago. Hiss is about a nagin who comes to the world and takes revenge. The movie is completely a Bollywood subject, but we used Hollywood for special effects. The make-up used to take about five to six hours. I wore in a shiny suit and I had a tail. It was torturous.
How tough was it to lock lips with a snake?
What do you think? I am not scared of snakes. The snakes are scared of me! But on a serious note, they are like my pets now. I was surrounded by snakes during the shooting. I was shooting in Kerala and the scene unfolded in a lot of slime. The director asked me to kiss the snake and I did it. But let me confess — the snake in Hisss was my best romantic partner on screen.
What according to you makes you most wanted in Hollywood?
Hollywood is not judgemental.Everyone gets a chance. There is simply no nepotism. And I got a fair chance.
Is it true that you brother objected to your nude scenes in the movie?
Yes. My brother is very possessive. He’s very traditional. But I don’t listen to him. I don’t listen to anyone.
The nude scenes in the movie — publicity stunts or simply unavoidable?
It’s definitely not a publicity stunt. The script needed it. The director asked me to do it because she had to show my transformation from a snake to a women. It was an essential part of the script.
You are also playing a local Obama volunteer coordinator in your upcoming movie, Love, Barack. In real life are you a supporter of Barack Obama?
Yes. Very much so. And former President Bill Clinton promised me that he would go and watch the movie!
elizabeth@expressbuzz.com