AT the 2000 Miss India pageant Shah Rukh Khan, one of the judges, was apparently floored by Lara Dutta’s wit and poise. Post No Entry and Partner, Lara is making the right noises at the box office, and it’s just incidental that she is playing a pivotal role in this year’s much-awaited Khan production, Billu Barber. On the personal front, however, Lara is facing rough weather, with the media constantly harping on her on-and-off love status with Dino Morea. When we caught up with an upbeat Lara Dutta, she was rather forthcoming about her movies but chose not to enlighten us about the Morea chapter. Over to Lara:
Your role in Billu Barber...?
It feels good to be part of such a project. It’s very close to my heart and will be an important film for me. Though it's not exactly a full-fledged role, I am confident of getting noticed. Every actress wants to work with Shah Rukh or Aamir Khan at some point in her career. They are true professionals and a pleasure to watch.
But you are paired opposite Irrfan Khan…
Yes, I was apprehensive about working with him, as his method of acting (read: subtle), might not gel with Priyan (Priyadarshan) sir’s aesthetics or mine. However, he was a delight. They complemented each other.
Tell us about roughing it out on the sets of Billu Barber.
During shooting we were all put up at Highway lodges. There wasn’t much scope for entertainment and we used to play caroms, tell each other spooky stories and listen to the funny anecdotes of Rajpal Yadav, Om Puri and Paresh Rawal. It was an amazing experience for me.
You seem to be a constant fixture in David Dhawan movies…
He made me realise that I have a funny bone. His brand of humour works well for me. At times it borders on the insane. But this brand of humour really gives me a chance to let go and be crazy. Besides, Davidji is one of the nicest persons I have met in the film industry .
Has your approach towards work changed over the years?
Yes, of course. Earlier it was just about getting a footing in the industry and I took each movie as a learning experience. But today I am in no hurry to catch the top slot. I am more interested in finding myself as an actor. It’s the script that matters. If a story needs to be told and if I have even a small scene in that, I am game.
Which movie would you personally rate as your best?
'Jhoom Barabar Jhoom'. Perhaps it didn’t do well at the box-office, but it put me in a different league as an actress. I hope that Billu Barber will also do that for me.
As a former model, what is your take on the movie Fashion?
It’s a good attempt. But I don’t think the fashion industry is anything like that. It’s just an isolated story of one person. I never had any bad experiences in the industry. But I liked the casting.
What has eight years of being in Bollywood taught you?
I have learnt that there are no permanent friends or enemies in the industry. Talent apart, you need to work your guts out to sustain yourself in this field.
So is there a 4 am friend in the industry?
Not really. Though I am friendly with Esha Deol, Akshay Kumar and Bobby Deol, we don’t really hang out together.
Abhishek Bachchan says you are just like his male co-stars…
(Laughs) I have always been a tomboy during my teens and loved sports. And honestly I find guys easier to get along with than girls. Besides, I don’t like wasting my energy on frivolous matters like gossip.
Your take on the current crop of newcomers, and the Khans preferring them to reigning actresses?
Anushka (of RNBJ) is a natural. These girls surprise me. They are well prepared and play the game well. I wish I had done that much homework when I started off (laughs). It’s all about whom you are seen with. Bollywood loves to label everybody. We get slotted against our will. So most of us get featured in similar kinds of roles. They won’t allow you to grow as an actor. So naturally even the Khans would rather experiment with fresh faces. Besides, we should always promote new talent in the industry.
A wish list of directors you would love to work with…
Ashutosh Gowrikar, Rakesh Mehra, Pradeep Sarkar, Sanjay Leela Bansali and Aditya Chopra (again).
After your forgettable Tamil debut in Arasatchi with Arjun, are you still keen to sign films down South?
Why not? If I get a fabulous script I would really love to consider it.
Finally, everyone wants to know about you and Dino. Is it still on?
I really don’t want to advertise my personal life. I have never denied my relationships. If it happens to be a committed or serious relationship I would be the first one to admit it.
