Overwhelming. For the first time in my life, I have received so many congratulatory calls. People have liked my performance in Zahir, the short film in which I have featured along with Manoj Bajpai. Many people asked me if I was apprehensive of being lost amidst 25 actors in a cluster of 10 short films. But I knew that my role and film would stand out, and I’m proved right.
You seem to be sharing great rapport with Sanjay Gupta and his White Feather Films.
I relate to the kind of cinema that White Feather is currently making. The subjects are exciting, intelligent and progressive. Initially, I was a bit apprehensive of taking up Dus Kahaniyaan but once I heard the concept I was completely bowled over. Sanjay asked me to choose from an option of three movies, Zahir, Pooranmashi and Lovedale, and I took the first one. Sanjay was very impressed with my acting.
What’s your next film Alibaug (by Gupta) all about?
It’s a story of relationships. There are nine characters in the movie. My character is romantically linked to her professor and their relationship sets a precedent for everyone else. I am cast opposite Sanjay Dutt.
How does it feel to be Sanjay Dutt’s heroine?
He is such an open and receptive person that it makes a fantastic experience to be his co-star. Our very first shot together was for an intimate scene where we are seen sharing the same bed. We shot it spontaneously and it happened only because he accepted me very well. When I laid my head on his chest for the first time, it felt as if I have done it for years.
Aren’t you looking forward to a film with you as a solo heroine?
Of course I am. But at the same time, I am happy to be playing one of many interesting characters. There is no point acting in a film that has six songs and only a few scenes to my credit. I have done such movies but now I want to be remembered in cinema that will make me feel proud. I am acting in Krazzy 4, a sweet and funny film, with Arshad Warsi, Suresh Menon, Irrfan Khan and Rajpal Yadav.