Bipasha Basu, the dusky, ravishing beauty, has come a long way since her debut flick, Ajnabee.
She has carved a niche for herself in the industry with performances in films such as Jism, Raaz, No Entry, Omkara, Dhoom 2 and Race.
She has proved that she isn't the same old glamorous Bollywood bimbo by giving noteworthy performances in serious films such as Apaharan and Corporate.
Besides films, she is also in the news for her relationship with beau John Abraham.
At present, she is back on screen in yet another sexy avatar in Bachna Ae Haseeno, in which she is paired opposite the much younger Ranbir Kapoor.
Basu speaks about her latest role, her experience of acting with younger stars and her plans.
Bachna Ae Haseeno is your third film with Yash Raj Films after Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai and Dhoom 2. Did you sign this film purely on the basis of the production house's reputation?
Actually, I flipped for the script when the director, Siddharth Anand, gave it to me. For a long time, I have neither seen nor been part of a good romantic comedy.
There was a kind of freshness to this script and every female character in the film is very original. The film has real flavour, along with great entertainment value, that one craves for.
I guess that's the main reason I decided to do this film, though I cannot deny that working with Yash Raj Films is always special.
What's special about the character you're playing in the film?
I play Radhika, a professional dancer struggling to become an actor.
Radhika is an ambitious, modern girl yet wishes for the things every girl wants — to be in love and to get married. She is fit and athletic and her modern, contemporary attire reflects her new-age sensibilities.
Every girl of today will be able to identify with her, as she is fun, emotional and has a heart of gold.
Were there any catfights on the sets of the film, considering the film also stars Deepika Padukone and Minissha Lamba? What are your views about them?
In this film, my interaction with other actors was limited to Ranbir and, hence, there was no chance of any catfight.
The only time I got to meet Deepika and Minissha was during the shooting of the title song. But that one day was good fun. The girls are both great and have done a great job.
Despite being newcomers, they are very fresh and confident about themselves. It was fun being together.
How was it acting opposite Ranbir Kapoor?
It didn't feel like Ranbir has acted in only one film before Bachna Ae Haseeno, because he has such great knowledge of film-making. My first impression of Ranbir was that he was the nicest hero I have met, with no star tantrums.
It took me a while to understand that Ranbir was a good actor with good communication skills.
It was only after a couple of days of shooting that I really saw the crazy side of Ranbir, something I could connect to as a co-star. I think he is absolutely adorable, just like the character he plays in the film.
How comfortable are you being paired with younger actors such as Ranbir and Neil Nitin Mukesh?
I don't know why there's so much fuss about the heroine's being elder to the hero when the hero can be 40 or 50 years old and continue acting opposite heroines less than half his age.
I think Ranbir and Neil are mature young guys and I don't feel like a senior actress or anything like that when I am acting opposite them. The rapport with them is as good as with any other actor.
What are your other project?
I am part of an interesting film called Pankh, due to be released soon. Then I have Freeze with Neil. Besides these, there are many projects to come in 2009.
Is marriage with John Abraham on the cards?
I think we know that both of us are very committed to each other and have plans of getting married. At present, we are too tied up with our professional lives but when we think the time is right, we will look into tying the knot.
— Abdulla Mahmood is a UAE-based freelance journalist
Bipasha can't help but feel as old as Amitabh Bachchan in Bachna Ae Haseeno
Bipasha Basu is miffed at being tagged the seniormost actor in Bachna Ae Haseeno and says she has started feeling as old as Amitabh Bachchan.
In the film, she acts alongside actors such as Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone, who are each just a film old.
Minissha Lamba and Karan Kapoor are also in the film.
“People have been calling me the seniormost actor in the film. I almost feel like Amitabh Bachchan now.
“The others in the film are extremely good actors and can't be called inexperienced at all,'' Bipasha said.
“They are very clear as to what they want to do. They are spontaneous and we gel very well that way,'' added Bipasha, who was seen in this year's first big hit, Race.
Bipasha was in New Delhi with her co-stars and director Siddharth Anand to promote the film, which traces the journey of a young boy from the age of 18 to 30.
In the film, Bipasha plays an aspiring actress who travels to Mumbai from Ranchi to fulfil her dreams but ends up working with Shiamak Davar's dance troupe.
“The character I play in the film is very like what I am in real life. Radhika simultaneously works and keeps her relationship going. The role is very contemporary.''
The dusky beauty says she enjoyed shooting for the film.
“I was completely pampered on the sets and have found two great friends in Ranbir and Siddharth. I have not spent enough time with the girls, though.''
Bachna Ae Haseeno has extensively been shot abroad at locations such as Venice, Switzerland, Sydney and Italy.
Bipasha enjoyed her Italy stint the most. She said: “I got a lot of compliments in Italy for the clothes I was wearing.
“Italian men only know how to romance. They are impeccably dressed, very stylish and they only want to marry.''
— IANS
