Lara's theme: I pair best with Abhishek

Meet a former beauty queen who's kissed Abhishek Bachchan. And no, it's not Aishwarya Rai.

Lara Dutta's excited about working with Abhi again in Jhoom Barabar Jhoom. ‘He's come a long way as an actor since our first film and it is almost like having a new Abhishek,' she tells Gulf News.

Lara Dutta, former Miss Universe and now Bollywood actress, is the second heroine of the multi-starrer Jhoom Barabar Jhoom, a YashRaj film. The film's weak plot, over-the-top performances despite a star cast — Abhishek Bachchan, Bobby Deol and Preity Zinta are the other lead actors — and outlandish costumes simply failed to connect with audiences, in the UAE, India or elsewhere.

But Dutta is one of the film's redeeming features as she comes out unscathed amid the heavy criticism.

In this interview with Lara Dutta:

Congratulations on your wonderful performance in Jhoom Barabar Jhoom. How did you approach your twin characters of Anaida and Laila in the film?
Thank you. I have to give full credit to Shaad Ali for conceiving my character. This character came at a time when I was bogged down with health concerns for my parents. They were both ill.

As soon as Shaad had narrated my character I knew it was a great opportunity to act in the film. Besides Shaad's guidance, Aki Narula's costumes helped me differentiate my characters.

If Anaida was classy then Laila was loud and colourful. The costumes and mannerisms of these characters are etched out differently.

We had a lot of fun during the shooting. In fact, Aki gave us the freedom to bring our own sense of style to certain clothes or to the character and that worked really well.

How was the experience of working with Aki Narula?
This is the first time I have worked with Aki. I love the fact that he is young, exuberant and has a fantastic sense of style. So he just puts together the most unusual accessories with an outfit.

And so he really creates this look that no one has ever seen before. I think Aki has always been the perfectionist, who wants to keep everything looking absolutely perfect.

Which was your favourite outfit in the film?
I wore a very classy, beautiful black Moschino dress, which was just cut really nice. Considering that I wore some bright costumes, I think it seemed to be the sanest outfit I wore in this film. And of course it felt very chic wearing this dress in Paris.

You shared a kissing scene with Abhishek Bachchan. Can you tell us about your onscreen chemistry with him?
I have already acted with Abhishek in Mumbai Se Aaya Mera Dost. I was very excited to be paired opposite him. I think he's one of the actors that I pair best with on screen.

He's come a long way as an actor since our first film and it is almost like having a new Abhishek — a new actor to work with. I think between the two of us we sort of create a lot more that happens outside the script onscreen.

So whether it's a romantic scene or dance sequence, we share a comfort level. He's really very adorable as a person and it is fabulous to work with him.

Despite giving some confident performances, why is it that you have not been seen much onscreen?
Actually I was tied down with a couple of pending projects. Last year I had a release with Zinda in the beginning of the year and then I completed Bhagham Bhag, which came at the end of the year. I have not signed any film as I have become choosy.

I have spent the last few years in the industry understanding what really works for me. With experience I have realised that I should be part of projects that I am able to contribute to as an actress and just not be glamour material.

What are your forthcoming films?
I have Partner slated for release soon. I am paired opposite Salman Khan for the first time, although I acted alongside him in No Entry. I am very excited about my onscreen pairing with Salman and he is a fantastic co-star.

Partner is a total entertainer which also has Govinda back under David Dhawan's direction. The film has some rocking music, and I am confident the audience will enjoy this film.

Abhishek's heroines

Lara Dutta says she's thrilled to work with Abhishek Bachchan again and talks of a special comfort level the two share.

Rani Mukherjee, moviegoers will agree, has a wonderful relationship with Abhi as well. That, apparently, upset Aishwarya Rai so much that she made sure Rani wasn't invited to the Ash-Abhi wedding.

Years ago, when Abhi was turning out one flop after another, Sushmita Sen, another Miss Universe, said he was a horse who lasted the long race ("Lambi race ka ghora"). Her words have since proved prophetic.

— Staff Report