Rakhi Sawant: New moves

Rakhi Sawant, the undisputed drama queen of reality TV, created quite a sensation by getting engaged on her reality show Rakhi Ka Swayamwar. Despite her popularity, her cinematic parts are primarily restricted to item numbers. The loudmouthed actress finally got an opportunity to play an interesting role in Dil Bole Hadippa, a Yash Raj film production and shared the screen with Rani Mukherjee and Shahid Kapur. Sawant speaks about the new ‘high' in her roller coaster career.

How did you get offered a key role in Dil Bole Hadippa?

One day Anurag Singh (director of Dil Bole Hadippa) called me and said that he'd like to sign me on for a Yash Raj film. I just couldn't believe my ears! Later when I met him, he told me more about my character. I was so excited to act in a Yash Raj production that I was nervous until we actually started filming. I just couldn't believe that I'd be sharing acting in the same movies as Rani, who has been my inspiration.

I still remember the day we started shooting. All the big names including Shah Rukh Khan and his wife Gauri, and Yashji (filmmaker Yash Chopra) were present at the mahurat (film's inaugural shot). I was dumbstruck to see them all there. The whole experience of working in a Yash Raj production was amazing.

It is common belief that the character in the film was tailor-made for you.

I'm not sure if the role was tailor-made for me, but I thoroughly enjoyed playing the character of Shanno Amritsari, an arrogant female who thinks a lot of herself and is extremely proud of her dancing talent. I'm sure everyone will enjoy my role as a dancer in the Nautanki Group Of Punjab.

Who did you enjoy working with more - Mukherjee as a girl or as a boy?

Rani is a great actress and terrific in any role. I could just gather enough courage to act with her. When she came on the sets dressed as a boy, I just couldn't recognise her. She even tricked me by flirting with me. And then when I realised it was Rani Mukherjee, I laughed my heart out. I think it was definitely more fun to act with Rani the boy.

Did you have any cat fights with your co-star Sherlyn Chopra during the making of the film?

Sherlyn is a good actress and an equally good human being. She has got a beautiful figure and a lovely face. She is very humble. We were always laughing, having fun on the sets and we bonded well.

Did you have any memorable incidents while shooting this film?

The most memorable incident was when Shahid helped me out. I was doing a song on the stage when I tripped on a wire that was connected to the main lights on the set. But Shahid's timely intervention prevented an accident. He was furious at the carelessness of the production unit and said it could've resulted in a fatal accident. So it did feel nice to be supported by such a big star. I also have fond memories of sharing Rani's lunch box that would be sent to her from home. Of course, the Bhagra Bistar track, which is based on Rani and me, is something special since I look very hot and sexy in it.

Who would you choose from Shahid, Anurag and Mukherjee as a boy if they were on Rakhi Ka Swayamwar?

If given the liberty, I would choose all three of them. I do think Rani makes for a stunning boy.

What's happening to your much-hyped engagement to Elesh Parujanwala? Are you going to marry him or was it a publicity stunt?

I'm committed to Elesh but he has to be financially secure and to ensure that he'll be able to take care of me. I will marry him only if he's fully-established in Mumbai.