The Myth, which stars jackie Chan, also sees Indian bombshell Mallika Sherawat playing a damsel in distress.
Mallika Sherawat is known for her acerbic tongue and her quotable quotes and of course, the attitude of ?if you have got it, flaunt it'. In Cannes, she revealed and scored where Aishwarya Rai, one of the most beautiful women in the world got a media bashing for her clothes. We catch up with Sherawat and get her to talk about The Myth...
Entertainment Plus: How did The Myth happen?
Mallika Sherawat: It all began when the makers were in Mumbai to hunt for a fresh face to star opposite Jackie Chan. I auditioned for the role, answered a few questions and a month later, I was told that I've been cast as an Indian princess Samansha, who Jackie falls in love with. The film is set in a fictional town between India and China. Having got a proper brief about my role and what the filmmakers expected of me, I had a fair idea of what I was in for. It was an experience in itself to play an Indian princess.
Tell us how how you felt when you won the role.
My family in Haryana was more excited when I was doing a film with Rekha ( Bachke Rehna Re Baba). They didn't care about the fact that I was doing a Jackie Chan film. I know it sounds strange, but it's true. As for me, it was the opportunity of a lifetime. I mean, what else can you ask for? I grew up watching his movies and now, getting a chance to act with him was like, whoa!
But it mustn't have been easy getting selected for the role...
No. And neither was it easy after getting selected. I underwent rigorous training in order to do all those stunts. And no, there wasn't a body double. I did them all myself.
But was it smooth sailing?
Not really. But I guess it all worked perfectly well in the end. And like they say, all's well that ends well.
What kind of a guy is Chan?
Jackie is a very sweet guy. He made sure that I was served vegetarian food when he found out that I don't eat non-vegetarian. I was really touched. It also meant that I had to make that extra effort on my part, too.
Was The Myth experience different from the other films you have done - apart from the fact that it was an international project?
Yes, due to Jackie Chan. It was great to be with Jackie because he taught me all the action secrets. But then, secrets also mean a lot of hard work. All that flying around on cables is not as easy as it seems when you look at it later. It involves a whole lot of hard work. But I just took the challenge and I guess I did it quite well. It was a new experience in the sense that in Bollywood, women don't get to do a lot of action. Having said that though, the working style in Bollywood is not much different except that we work on smaller budgets as compared to the west. In terms of professionalism, I think we are just as good. And I guess it is time to show the world what we are capable of.
You are not the main lead in the film ...
Yes, and that is why it was also more relaxing because, unlike in Bollywood where I play the lead, here I was just one of the supporting actresses. I wasn't carrying the burden of the film on my shoulders.
In India you are labelled a sex symbol. Does that bother you?
I know I am labelled as a sex kitten but hey, if you have it, flaunt it. If Arnold Schwarzenegger used his body to become a star, why can't I? Besides, I couldn't care about what my critics have to say. I will continue to play the roles I am convinced about.
