Bollywood bound

Miss United Kingdom 2008 Lisa Lazarus has her heart set on Bollywood and is quick to correct anyone who suggests that the Indian movie industry takes a back seat to Hollywood

While some may say that foreign actors who set their sights on Bollywood do so only because they are has-beens or Hollywood rejects, Dubai-based Miss United Kingdom 2008 Lisa Lazarus believes otherwise. The Bollywood hopeful, who is touted as heartthrob Salman Khan's latest find and walks around with Hindi-learning recordings on her iPod, says some people are simply jealous.

"I became aware of these misgivings only when I landed in India. But the way I see it, these are the thoughts of people who don't understand Bollywood. And if they don't understand something, they are just quick to knock it off. I don't care about them," says Lazarus with a beatific smile, a hallmark of most beauty queens.

Lazarus will make her debut in Khan's period drama Veer, playing the role of a Western princess who is enchanted by the shirtless Khan. The film is slated to be released in the second half of the year.

"It's set in the 19th century and I am wearing billowing gowns in which you could fit an entire circus. So far, I have been doing a lot of twirling and some crazy Bollywood dancing. There were times when I fell flat on my face, but Salman and the crew were so helpful and understanding" says Lazarus animatedly.

VIP treatment

Ten minutes into the conversation, it becomes evident that Lazarus' enthusiasm for Eastern exotica had a lot to do with the VIP treatment arranged for her.

"When I landed in Mumbai, the producers had arranged for four body guards and there were around 50 photographers waiting for me at the airport. It was so surreal," says Lazarus.

Even her first meeting with the notorious Khan was the stuff that Bollywood films are made of. Apparently, Lazarus' knowledge of Khan was strictly superficial.

"I remember seeing [his statue] in Madame Tussauds and, honestly, I was expecting a guy who was full of himself. But he was a thorough gentleman. When I greeted him with ‘namastey' [hello] and ‘aap kaise hain?' [how are you?], I think he was floored. In fact, even now he keeps calling me up every day, I think he secretly misses me," quips Lazarus.

Her Bollywood circle is growing as we speak. In her new-found mate list is Bollywood A-lister and Salman's girlfriend Katrina Kaif, designer Rohit K Verma, Salman's brother Sohail Khan and actress Zarina Khan.

"I have made some very good friends. Katrina and I struck up an instant rapport since she is also from the UK. We had plenty to talk about. Sohail was an absolute sweetheart and I think of him as my fitness pal. We [Salman, Sohail, Geeta and I] used to go running together every morning," says Lazarus.

Salman Khan also arranged for some personal trainers for Lazarus when he realised she didn't have any. Having the actor at your service has obvious perks.

Lazarus is now waiting patiently for her script and hoping that the producers will send her a call sheet soon.

"In the beginning, I used to get up early in the morning and be ready for [photography] at 8am, but things wouldn't move until late in the afternoon. But, I catch onto things quickly and now it's all about having a relaxed breakfast, sunbathing and reading before getting ready. And so far, I haven't seen the script yet."

Relaxed

But far from fretting about the uncertainty of it all, the would-be star takes pride in remaining calm and composed.

"That's how Bollywood works. They have their own pace and if the producers tell me that they will call today to tell me about my next shooting date, then it means that they will call anytime in [the next] three weeks. There is no way they are going to change," says Lazarus in an endearing tone.

She is equally protective of her territory. Eager to bolster the Bollywood brand, Lazarus concludes the interview by saying: "I think Hollywood is so overrated while Bollywood is so relaxed and personal. There's a person-to-person connection. Where else can you find such camaraderie?"

Boywatch

At this point, Lisa Lazarus seems smitten with Salman Khan and his cronies, but, given the chance, she would love to meet perennial Bollywood pin-up boy John Abraham.

"When I was in Mumbai, I remember seeing his photograph in one of the newspapers and thought he was quite a hunk. If things go my way in Bollywood, I would love to meet him and work with him," says Lazarus.

Other men she has her eye on include Daniel Craig and Matthew McConaughey.

Brunette ambition

A sensational Bollywood debut is not the only goal on Lazarus' mind. She is currently in the process of organising a high-profile fashion show-cum-charity benefit to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research. To be held in March at the Raffles Hotel in Dubai, Lazarus has even convinced her new-found Bollywood friends to lend their star power. No prizes for guessing that Salman Khan will be leading the Bollywood brigade.

"Salman said yes right away. I am also trying to convince Katrina to walk the ramp since she has done such shows before," revealed Lazarus.

Opera singer Katherine Jenkins will also be joining the A-list of Indian celebrities, as will actor Sohail Khan and designer Rohit K Verma. A charity auction is also being planned by Lazarus and celebrity agent Mike Esterman. The proceeds of the auction will be donated towards helping Gaza war victims.