An Exclusive Interview With Sushmita Sen

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What is your latest movie Samay all about?
I play a cop in this thriller. It was originally written keeping a man in mind and that made it tough. But I believe any job a man can do, a woman can do better!

What is the USP of the film?
The last 20 minutes. When I was watching it with a few friends, I was zapped. I had even watched a few of the credits before I realised it was over. But when I looked around, everyone else was in the same shape!

You have never had formal training in acting...
True. And I felt it might be a disadvantage because I am technically so bad. When I talk to the hero, I actually look in his eyes instead of staring at his ear to get that perfect shot. I still feel a little nervous when acting with actors who have a theatre background. There is Sushant Singh with me in Samay. But I have different ideas. Spontaneous acting does not come from any school. Everyone who meets me leaves me with a lesson in acting. Such actions look natural on screen. But there is always scope to learn more.

What kind of roles do you prefer?
I have given equal importance to all my roles - whether I play a supporting actress, do the lead role or an item number. I do them all with integrity. But when I was doing item numbers, others felt they were useless. Now there are so many actresses clamouring to do those same numbers to get noticed by the crowds.

  Do you think the importance of actresses has grown in Indian cinema?
It used to be an industry where actresses were considered props - maybe a vase on the sideboard. Now, at last, the vase has reached the centre table. But I do not think women-oriented films are the answers as they are not true representations of life. A number of people make up your life; so when a film is based on one person, it looks abnormal. And ultimately, it is neither a woman nor a man who pulls in the crowds. A good script always works.

  You also play a single mother in the film. Has your relationship with your daughter helped you?
Those portions are all thanks to Renee. The director gave me complete freedom and I asked Anjali to do react like Renee. Though I was nervous, the scene came out well.


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