Courtesy: IndiaFM
 
Tanushree Dutta's career in the glamour world began when she participated in the Miss India contest in 2004. She proved her mettle by winning the coveted crown. While she was still the reigning Miss India, she was offered her first film namely Chocolate and subsequently Aashiq Banaya Aapne. Here is Tanushree on everything from her upcoming films to her favourite ring tones in an exclusive interview to IndiaFM.

For starters, tell us a little about your role in Aashiq Banaya Aapne?
My role in Aashiq Banaya Aapne is that of a young, college going, bubbly girl, who is very naïve and innocent. At the same time, she has a lot of energy in her. She attracts people to her because of her liveliness and radiance she exudes.

Did you always want to become an actress?
No, not really. When I was a child, I started having ambitions about the glamour world. And I always thought about becoming a Miss India. It was my dream. I wanted to become a fashion model, go to Paris, and do FTV! Becoming an actress was not something that crossed my mind ever. When I was taking part in Miss India, the probability and the possibility of me winning the crown came forth. A lot of people who have won Miss India before have joined Bollywood. In fact, not only the winners, but contestants as well have joined acting in some way or the other. That is when I started considering the possibility of taking up acting as a career.

I wanted to become a fashion model, go to Paris, and do FTV! 
Was there ever a moment in your life when you said "Bollywood is the place I want to be"?
That moment actually came when I was finishing my shoot for Chocolate. I had started shooting for Aashiq Banaya Aapne. That was the time I realised, this is the place I want to be, and this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. It was then, that I had started enjoying the process of performing a different character and being someone who is not exactly you. The song and dance routine and the locations abroad also excited me.

How did this role come about?
I was doing my last schedule of Chocolate, when the executive producer of Aashiq Banaya Aapne, who also happens to be the executive producer of Chocolate, approached me. He told me that they were casting for the film Aashiq Banaya Aapne and if I was interested in hearing a narration. I said "why not" because I had almost finished with Chocolate and I was looking forward to doing more projects and varieties of roles. That's when I met Aditya. The script was narrated to me and I liked it. The role was brilliant and I wanted to do something light, romantic and mushy. That's how it came about.

Considering that Aditya is a first time director, did he have a lot of convincing to do? Did you have any inhibitions?
No, not really. There was actually no convincing to be done. The first time I met him and he narrated script and told me about the role, I was pretty much convinced about it. There were not many apprehensions, as such. Yes, I was surprised because of the fact that he is so young and is directing a film. Being a debutante wasn't an issue because I'm a debutante myself. Chocolate, my debut film is also being directed by a debutante director, Vivek Agnithotri. He's done a brilliant job of the film. While working on Chocolate, I realised that it was an ideal break for me. So, he being a first timer was never an issue with me. I don't think it will ever be an issue with me because today new talent is really coming up. Films are doing well regardless of who's making it and who is starring in it. Now, it's all about a good film. People will go and watch it if the product is good.

Being a Miss India yourself, why do you think all Miss India's turn to acting?
It actually turns out to be the next step. 'A', as a Miss India, for one year you are surrounded by this 'popularity thing.' You are under the limelight and there is a lot of adulation. One doesn't want to let it go, even after a year. You still want to be a part of it and feel like a winner. It's about the attention and the camera flashbulbs flashing at you all the time. That's the psychology part of it. And 'B', the fact that I took part in Miss India itself was a clear indication of the fact that I have always been inclined towards performing arts. Be it modeling, acting or dancing on stage. Films were a larger way of putting my interests forth. It seemed like the right step.

As a Miss India, you are under the limelight for one year. One doesn't want to let it go, even after a year 
Aashiq Banaya Apne is based on a college romance. Was there any nostalgia while shooting for the film?
This film is all about college life. Aashiq Banaya Aapne will show you all the things that we do in college. It is about three friends and the friendship that they share. There was a lot of nostalgia because I've done all the things that have been shown in the film like passing comments, bunking lectures. I've been a very brattish student all my life. Things like that and small anecdotes kept on coming back to me. We had a blast shooting.

How does it feel to have these two guys fighting over you?
Well, it is flattering. It's every girl's dream to be in such a situation. The best thing about being an actress is that, you can always relive your fantasies. So well, it's nice. It feels good.

Any such incident in real life?
Not anymore. It had happened when I was in school.

You have starred with Emraan twice. Tell us about your experience with him.
Working with Emraan has always been a great pleasure. He is very professional and focused. That makes the working relationship very easy. He's a nice person. It is fun to be around him because he has a great sense of humour. It's been a young cast and the experience has been fun. I have worked with Emraan in Chocolate as well. Because of that there is a certain compatibility and ease that comes into our working relationship.

What was it like to work with Sonu Sood?
It was great because he has the most amazing sense of humour. He also helps his co stars in giving their best performance. I am a relative newcomer, so at times I develop my own inhibitions. It's good to have someone around, who can guide you. It was fabulous.

Emraan's reputation of being the best kisser in Bollywood precedes him. So did you ever think of that aspect before signing the film?
I had heard that. I was looking forward to working with him. I'm sure whatever is said about him being the best kisser holds true. At the same time, he is a thorough professional. He would always make me feel comfortable, no matter which scene we were performing.

So would you call yourself a director's actress?
Yes, I would. I prefer not to take charge in my own hands. I am still very new and I will remain new for quite some time. It will take some time for me to get the hang of things.

What is your take on the trend of skin show?
I don't really think that it is a trend. The industry is evolving into a different stage altogether. It's not that we are copying the West, neither are we trying to become Hollywood. Bollywood is Bollywood! We still have our traditions and customs intact. It's just that we have learnt the art of glamorising and packaging everything. Good and bad products are packaged so well to be presented to the masses. The skin show is just a part of packaging. I guess the industry is becoming very smart in its managerial skills. Films look so different from what they used to look like earlier. Our heroines also look different.

How comfortable are you with skin show?
I am obviously someone who is very comfortable with it because I have been through the Miss India as well as the Miss Universe pageant. I have worn a bikini on stage in front of thousands of people and a couple of million watching me on television. At the same time, I would not just expose for the sake of it. I would do it if it was essential for the role. At the end of the day, I am comfortable.

There have been many movies based on love triangles. What is different about Aashiq Banaya Aapne?
I wouldn't say that this is a different love story. All love stories are basically similar. But yes, we have presented it in a different manner, so that people would love to go to the theatre and watch it again and again. It's got everything in it that can entertain the audience. When someone spends money on the ticket, they expect their money's worth. They would not want to regret watching it. It is about the presentation.

I have only come across good people and only good things have happened to me 
What is the one thing that you hate about Bollywood?
I don't think I hate anything about it, because I have only come across good people and good projects. Only good things have happened to me. I myself have been sincere and have worked hard. I still have a long way to go. Maybe if you ask me this question ten years from now, I might be able to gather enough points and tell you my long list! Now, it's too premature to say anything.

Which is your favourite ringtone? What's playing on your cell phone right now?
My ringtone currently is in a confused state. For 15 days in a month it is the title track of Aashiq Banaya Aapne and for the other 15 days it is Halka Halka Sa Nasha from Chocolate. I am torn apart between loyalties! If I play the ringtone of one movie, the other movie unit thinks I'm not loyal and vice versa!

I am torn apart between loyalties! If I play the ringtone of one movie, the other movie unit thinks I'm not loyal and vice versa! 
What do you do when you have time off?
When I'm not working, I get up really late. I will be the laziest person on earth that day. After I wake up late, I would go in for a long ritualistic bath and be slow with everything I do. Probably, I would cook an elaborate lunch for myself. Maybe a seven course meal! I drive my maid crazy by asking her to get me this and that! This would be followed by a typical Bengali nap! In the evening, I would wake up at leisure, have some tea or coffee. Generally I would go for a movie or dinner.

Who are the directors you want to work with?
I definitely want to work with Mr. Yash Chopra as I have grown up watching his films. I've loved all of his films. I also want to work with Sanjay Leela Bhansali, because I have recently seen Black. He's brilliant in the way he brings out performances from his actors and the kind of characterization he brings to his films. Also David Dhawan, because he makes the best comedies ever! His films with Govinda have been hilarious. There are lots of other directors as well. If I start with the list, I will never stop. Each director in the industry has his own different style and I love to experiment with different roles and varieties of styles. In my career span, I want to do a variety of roles.

Which are the other movies that are in the pipeline?
There are other projects but I think it is too early to talk about them. I guess I'll wait for the makers to make an announcement.

Tell the readers why they should watch Aashiq Banaya Aapne
There are many reasons to go watch the movie. You have seen the songs of the movie. They're really playing on your mind! It's a young film which is hip and happening. It's fresh, new and entertaining. We had a blast shooting for it and you will have a blast watching it. It's worth it. You must go and see it at least once.

Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
I would want to see myself as a better actress than what I am today. I hope by then I am settled in the industry. I just want to do good films and I want people to like my performances.

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