Courtesy: IndiaFM
Friday, October 14, 2005
Hailing from a political background, Nargis always wanted to become a pilot until the acting bug bit her. A big fan of Guru Dutt, this babe would prefer not to expose her assets letting her sensuality do the talking. And why would people want to watch her? Because she has to live up to the original Nargis name.
In the final episode from the series of three interviews of introducing the Garam Masala girls, here's presenting Nargis to you in an exclusive conversation with IndiaFM.
Working with Priyadarshan must have been great?
Yes, I'm still on Cloud 9.
How did this role come about?
I had screen tested for the role. One of my friends is working for Popkorn, Sunil's Company. She introduced me to Priyadarshan and Ratanji. She personally knew Priyan Sir. I screen tested for the role and was on!
Tell us about your role in the film.
I play this girl called Puja who is an air hostess. All three actresses in the film play air hostesses. Akshay is actually four-timing. And then comes John in the picture, for whom I actually fall. I actually always wanted to be a pilot! And landed up being an air hostess in the movie! I guess I landed somewhere close by!
So you've always been flying high?
Yes! Always!
Tell us about the first day of the shoot.
The first day of my shoot was actually the first day of the movie's shoot. It was with Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal. In the movie, Paresh Rawal does not like me. We're supposed to have fights and conflicts in the house. Poor Akshay is stuck in the middle!
Between Akshay and John, who do you think is hotter?
Honestly speaking, I think both of them are hot. One is hot with the mischief and the other is hot with the innocence. So really both are hot. Let me make them both happy!
Were you nervous at all during the shooting?
I know John since before the movie. We have modeled together, at the time when he was modeling. That time, I was just doing a bit of it. So I have known John since my modeling days. Acting with John was not difficult at all. But somehow, with Akshay in my heart of hearts, I felt that it would be really difficult. I thought on the first day, I would have cold feet, facing him. He's done so many movies. And here I am, fresh and new, never having faced the camera. So I definitely had a doubt about whether I would be able to live up to the expectations of everyone. But touchwood, by the grace of God, all went fine.
How was Akshay as a co-actor?
He is a delight and dream come true for any girl. This is more so for a starter. He has been a pillar of support for all of us including John as well.
There are two other actresses along with you in the film. Many a times, things get muddled because someone or the other will get less screen space. How was it between the three of you?
I think Priyan Sir does justice to his characters. He is not a star oriented director. He believes in characters. Whatever is given by Priyan Sir is a blessing anyways. You should accept it the way it is. You might have two minutes to perform or ten minutes to perform. You might carry the whole movie in those two minutes or do nothing at all in those ten minutes. It's a blessing to have a role even for 2 seconds with Priyan Sir. I'm in awe of him!
How was your rapport with Paresh Rawal?
I think I clicked with him instantly. We were introduced on the first day of the shoot. Whenever he had something to convey to me and he forgot my name he would say, "Chori" or something like that in Gujarati! He asked me my Zodiac sign. We both happen to be Geminis. He complimented me after my first shot was over. He could not believe that I have had no acting experience. He told Priyan Sir, "This girl will go a long way!" that was the biggest compliment for me. It was the first day of my shoot and Akshay patted my back and said "It was a pleasure working with you." I should have been the one saying that.
What is your favorite scene in the movie?
That would be a fight I have with Paresh Rawal in the movie. He overhears something that Akshay says. Akshay says something to the effect that he is an old man, like a father etc. he barges into us and starts fighting. There is a Mahabharat happening in that scene! That would be the scene that I enjoyed the most.
Garam Masala gives the image of a spicy movie! What would you say is spicy about this movie?
Akshay and John definitely! Akshay being the biggest prankster ever and John following his footsteps!
There must have been a lot of pranks on the sets!
I think I was the bakra on the sets! On the last day of the shoot, these guys had set an entire prank for me! I was watching a scene being performed by John and Akshay on the monitor, along with Priyan Sir. There was a character artist on the set who was supposed to be scary looking. He had red eyes and he gave me a stare. I thought he was drunk. He started ogling and I began to feel a little uncomfortable. I asked the production people if they knew that guy but they seemed to be clueless. I was told he is a spectator. Soon, one of the production people got into a tiff with that guy. Akshay came into the picture and the whole thing escalated. Priyan Sir was aware of what was happening. This character artist came to me with a knife! He was like "See what I'll do!" Akshay and John came on the scene and this guy literally stabbed John. All that was goofed was by the make up artist! He didn't come on time with the blood! I had literally seen stars during the day on that day! I almost gave my last thanks and prayers! I really thought it was time to go. So much so, that I started crying and howling. They had to literally compose me! I was uncontrollable that day! Generally I don't cry easily! But that day was crazy!
What if you have to choose any one between Akshay and John?
I would be biased if I said one of them! Trust me! In the movie, I'm the only girl who has both of them. I'm engaged to Akshay and I fall in love with John. I'm the only one who has the best of both! If served on a platter, why not both?
This is the first time John is doing a comic role. How do you think John is at comedy?
It wouldn't have been possible without Akshay. Akki has been a great help to John as well. In the initial couple of days, he was slightly apprehensive whether he would be able to do it or no. Being a different genre for him, I guess it was slightly difficult for him. Once he started following Akshay's footsteps, I think it became slightly easier for him.
How many days did the shoot take?
We had three schedules. Two schedules were in Mumbai and one was in Mauritius.
Tell us something about the songs in the film.
I really like the song 'Dil Samandar' that is shot in Mauritius. It has been picturised really well. All three of us have very different looks. I wear a white outfit and the entire setup for my sequence is white. The second girl had a Baywatch look in a swimsuit. The third girl had a Hawaiin look. All three of us have different looks. There was a flavor of all three.
What next, after Garam Masala?
Talks are on for two projects and I will soon reveal it to everyone.
Garam Masala - Movie Preview
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