As someone who’s known to have a slow and steady approach to films, the down-to-earth actress claims that she can’t “afford” starry tantrums and considers herself too “simple” and “too much of a girl-next-door” to ever throw attitude. Genelia also says that as an actor she can’t “afford to choose industries” but thinks she’s lucky to get the best of offers from both Telugu and Hindi filmmakers.
Today she claims to have become a fashionista of sorts, is “obsessed” with her clothes, glares, belts, shoes, has no qualms about being tagged with “bubbly girl next-door-roles in films”, wants to be known as a “good actor” not just a star and still doesn’t want to talk about a certain Ritiesh Deshmukh. Excerpts from an interview:
-How much has Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na changed your life?
That film has been a milestone in my Bollywood career. It’s simply been fantastic ever since. I had a lot of apprehensions about Jaane… in the beginning, especially since the cast/crew had first timers. It seemed like a big gamble. I didn’t sign any Telugu films for six months even though I had a lot of offers in hand. But I am happy the way my career shaped up after the film.
-What’s it like doing a Telugu film again?
Tollywood holds a special place in my heart. I am very, very grateful to people here for making me an actress. The Telugu film industry has showered a lot of affection on me, given me roles that showcase my histrionic abilities and made me what I am today.
-T-Town or B-Town, what’s the focus on?
Well, let’s say I am focusing on films. My career graph looks interesting. If T-town made me an actress, Bollywood honed my skills further and gave me a lot of exposure. I am doing a Telugu film with Ram Charan Tej. Then there’s Ken Ghosh’s Chance Pe Dance with Shahid Kapoor and David Dhawan’s Hook Ya Crook with John Abraham. I am also doing the Hindi remake of Bommarillu with Harman Baweja. So, yes, I am happy with my work.
-Are you looking for a shift in image with your film Katha?
Let’s say, I am happy the way I am. I like my on screen image. Even if I have just five scenes in a film, I want them to be pivotal to the plot. I do enjoy doing song-and-dance sequences but the script should give me some space to prove myself as an actress as well. Katha is a romantic thriller, something which I have not attempted before. I play the role of a teacher, whose life is a series of ups and downs. So, while at one point she is bubbly, the very next moment she is emotional. I was actually scared whether I’d be able to do justice to the role, but the unit has been supportive. I am satisfied with the effort that I have put in the role.
-Weren’t you apprehensive about working with a newcomer?
Not at all. I was also a newcomer some years ago and experienced stars did work with me. In fact, Arun is very confident and good for a newcomer.
-Do you think you are an established star?
No. I don’t consider myself an established or a big star. I love challenges. I’ve been lucky with the kind of roles I have played so far. I live by the saying ‘Take success to your heart, not head and take failures to your head, not heart’. I think I still have a long way to go. I don’t have a filmi background and was good at academics. But, when I became an actor, I started falling in love with the profession. Now I feel privileged. As if I am god’s special child.
-You’re also doing reality TV.
I am doing only one show. Its about 10 rich kids switching lifestyles with 10 slum kids. The show was a reality check for me and took me to places I have never seen or been to.
