What do think of the current trend of keeping heroines largely under wraps whereas heroes go all out to promote themselves and their films? Do you feel it’s a male chauvinist attitude?

I think they are senior and they know how to handle a film’s promotion. Ghajini is my baby step into Bollywood. I genuinely feel that Aamir Khan is the highlight of Ghajini.

Do you feel heroines have come of age in Bollywood?

I think so. The kind of films made now have much more scope for the actresses. It’s all changing.

Being an actress you are exposed to all sorts of people. Does it make you uncomfortable?

Uhh… Not really. Nothing negative has happened as yet. Maybe it’s because of the kind of roles I do. People have been very affectionate towards me. You can’t dream of getting so much love and affection from people in any other profession.

When did you become aware of the male gaze?

In fact, I would say I am still not aware of the male gaze. Even if someone were to look at me in a different light, I can’t even figure it out (laughs). I am quite nutty in that sense. When somebody would tell me “That guy is staring at you”, I would be like “Really?” But I feel it’s good that I am ignorant about these matters. An actress is always in the public eye, and her every move is scrutinised. But I have never felt that guys have had a special interest in me. I find myself quite ordinary that way.

Are looks the first thing men notice in a woman?

I don’t know how a man’s mind functions.

What’s the first thing you look for in a man?

I look for dignity in his character, and intelligence. You can say 90 per cent of the male population is devoid of this trait (laughs).

Do you do yourself up to seek male attention or is it for yourself?

For myself. It doesn’t matter if somebody notices it or not; it makes me feel good.

Would you be comfortable with a sex symbol image?

I’d love to look glamourous but not in an indecent fashion. Films are a visual medium so we need to look stylish and beautiful.

Do men get intimidated by successful women like you?

A few of them are intimidated by me.

Are you single?

The only man in my life is my dad. You see dignity of character is very hard to find in people.

What kind of relationship do you share with your dad?

I am comfortable talking to him about anything and everything under the sun. Even if I don’t talk, I feel he understands what I am going through. I share a very close relationship with both dad and mom. We are a small family. Both of them are my best friends because most of my friends are scattered all over the world. It’s not a fearful papaji and mummyji kind of relationship.

Who do you think is the hottest man in Bollywood?

I don’t have one favourite.

Can a man and woman share a platonic relationship?

I have friends with whom I share a platonic relationship.

Do you feel Indian men love to have sexy women as arm candy but want to take a simple girl home?

I have no idea baba because I have not been into any relationship. If you come to Mumbai and say “I don’t have a boyfriend” it’s considered unnatural. In the South it’s normal.

But don’t you miss that someone special in your life?

I am not desperate for a special person. It will happen when it has to.

What is your take on marriage?

I have not yet thought about it. I definitely believe in the institution of marriage.

Mauli Singh
(Bollywood News Service)