It's weird at first, with the green screen. You have to act like you're staring at a skyline, or pretend that you're flying, but you're not, obviously. So it was hard to conceptualise, but once I saw the shots, in their final form, I was blown away. That's when it all comes together and looks really good. The technology in Love Story 2050 is truly amazing.
Is it a never-before-been-done-in-India- type of film?
Oh, it's definitely never been done before in India. When people see the quality of production, the visual effects and all, they're going to be stunned. It's really exciting to be part of such an advanced film-making process.
How do you think it will be received by critics? And at the box office?
I honestly do not know what the critics will say. It's impossible to know. Sometimes, they give movies bad ratings, and they go on to be huge hits. Other times, they say a movie is great, but no crowd turn out to see it. It's really just one person's opinion.
For me, to see if a film is a success, I look at the box office results. Yes, people wrote certain things about Krrish, but it ended up being a huge blockbuster, one that I'm very proud of. At the end of the day, that's what matters.
As for Love Story 2050, I think it will be a huge hit at the box office. It's just so cool. See, I always ask myself: 'Is this the type of movie I would watch?' With [Love Story 2050], it's not even a question. This is the type of movie I love!
Do you like science-fiction movies?
Well, though it's in the future, it's not really a sci-fi movie. It's a romantic film, at heart, a love story. And that's what I enjoy, a good romantic movie.
'Mumbai is crazy in 2050!'
So what's a futuristic Mumbai like? Is the movie realistic in its depiction of the future?
Mumbai is crazy in 2050! There are flying cars, robots and so much more, but I don't want to reveal too much.
I think it's impossible to predict the future; so I wouldn't say it's completely 'realistic'. How can we know? Look at Back To The Future. In that film, they had flying cars by the year 2010, but no mobiles. It's practically 2010 today, and I don't see any flying cars, yet everyone's talking on cell phones.
So, in that sense, it's a fantasy. It's a fun look at what the future could be like.
How was it working with the father-son Bawejas? Did it cause problems, their proximity to each other, or did they have chemistry?
At first, I was wary that I would be an outsider, because the two of them have such a great connection. But they both made me feel so comfortable, and a part of the creative process. To see them work together was just mind-blowing. They have this mental connection, this bond; it allows them to understand each other without even speaking. Harry wouldn't even say anything, just motion with his hand, and Harman would know exactly what to do. They have great timing together.
How was Harman in his debut? How would you rate his performance?
First of all, Harman's a natural actor and a great dancer. Not only that, he comes from a film background, so he knows the filmmaking process well. He's been on-set, helping his father, long before I won Miss India. So he has the experience, it's not a traditional debut, where one doesn't know anything about the industry.
His knowledge gives him an advantage, because he's on the same page as everyone involved. He really understands the production and technical aspects -- sound engineering, camera work, etc -- all these I've only heard about. Also, he just had great chemistry with the other actors.
'Harman and I have been close friends for some time'
What about with you? Much has been speculated about your close friendship with Harman. Was it strange to work with him?
Harman was one of the first people I met in this industry, almost five years ago. So we've been close friends for some time. It was great to be his first [co-star], just as someone was mine. It wasn't hard to work together; we had a great time. But now, we're just nervous. It's almost like the Judgement Day, as release day approaches. We've put in a lot of emotion and energy; nobody thought we'd be able to pull off a film with such a big budget, that was so ambitious. So now, we're just waiting!
But the media hasn't hesitated to link you two. How does that make you feel, that people take liberties when writing about your personal life?
It's an occupational hazard. When you reach a highly visible, public status, there are some things you must sacrifice. One of those things is part of your privacy. It can bother you, or embarrass you, but you have to learn to live with it.
I love this life and I'm thankful for every one of my fans. So it's a small price to pay.
Have you changed your tone with the media? Are you more reserved now? Were you a little naive when you first started?
I've definitely become more careful now with the media. It's their job, to report what you say and do. I do think I was a little naive when I got here. I'm from a small city, my family is very middle class. My family and I used to watch a film every now and then, some of these families make films every now and then! But I enjoy interacting with my fans and the media. I've just learned to be a little reserved. For example, I do not discuss my personal life. Ever.
You're a self-admitted small-town girl. How have you adjusted to the lifestyle? To the big city, in Mumbai? Are you a party-girl? Or do you stay at home?
I'm from a small-town, yes, but my father's career required us to move around all the time. And I was in Boston, United States. So I'm comfortable with packing up my bags and moving. Actually, I've lived [in Mumbai] longer than any other one place, because I shifted so frequently when I was young.
I love my home! It's my favourite! I'm definitely not a party-girl. While I do go for a lot of social do's, I'm not a huge fan of them. I'd rather curl up in my bed with a good movie or a good book. That's how I relax.
When I do go out, it's with my close friends. It's those times I can really let my hair out. Also, when I'm out of the country, I have more of a chance to go out without being noticed. When we were in Miami [filming Karan Johar's Dostana], I had a great time.
You really seem to be enjoying yourself, but you weren't always on the road to Bollywood. How did this get started? Did you ever imagine anything like this would happen when you were young?
It all started when my mom sent in these photos of me for Miss India. They were just random photos, I can't believe I got selected! One of them was from my application to a school in Australia, where I'm wearing a suit and trying to look studious and professional (laughs). I didn't even know she'd done it until they called back and invited me to the contest! Then, with Miss India, when I won, that's when this whole world just opened up to me. Of course, when you win [Miss Indian and Miss World], you'll get lots of offers initially, but you have to show that you merit the attention, you have to prove yourself. Else everyone will quickly move on to the next big thing.
I wasn't sure if I would like films, but it's become my entire life. I love what I do, I would not want to do anything else. I love the whole process. Just the joy of making films is enough for me. I honestly believe that someone up there (turns eyes to ceiling), helped me find my vocation. I'm destiny's child.
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