'I don't like the media attention in B-Town'

Myra, the actress who played the title role in No One Killed Jessica, says little and laughs a lot. She isn't exactly a people person and given a choice, would be happy without media attention. We find out why.

On the morning of April 4, 2010 around 11 am, Myra's life changed in a way that she'd never imagined. All she did was lay in bed lazily as Vidya Balan tried hard to wake her up.

It was a blink-and-you'll miss it scene from No One Killed Jessica and far more insignificant than the defining shot where she has a gun being pointed at her.

But it was the first one she'd shot for in her life -- the very first time she faced the camera and got it right!

Myra, who plays Jessica in the movie, tells us that she has a lot in common with the slain model but contrary to popular opinion, she doesn't believe they look similar at all. And yet, the dainty girl sitting across the table seemed to me in many ways very like Jessica.

There is an air of mystery around her.

When we hosted a live interaction online between her and fans of the movie, Myra insisted we leave out her last name, Karns. She tells me she had a great grandmother who migrated to India from Spain, but refuses to part with any more details of her ancestry that have piqued my curiosity.

Myra's father used to be in the Indian Army -- yet again, she reveals nothing more about him or where he was posted. All we get to know is that he has retired and runs something of a property business.

She also tells me that she's a very, very private person and that she often feels compelled to go out and interact with the media quite simply because it is part of the job.

Myra loves to laugh -- at times apparently to deflect questions -- but it seems to me that she doesn't like to talk a lot, especially when it comes to talking about herself.

She almost cringes each time she recollects incidents when people have recognised her. Being in the spotlight definitely doesn't come easily to this young actress.

Do you remember the moment when you realised you were famous?

I went to watch No One Killed Jessica after it released. When I asked for the ticket, the guy at the counter looked at me and immediately asked if I was in the movie. I said I was. Then he gave me the best seat in the auditorium, even though it was full!

Just before entering the hall, I went to pick up a bottle of water. The boy behind the counter asked me 'Aap film mein hai na?' and then he refused to take money from me!

Finally when I walked out of the theatre, I realised that a lot of people were looking at me. That's when I realised that I was being recognised.

A lot of people look very different on screen but I don't.

So has it become difficult for you to step out after the film's release?

Yes. Just this afternoon I walked into a store looking shabby with my hair tied up and a lady asked me if I was the one who played Jessica. She (gushed) about how fantastic I looked in the movie and here was I was at my worst (hoping not to get recognised).

I don't like attention. I am not enjoying it. I am happy people loved me, but not beyond that.

Recently I went partying after over a year to Olive (a famous nightspot in Mumbai's Bandra area). It was Thursday and the place was jam-packed. But people recognised me and started clicking my pictures. Sometimes I wonder how to hide my identity. (Laughs)

Do you go to great lengths to do that?

(Laughs) I just don't go out! Though I feel like I should enjoy it. My friends say that people die for this (kind of attention).

How do you deal with this attention? For instance, how did you deal with the lady you were just talking about?

I usually smile and say thanks. But I am very uncomfortable actually.

Do you feel compelled to do media interactions like this one?

Yes I do. But I need to learn that this is part of the business. I have to shed my inhibitions and work. People go to great lengths (to get this). People love to see themselves in The Bombay Times. I am learning things and getting used to it, I guess.

So you do want to be in this profession.

Yes, only if I get good scripts. There wasn't a particular moment when I realised that I wanted to explore this as a profession. Sometime after the film's release I felt that (acting) may be a good idea after all.

How did you bag No One Killed Jessica?

(Director) Raj Kumar Gupta is a friend of mine. When he was working on the script, he felt that I would fit the character of Jessica. I wasn't very keen on acting. But Raj insisted that I read the script. He really had to persuade me for a very long time before I said yes.

What made you say yes?

Two things -- I really admire his previous films (Barah Aana and Aamir) and when I read the script I loved it. So I thought, why not?

What if you don't get more good scripts like this one? What is it that you see yourself doing?

I'd like to be an entrepreneur. Start something of my own perhaps. To be very honest, films just happened to me. It isn't something I had given a thought to, like I said. It's just one of the things I got into by chance. So I can't say I am sure about what I see myself doing. It's too soon to say that.

As a child what did you see yourself becoming?

(Laughs) I dreamt of being an astronaut.

What would you say has been the most challenging decision you've had to make so far?

(Pause) I wouldn't say I've had to make that decision yet.

What are the personal mantras you live by?

Live and let live and be positive.

What would you say has been the best advice you've received? Who was it from?

My father believes in simple living and high thinking. It's also the best advice I've ever gotten from anyone.

What did your parents think of the movie?

Oh they loved it!

What do they have to say about your being in films?

They're quite chilled out. As long as I am happy doing what I am, they're happy with it.

Why did you ask us not to mention your last name?

Just to keep it simple. People tend to get confused. I am asked if I am a foreigner, when I am not. So a couple of my friends suggested that I don't use my last name.

And what does your first name mean?

Myra in Latin means 'a beautiful song'.

I read that you've done your engineering from a college in Gujarat. How did that come about?

I was good at studies and I was never interested in medicine. So engineering seemed to be the only other choice, the most natural thing for me to do.

To what extent would you say the army background shaped you? Are you disciplined like the armywallahs?

(Laughs) Oh! Hardly. I am as indisciplined as a civilian! But yes, my parents have instilled a value system in me that has helped me stay grounded even through all of this (the attention after the film's release).

There is a scene in the movie where you turn around and whack a guy. Would you do that in real life?

(Laughs) I'd probably abuse, but I wouldn't bash up someone. That wasn't me, that was Jessica.

How do you react to catcalls?

I don't. Besides, I haven't come across a lot.

Are you hotheaded?

(Laughs) Yes. As difficult as it may be to believe, I am very hotheaded! When my friends watch that scene (where I hit the guy) they say 'Now we know what the director saw in you!' (to cast you in the film).

Um, okay and what's the most hotheaded thing you've ever done?

(Pauses) Well, I haven't done anything crazy so far.

What's the lousiest pick-up line anyone's used on you?

(Amidst peals of laughter) It wasn't a pick-up line, but about a year ago as I was getting into the car after hitting the gym, a guy walked up to me and handed me a letter. He'd written all kinds of things about me being a genuine person and that it was his last day at the gym. At the end of it, he'd written his telephone number. The next day he turns up at the gym actually expecting me to respond!

Since we're on the topic of men -- who according to you are the three hottest men in India?

(Laughs) I don't find Indian men hot!

Okay, make that three hottest men in the world.

Just one -- George Clooney!

What turns you on in a man?

Intelligence.

Turn-offs?

When someone tries too hard to impress me I feel like saying 'F**k off!'

Have you said that?

Yes! Many times, but only in my head!

Your idea of a perfect date

Dinner someplace nice, a good conversation and then a short drive.

Your favourite cuisine is...

Italian.

You're favourite hangout?

Taj Land's End in Bandra. It's a nice place where you can actually have your privacy.

What kind of music do you enjoy?

Well it depends on my mood but I quite like House, Psychedelic, old Hindi numbers and ghazals.

What books do you read?

Sidney Sheldon novels and a lot of magazines.

How do you stay fit?

I am not much of a cardio person, but I focus on weight training. I don't do yoga, though.

Someone in the online chat quite rightly pointed out that you have beautiful hair. How do you take care of it?

(Laughs) I don't! It's naturally beautiful! I believe that if you stay happy and eat well, it's all fine.

And what diet do you follow?

I prefer simple food that isn't spicy. Breakfast is anything from toast and butter to parathas -- depending on what my domestic help makes. Lunch again is roti subzi daal and curd. Sometimes it's vegetable pulao -- basically home-cooked food. At nights I tend to go out or order in.

Okay, let's see -- which is your favourite movie?

Scarface! I like action films a lot like Desperado, Once Upon a Time in Mexico...

Your favourite book?

(Pauses) Yet to be written.

One makeup accessory you cannot live without?

None.

Your biggest challenge is...

To shed my inhibitions and become friendlier towards people.

Is that such a big challenge?

Yes it is. I am choosy about the people I have around and that is often mistaken for being arrogant. I want to change and become friendly. People think I am snooty. That's not good for me as a person. It gives a negative impression.

What's the impression you'd like to give someone? What's the impression you would like me to have, for instance?

That I am a simple, down-to-earth person and a regular girl.

What is that one thing you're most passionate about?

Travelling! I just returned from Milan. It was the first time I travelled by myself.

Oh? In that case, how about sharing five tips for single women travellers?

• Always carry money and distribute it evenly in cash and cards.
• Choose your hotels carefully.
• Travel light so you can shop at your destination!
• Stay alert and beware of conmen.
• Forget about your boyfriends/husbands and just enjoy yourself.

Which is the best place you've visited in India?

It has to be Darjeeling. It's simply beautiful!

The one thing you do when you check into a hotel?

Check out the washroom!

Your most memorable vacation?

The one I was talking about -- Milan! It was freezing cold, there were super hot men and it was a beautiful place.

The one thing you simply cannot leave home without is...

Um, my house keys! (Laughs)

Do you cook?

No, I'd rather starve than cook (laughs again).

What is your personal sense of style?

A pair of cotton shorts and a tee-shirt.

Your biggest fear...

(Long pause) Of losing my loved ones.

Are you in a relationship?

No.

The one gadget you'd kill for...

Is yet to be invented.

One piece of advice you'd give young boys and girls wanting to be part of showbiz?

Always have a backup plan. Don't be obsessed with being in showbiz. It shatters a lot of dreams.