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'Ready to show my jhatkas in Bollywood'
Charmee Kaur has already rocked the film industry down south. After working with superstars Nagarjuna, Junior NTR, Venkatesh, and Siddharth, to name a few, she is preparing to begin her innings in Bollywood with her upcoming film Bbuddah Hoga Terra Baap, starring Amitabh Bachchan.
The actress talks to Sonil Dedhia about the film, working with Amitabh Bachchan and her move to Bollywood.
Venkatesh, Nagarjuna, Ravi Teja, Siddharth and now Amitabh Bachchan. Who's next on the list?
(Smiles) Yes, I have worked with almost all the big actors down south and I would like to follow the same trend in Bollywood. I started with the biggest superstar, Amitabh Bachchan, and working with him was one of the most memorable moments in my career.
You are just 23; don't you think things have happened too early in your life?
You are right but everything in my life has happened early. I started acting at the age of 13. I had my first hit movie when I was just 15 years old, I brought my first car, which was a BMW, at the age of 18 and my first income-tax raid occurred when I was just 19! And now I am working with the superstar Amitabh Bachchan at the age of 23! I think I will have an early retirement also (Laughs).
'I want to show my talent to the world'
Has your profession taken a toll on your personal life?
I don't think my personal life has been affected. Thankfully, I have been able to balance it. I give a lot of time to my family and my friends because without them I wouldn't be what I am today. I have seen a lot of ups and downs in the last 10 years and I value my family and friends being around me.
You were born and brought up in Mumbai. Why didn't you start your career in Hindi films?
I have always dreamt of making it big in Bollywood. I was just 13 when I started auditioning but somehow things didn't work out. One of the reasons is that I was plump and as we all know, in Bollywood you need to be always fit. It is a known fact that people in the south prefer their actresses on the heavier side. As destiny would have it, a Telugu director spotted me and that's how my journey started in films.
What made you take the plunge into Bollywood now?
It's been 10 years that I have been working in South Indian films. Every actor dreams of working in Bollywood and I am no different. I want to show my talent to the world. I want a bigger platform and that's why I thought this was the right time to shift gears and enter Bollywood.
'I feel Amitabh Bachchan is not aware of his super stardom'
How did Bbuddah Hoga Terra Baap happen?
Puri (Jagannadh, the director) and I have been very dear friends. One day he told me he was making this film Bbuddah and offered me a role. I found his approach very casual but I loved my role. I requested him to give me one shot in the film with Amitabh Bachchan. He laughed at me and said I am giving you the whole film.
What was it like working with Puri Jagannath?
I had a lot of fun. I never felt as if I was working in a Hindi film as most of the crew was from Hyderabad. Hema Malini is a South Indian. Sonu Sood and Raveena Tandon have worked in Telugu films.
Can you share your experience of working with Amitabh Bachchan?
He is like a kid. He is a very simple and down to earth person. I feel he is not aware of his super stardom. Just by observing him you can learn a lot of things. Before we canned the first shot, he asked me if we could rehearse the shot. He's the kind of actor who makes sure everyone who is doing the scene with him is comfortable.
'I don't mind doing an intimate scene with a good-looking successful actor'
What was your reaction when you first saw the movie on the big screen?
When I saw myself on the big screen with Amitabh Bachchan, I had to pinch myself to make sure I was not dreaming. I told myself that I have achieved something big in my career.
Are you open to doing intimate scenes if required?
Yes, why not? Bring me a good-looking successful actor and I don't mind doing an intimate scene with him.
You also have some successful item numbers to your credit.
Yes, I have done a couple of item numbers and my fans have enjoyed them. I did the south version of Kajra Re. I am ready to show my jhatkas and matkas in Bollywood. (Laughs)
'Katrina Kaif is the sexiest actress in Bollywood'
A lot of south Indian actresses are now trying their hand at Bollywood. Are you apprehensive about being accepted?
No, not at all. I have the experience of working in more than 50 films. Apart from that, I am a Punjabi so language is also not an issue. I am looking forward to doing a lot more Hindi movies but I don't want to rush into anything.
Who according to you is the most sexiest actress in Bollywood?
Katrina Kaif. She is so natural and has a great body. She is one of those few actresses who can look pretty without make-up.