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'I'm known for my sexy and glam image'
Sophie Chowdry has come a long way since her MTV days.
The veejay is setting Bollywood on fire with her sexy moves in films like Pyaar Ke Side Effects, Kidnap, Aa Dekhen Zara and now, Daddy Cool. She has a guest appearance in this Friday's release Chintu-ji as well.
In a fun chat with Rediff readers on Thursday, Sophie spoke candidly about the events of her life. For those who missed the chat, here's what transpired:
prasoom asked, Hey sop... wats up??? So what is ur next project? R u gonna do any serious film?
Sophie Chowdry answers, Prasoom, how are you? Well I have a lovely film releasing called Chintu-ji. Mine is a guest appearance but it's a fabulous film and I hear the recent screening got a standing ovation! Please see it!
jish asked, hi sophie, what made you do 'daddy cool', was it your character or overall start cast?
Sophie Chowdry answers, It was the overall project -- nice starcast, great banner. I grew up watching Inder Kumar films and wanted to work with them. The script was funny and I felt my character Ayesha would stand out. I would get to play someone not just sexy but very cute and funny too. The response has been great for my work so I'm glad I did it.
hisophie asked, Hi Sophie, sometime ago, I saw a pic of you in a magazine. You were in a semi transparent top. Do you think it was a morphed image?
Sophie Chowdry answers, Hi there. I have seen so many morphed images of mine and its shocking and disgusting! I'm known for my sexy and glam image but one thing is for sure -- I carry myself with a lot of class and style and would never do anything vulgar or cheap. Maxim was super sexy but sensual and classy. That's why I did it. Thank you all for the compliments :)
ali asked, hey sophie..any planz cumin to australia
Sophie Chowdry answers, G'day mate! (oops, sorry but I grew up watching Neighbours and Home and Away!) Would love to go to Australia. Hopefully after the release of my new album in October!
'I'm single and loving it'
Krishna asked, Hi Sophie.... Daddy cool is really cool! Can we expect any other good movies of yours?
Sophie Chowdry answers, I'm so glad you liked the movie. I think it's great timepass and a fun film. Chintu-ji is also an amazingly cute comedy with Rishi Kapoor. Later this year I have Sanjay Gupta's Alibaug. After Daddy Cool I'm getting a lot of calls, touch wood! So hopefully you will see more of me in movies!
Krishna asked, I loved all you shows on MTV... will you be still continuing the same? Please don't stop :-)
Sophie Chowdry answers, I loved being a VJ on MTV. It was awesome but now television has changed. Everyone is hosting random reality shows. I didn't really want to do that at this point so focussing on films and music. I became a VJ to interact with the youngsters and to talk about music not to interview youngsters with an attitude wanting to be reality stars!
Baleshwar asked, Hi sophie... r u Indian? Married? Your next movie?
Sophie Chowdry answers, Married? Naaaaaahhhhhhhhiiiiiinnnn! :) Not yet and hopefully not for a bit longer. Single and loving it. I was born in London but yes am 100 percent desi!
chetan sharma asked, why u have opted for singing career, as i know u r good in yr studies
Sophie Chowdry answers, I always tell youngsters that the best days are your college days -- the masti, the learning --.that's the time your personality gets shaped. I loved studying but singing and acting are my passion. I graduated from LSE in politics and French and now I'm living my dream!
danny asked, wnh i saw u any flim others heroin r fail front of u
Sophie Chowdry answers, Thank you, Danny. That's very sweet of you. Hopefully I will get better and better! Look out! :)
'Mumbai has given me so much'
ajay asked, Hi spohie I am a big fan of yours. Why is it that you had stopped launching music albums. I am a big fan of your music and we all loved your last album.
Sophie Chowdry answers, Thank you so much. I'm dying for you all to hear my new album. I stopped making an album because I did not want to do another remix after Ek Pardesi. So for the last 18 months I have spent time developing my album. Then I recorded in London with Rishi Rich in Mumbai with Bappa Lahiri and Gaurav Dasgupta (Aa Dekhen Zara music) and even in Dubai. Now I have an album I'm very proud of and you will all get to hear it in October!
zena asked, Hi, Im zena from Italy. I used to read the magazine eastern eye when you were writing in it. That was my favourite section of the magazine. Do you miss the UK?
Sophie Chowdry answers, Ciao zena, come stai tutto va bene anche io parlo italiano ma solo un poco ho dimenticato tutto! Haha grazie mille. I don't miss the UK too much because I go back very often. I just miss my little niece and nephew, the cleanliness and peace and quiet. But Mumbai has given me so much -- love, respect, name, fame I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. Gosh that column used to be fun to write!
jiju asked, who are your favourite actors in bollywood?what do you enjoy more singing or acting?
Sophie Chowdry answers, There are too many actors I love from Big B, to Rishi Kapoor, Aamir, SRK. There is something to learn from each one. I even adore Priyanka. As for me, I love being an all round entertainer. I think I'm blessed to have the opportunities I have so why shouldn't I act, sing and dance? Hain na?:)
'Size zero is absolute rubbish'
sophiesbiggestfan asked, hia sophie, whats your fitness mantra?
Sophie Chowdry answers, Well, I think that size zero is absolute rubbish even though I'm at my thinnest and fittest now. I believe in having a healthy mind and body so I work out five times a week. I love salsa and other dance forms which are great exercise and even though I'm a complete foodie, I try to eat healthy. That doesn't mean I stay away from dessert though! Oops! But seriously workout and eat healthy to stay fit not to be skinny.
tarunphd asked, hi sophie i wish u all the success and want to see u in as many films as possible. what kind of roles u like most?
Sophie Chowdry answers, Hi! So far my favourite role was in Pyaar Ke Side Effects. I love the character of Tanya because she was so real, strong, sexy but with all her fundas absolutely sorted out. I would love to play more 'real' characters and also I'm an absolute tragedy queen at home so would love to do an emotional role. I guess that's how you will find me in Sanjay Gupta's film Alibaug!
ashok_basak asked, hi Sophie, you are truly beautiful and sexy.I would like to see some serious acting in bollywood soon. All the best for your projects.
Sophie Chowdry answers, Thanks so much Ashok. Yup,.looking forward to entertaining you all with better films and more music. Cheers!
'Feel hot and sexy, and you will look it!'
ddsfsdf asked, hi sophia what is secret of curvy hip?
Sophie Chowdry answers, I guess it's in my DNA.:) But seriously I think I'm just lucky to be fit and to look good. I guess belly dancing helps too :)
sunny83 asked, There's always a newcomer every other day. Where do you see yourself 5 to 7 years down the line in view of the cut throat competition in the film industry??
Sophie Chowdry answers, That's a good question. But very early on I realised I don't want to compete with people here. I want to compete with myself. As it is my background is different I come from a business family, I'm a graduate from LSE, I sing, act, dance, speak five languages...all of this is my passion, not really my necessity and I'm lucky that my family has been so supportive so why compete? I'm just trying to do good work and make a place for myself, that's all.
hjs asked, Hi beautiful woman! Please tell us the secret of ur hot gorgeous looks! I also wanna look hot n sexy like u!
Sophie Chowdry answers, Simple. Feel hot and sexy, and you will look it! Don't try too hard. Honestly, just be yourself. There is nothing sexier than being natural. No one wants a fake!
Bhanu asked, Hi Sweet Sophie..... how r u. one question. Remember one time you perform a night with other stars in Kurukshetra University Kurukshetra, I think in 2003-2004. what are yours experience. how was the program. Actually I miss the program because that day I was out of state. Can you make newone album. what is you role in daddy cool. Thank U,
Sophie Chowdry answers, Wow long question. First of all please watch Daddy Cool. It's fun timepass and a cute film. Next, new album will be out in October and lastly , yes I remember that night. The crowd was fantastic. Hopefully I will come back soon!
'I'm very clear about my morals. I don't take shortcuts to get ahead'
inder asked, hi sophie, how do u maintain ur looks n body? don't feel for yummy biryani..kabab n so on. how do u keep urself away from these items?
Sophie Chowdry answers, Arre I love biryani. My mum's is the best. Toh kabhi kabhi I indulge. I don't believe in starving.You only live once!
preinfo asked, Sophie, this is Rahul, I remember you had come with a all female band called Sansaara, what happend to that, where are the other band members? and don't you feel like reviving your singing career again?
Sophie Chowdry answers, Yeah the band was amazing while it lasted but all three of us had different priorities and that's why the band fell apart. Really sad because our songs were popular but the other girls didn't realise what hard work it is and that we would have to leave London and spend a lot of time here. I haven't spoken to them since the Habibi video. That's life. But I'm so happy with how things have turned out for me and grateful every single second that I moved here to Mumbai and am living my dream.
vijaykumar23.2008 asked, Hi sophie you planning any south indian movie?
Sophie Chowdry answers, I have had a few offers recently so let's see if anything materialises.
irfankhan asked, any plans for shows in dubai ???
Sophie Chowdry answers, I loooooove Dubai. I was there last weekend with my family for a weekend break! Super fun and yes I hope to come there for shows soon. It's a fab place!
suuny123 asked, r u committed? coz bunch of we guys r FIDA on u!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sophie Chowdry answers, What to do? No one has proposed :( so yes very single at the moment!!!
Chak asked, Sophie do u have connections with Bangladesh? Was inquisitive abt ur surname..
Sophie Chowdry answers, Nope, I don't but would love to go there someday.
murtaza asked, hi sophie ... i m a big fan of urs..really love u a lot..wish we could have COFFEE someday!!
Sophie Chowdry answers, Haha... everyone loves that line. I actually prefer garam adrak ki chai but a cappucino will do nicely! Thank you.
FAN asked, U R V GOOD LOOKING & BRAINY LADY THEN Y R U STUCK UP IN THIS DIRT OF BOLLYWOOD. IT IS REALLY HURTING TO SEE U BEING TAKEN FOR GRANTED & TAKEN UNTOWARD ADVANTAGE OF U, EMOTIONALLY & PHYSICALLY ??!! SORRY IF I USED SOME INAPPROPRIATE WORDS......
Sophie Chowdry answers, Hi there. First of all thanks. I think that I have been very fortunate to have a supportive family and have never allowed anyone to take physical advantage of me. I'm very clear about my morals. I don't take shortcuts to get ahead. Whatever I have achieved today is through my own hard work and not through any Godfather or favours. As for the emotional aspect, I think everyone deals with that in their work. Yes in Bollywood it's tough because the stakes are high but you just have to learn to take things in your stride and handle yourself with dignity.
'I have a fabulous role in Alibaug'
veejay asked, Hi Sophie. You are my dream. I have your pic as my laptop wallpaper, since the day, I had seen you in baby love. you are truly sensuous. Can I get any chance to hear your voice too, talking to me directly ? Please !!!!
Sophie Chowdry answers, Hey thanks :) That's very sweet but now please put a new picture na. Maybe from Daddy Cool!
sophiesbiggestfan asked, sophie, i have 5 questions for you a) Whats your fitness Mantra b) Are you planning to feature in some bond or Angelina Joliesque Action type movie c) You got a lovely voice & singing capability. Will we get to hear more of Sophie in playback or albums d) Its not fair to play just itsy bitsy roles. Can we expect a full fledge lead role from you in near future? When. With lots of love and luck Your biggest fan
Sophie Chowdry answers, Wow! Thank you, thank you, thank you for being such a lovely fan. Well I've answered most of the questions but as for the Bond question, just the other day Suniel Shetty was telling me I must do an action film and I would love to. It would be awesome. So let's see... hopefully soon. As for lead roles hopefully some interesting ones is in the process of happening. I've always believed it's better to be part of a good film and work with good people rather than do a lead role for the sake of it. The only thing is that sometimes the films work and sometimes they don't. C'est la vie!
rajivchatterjee asked, Hi Sophie..Rajiv here U are pretty and talented and from the little that we have seen of u in screen...U were meant to be a star :) Yet...we haven't seen u in a role which really does justice to ur talent. When can ur fans actually look forward to u in such a role?
Sophie Chowdry answers, Soon,.hopefully soon. I was really counting on Sanjay Gupta's Alibaug but that got delayed. Hopefully that will now be out by the end of the year. It's a beautiful film and I have a fabulous role.
'I was too studious for my own good'
SRK asked, Did any of your veejays hit on you anytime??
Sophie Chowdry answers, Cyrus Broacha all the time. Haha... just kidding. He was the cutest.
Konstantin asked, hiee sophee lot of people see you in russia
Sophie Chowdry answers, Hi there. Really? Wow I would love to come to your beautiful country. Hopefully soon. Dasvidanya.
sahu asked, any plan to come to canada
Sophie Chowdry answers, Hi Sahu. How are you? I have been to Montreal which I really liked but hoping to come to Toronto and Vancouver soon. Will keep you posted through rediff :)
naahsi asked, where were you before u joined the entertainmment industry ? i mean schooling and college (if u attended...)
Sophie Chowdry answers, I was too studious for my own good. My mum would tell me to bunk and I would fight with her! Haha... I studied in London and Paris and I'm a graduate in politics and French. I actually got a First for my degree!
vijjay asked, why did u copied disco deewane from nazia hassan? isn't that very cheap to gain fame?
Sophie Chowdry answers, I never ever did disco deewane... You have to understand that she [Nazia Hassan] was my reason for becoming a singer. I'm a huge fan of hers and was fortunate to be launched by the man who launched her, Biddu .I did a few cover versions on my album as a dedication to Nazia but never released a video or anything like that.
Kirk asked, Do you sleep with Directors/Producers for Roles, the way you do it in Daddy Cool?
Sophie Chowdry answers, It's so sad that you all think we are like the characters we portray on screen. Acting means being something you are not. Only I know how hard it was for me to accept the role because although Ayesha is very cute, I couldn't relate to her desperation at all. It's something I would never ever ever be okay with. But in the end I'm an actor and it's my job to play different roles and the challenge is to play characters you are most unlike. Hope that clears any doubts.
trisha asked, i hope u will answer atleast one of my questions to make me happy or just say a hi :)
Sophie Chowdry answers, Hi Trisha :) Hope you are well. Thank you for your messages.
sophierocksvj asked, hey sophie ! been following your career right from your first music to your appereance in Mtv ! man its been a Long journey is it not ?
Sophie Chowdry answers, Hi there. Yup, it's been a long journey and one I'm proud of although the funny thing is that I feel like I'm just starting! Thank you for all the support. Means a lot.
Prachi asked, I really admire you for your confidence. What tips would you give to young girls who want to make it big in the modelling and film world?
Sophie Chowdry answers, Hi Prachi. My advice is to have a lot of patience and never get desperate. Things don't happen overnight. Be dedicated and focussed, be level headed and make sure you have family support and a strong education behind you. Give it time and I'm sure your dreams will come true if you are dedicated. Just don't expect instant success.
zzzzzzzz asked, hey sophie....plz say hello to all A.P guys here. It's a sad day for us. Before rediff guy tells ya it's time..thankyou.
Sophie Chowdry answers, A big hi to all the AP guys and yes my sincere condolences for the tragedy. May YSR Reddy's soul R.I.P.
Umesh asked, Hello Maam, quick query. why did you take up Acting ? was it Money, Fame or Fun
Sophie Chowdry answers, Passion.... I always wanted to act and sing and decided to follow my dream!
'I may have a sexy glam image but I'm a complete family girl'
sachyrockon asked, whats is your dream role which u wanna play one day
Sophie Chowdry answers, Hi! Dream role? Wow.. so manyJ I would love to do a Hindi version of Notting Hill and play Julia Roberts, I would love to do films like Zubeida and Fiza and even Karisma Kapoor's role in Dil Toh Pagal Hai. There are so many. How do I answer? I'm greedy I want to play lots of good roles!
Dj asked, Hi sophie...which song do you like more...the Bollywood now Daddy Cool or the Daddy cool original?? Honest answer plz!!Tc. :)
Sophie Chowdry answers, Honestly I love the one from my film because I'm a full filmi desi girl and I love the way our song has turned out. Plus I am totally loyal... Haha.
Bond asked, Hey Karlooz here! Hope you remember me!
Sophie Chowdry answers, I'm still looking for the real Carlos! Haha. Hope you are wearing a black suit!
yoyoma asked, hi sophie where were u born? what's your favourite song right now?
Sophie Chowdry answers, Born in UK. Favourite current song Nasha Nasha from Daddy Cool!
favour asked, Hi Sophie how r u? Any plans to visit Ireland?
Sophie Chowdry answers, Would love to visit Ireland especially Dublin. Hopefully soon :)
Kirk asked, Sophie, why do men have double standards in India when it comes to their own women, but they lech at any girl in skirts, tops or tight clothes?
Sophie Chowdry answers, Great question. I guess its because guys thing HOT women must be dating lots of guys and girls dresses in short clothes are 'easier'. Let me assure you that's not the case at all and I really wish people would stop being so hypocritical. I may have a sexy glam image but I'm a complete family girl who hangs out more with family than going partying and clubbing. It's just stereotypical images that men have of women and they need to change --.fast.
RIaz asked, No luck is not on my side????Can we be friends in real ? If yes how will we keep in touch ? My id is riazrazzack@gmail.com
Sophie Chowdry answers, Hey there. You know what? Someone just started a fan page for me on Facebook. Please join it and then we can all keep in touch and I can keep you uptodate with my latest work and pictures.
deadlyscorpio asked, hey sophie i am a big fan of yours from the days you were a VJ, really loved to see you on the small screen and liked your music albums too, now enjoying seeing on the big screen, wishing you best of luck and you have a long way to go
Sophie Chowdry answers, Thanks so much. That means a lot. Yup, look out for me! :)
Nihar asked, There is news that you are going tie a knot in December? Is it so?
Sophie Chowdry answers, Who with? Myself?? Haha... Not true at all. Pehle ladka toh mile!
zyzv asked, Hey what's the funniest pickup line someone tried at you??
Sophie Chowdry answers, At Paris airport. The head of security asked me, "Are you carrying any weapons other than your eyes?" It was funny and very clever I thought. I was zapped!
Sophie Chowdry says, Thank you all so much for chatting with me. It was great fun. Please do check out Daddy Cool and the very cute and funny Chintu-ji. Join my Facebook fanpage too. Ganpati Bappa Moriya and to all those fasting, Eid mubarak in advance! See ya... have fun! Love Sophie.