'Wearing a bikini won't guarantee a hit'

In her next film Gali Gali Chor Hai, Mugdha Godse will play a glamorous girl, who lives as a paying guest in a small town.

Directed by Rumi Jaffery, the film also stars Akshaye Khanna and Shriya Saran. Since the film is based on corruption, it was recently shown to anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare, who seemed to love it.

Mugdha made a dream debut in Fashion four years ago but hasn't really been able to make a mark yet. But that does not discourage her from taking up challenging roles. 

The actress talks to Sonil Dedhia about her movie career and why she is happy with what she has accomplished.

Do you feel you have not been able to capitalise on the success of Fashion?

I started on a very high note with Fashion. The films after that like Jail, All The Best and Help did not do as well as I had expected. But then, every actor goes through a lull in his or her career.

When things go at the same pace, people think it is a dull period. For me, till the time I am getting offers, I am fine with it.

I choose films that I feel will work for me and most of my films have worked for me. The film's fate is not in my hands.

Somewhere I feel I will have another film like Fashion in my life and it will start another journey.

Are you satisfied with the way your career has shaped up?

I started my career as a model and things just started falling in place. I never thought I would be modelling; I have always got things that I never expected. 

Never in my wildest dreams did I think of becoming an actor. I am very happy and secure with my work.

What attracted you to a film like Gali Gali Chor Hai?

The script was just amazing. It is based on corruption and it is a satire. It is the story of a common man who can be anyone around us.

Rumi Jaffery is a fantastic storyteller and then we had Akshaye Khanna and Shriya Saran.

The film deals with the subject of corruption. Have you ever given a bribe?

No, not really. I haven't paid a bribe to buy my way out. I always get away with a smile when I jump a signal, or when I was in college we would go to party at a club. The smile worked as a bribe (laughs). I hope I don't have to face corruption.

Since you consider your smile as a bribe, how would you rate it?

(Laughs) I think every smile that comes from the heart is 10 on 10.

Shriya Saran and you got along really well on the sets of Gali Gali...

Shriya and I know each other for a long time. When we got to know that we were doing a film together, we made plans for a city tour of Bhopal where we were shooting.

We shared our meals and our vanity van doors were always open so that we could hop in. After the shoot, we would go for long drives and we had a lot of fun. It was like a paid holiday for us girls.

You are doing the Marathi remake of Laadla where you will play the character Sridevi did.

Yes, it's going to be a special movie and I am really excited about it. Producer Nitin Desai is making the film in Marathi. When he heard me speaking Marathi during the making of his production Gali Gali Chor Hai, he decided to cast me.

Sridevi has done it so beautifully. It's a challenging role as it has a lot of different shades. I am a big fan of Sridevi and it's a privilege to play her role.

I loved her in Sadma, Chaal Baaz, Chandni and Laadla. It is going to be tough but I am ready for the challenge.

Are you going to take any cues from Sridevi's character?

Is there a role in recent times that you wish you had done?

I loved Vidya Balan in The Dirty Picture. I think only she could have pulled off such a stellar performance. She simply rocked in the movie.

Do you believe in love at first sight?

I used to believe in it. It works when you are a teenager. But now if you fall in love at first sight it turns out to be a disaster at second sight! (laughs). I guess love can happen any time.

When was your first crush?

My first crush was when I was 16.

What is your take on size zero?

Size zero is just a term. Being fit and not overtly fat should be the mantra.

Nowadays intimate scenes have become a part of every film. Do you subscribe to it?

It is normal these days, and I think if the script demands it, and it justifies the characterisation, then I think it should be a part of the film. Just adding an intimate scene or wearing a bikini wouldn't guarantee a hit.

What do you prefer: feasting or fasting?