What has been up with you since your return from the US?
Up until now, I was actually fun-employed, just having fun since returning from the US and exploring the market. I did a movie called ‘Squad’, which was offered to me while I was in the US. After returning, I did that. Now, I have signed on as a judge for a show called ‘Dancing Superstars‘. I have always wanted to judge a reality show. This one is for the Indian diaspora in the US and will be shot there. It’s for all the talented Indians in the US who lack a platform. Coming from a show genre myself as a former Miss India, I know what it takes to participate in these contests and how they can change your life. So, I am excited to be part of the journey from start to finish and witness the growth.How much time will the show take up?
About a month and a half. It’s a different format. They’ll shoot it in one go within a month. Participants will be from the US, and the judges will be from here. The other judges are Javed Jaaferi and Tushar Shetty. The makers are partly Indian and partly from the US. Having lived in the US for 22 years, I understand the pulse of the Indian community there and realize the need for a show like this. There are so many talented dancers waiting for a platform, including people of other nationalities.
Are people from abroad really interested in being part of the Hindi film industry?
They would appreciate recognition and encouragement, but they won’t necessarily come back as they are already working there. The serious ones are part of Hollywood, and even Hollywood actors are interested in Bollywood. Many Hollywood actors would love to shoot in India. For example, when I met Clint Eastwood, he expressed his dream to shoot in India. The allure of Bollywood is there, and many actors, like Russell Peters and Lily Singh, have been part of Bollywood movies. It’s about being seen as an actor and an artist.
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What effort are you making on your return journey to the industry?
I have reached out to a few casting directors and created social media awareness of my move back to India. Most of my posts now originate from India, although my travels might confuse people about where I am. But I have made it clear that India is now my primary base.
How did casting directors react to your return as an actor?
They have been positive, but so far, all the work I have generated has been through my own hustle. Nothing has come directly from India yet.
How much do you think the industry has changed?
Life is ever-changing, so any change that has happened won’t revert back. There were pros and cons to the industry when I was active, and it’s changed for the better. There are more positive, intelligent, and affirmative roles for mid-aged women now, not just young heroines. This is a significant improvement as it aligns more with Hollywood’s approach to roles for women.
And good comebacks have happened…
I am looking for quality work, not just any work. I want to work with top filmmakers like Karan Johar. They’re like institutions themselves, and I want to contribute to projects that will have a lasting impact.
Do the medium of release – theatre, OTT – matter to you?
No, I would love to work in OTT platforms. I have seen some amazing shows lately, such as ‘Dahaad’, ‘Made In Heaven’, and ‘Aakhri Sach’.
Have you networked or sought opportunities through your husband?
Networking isn’t our strong suit. We’re not the quintessential actors who do the whole networking scene.
How did your first work come after winning the pageant?
Miss India changed my life, and so did ‘Virasat‘. These projects came to me without much effort. I want to make a comeback with a project that has a similar impact.
How tough was it to start working in America?
It took me about 10 years to break into the industry there. It wasn’t easy; I went through the regular process of auditions, getting a manager, and pounding the pavement.
What was the situation regarding remuneration?
In the US, they pay very well, and there are residuals too. Even as a guest star, I earned good money without having to negotiate much.
Do you think it was easy or tough for Priyanka Chopra Jonas to break into Hollywood?
I am sure it wasn’t easy for her. If she has achieved what she has, it’s a testament to her perseverance and hard work.
What’s on your mind as you try to get more work in India?
I want impactful projects, not just any role. I want to leave a legacy with the work I do.
What is the toughest part for you now?
Finding that one break and the right character to come back with is the toughest part. I want a project that resonates with me and has a lasting impact.
Tell us about Nawab Shah.
I knew Nawab from before, and we reconnected later. He’s a talented actor who unfortunately gets typecast in antagonist roles. But he has a lot of potential.
What is the secret of your fitness?
I practice yoga regularly and enjoy exercising.
What message do you have for people in the industry?
I would love to work with new talents in the industry. I am excited and hopeful for what’s to come.