'Imran enjoyed washing my hair' - Genelia in an Exclusive Interview

If there is one song that's topping the charts this season it is Aditi. We caught with the real Genelia to find out if she too needs a song to smile. Genelia who is best remembered for her role opposite Riteish Deshmukh in Masti will soon be seen opposite Imran Khan in the much awaited Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na.

Let's start with your character in the film. Who is Aditi?

Aditi is basically a 'kali billi'…They call her meow. That's because she'll scratch you if she gets angry and won't care whether it's your face or hands. She is an extremist. She'll love you like no one else but if she doesn't like you there's no limit to her hatred. And if you pick up a fight with Jai (Imran's character) she'll murder you. Jai wouldn't even react but Aditi will slaughter you.

And how would you explain her relationship with Jai?

Aditi and Jai are totally opposite and the reason why they work is because Aditi loves challenges in life, even if it is not needed. But Jai has an explanation for anything that's going on in her life. Jai gives her the shoulder to cry on. At the same time, he is also the person she will pick up a fight with for no rhyme or reason.

How much of Aditi is the real Genelia?

They are very similar except for the power mouth bit. I can't talk like that. Also I don't think I can pick up a fight just for the heck of it.

Now the tagline says 'When do you know it's love.' What's Genelia's take on the line between friendship and love?

It's very relatable and human. I think this is a confusion that at some point we all go through.

You started your innings in Bollywood and then moved down South where you have been very successful. What went wrong here?

Honestly, I don't see it as a wrong and a right situation. Not many people know that I debuted in three different languages in 2003. But by the time my Hindi film released, I had already signed a lot of projects down South, which kept me busy through 2004. Luckily, those films did well and more offers kept pouring in. I think it is a mix of destiny and time constraint. So nothing has gone wrong and now I am ready to take up challenges in Bollywood as well.

Is Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na your big Bollywood comeback?

I don't believe in the word comeback. But I look at it as a high potential film. Jaane Tu…could bring out the best in me because it is such a good character.

So are you expecting the Best Actress award next year?

I already won an award last year. It was a big surprise for me. So I don't want to spend too much time thinking about the awards for this film.

Since you have worked in Bollywood and the South. How would you compare life as an actress in both these industries?

Most people told me that South is very professional as compared to Bollywood. But in both industries everything is planned and work starts on time. I mean Priyadarshan and Aamir Khan Productions are as professional as you can get. So I am yet to sight that difference. The only difference is I think in the choice of subjects as the two regions have completely different flavour.

But as an actress, do you think Bollywood offers you more scope since the south Indian industry is male dominated…

I have got a fair deal. And that's been the good part about my films. You know people always say Bollywood dropouts make it big there. But that's so not true, because there they are constantly looking out for new faces. And surviving there for like five years is a huge deal as most actors end up being one-film wonders. I have got very good roles and won a Filmfare award. So at this stage coming back to Bollywood is like a newcomer returning with renewed confidence.

How is Aamir as a producer?

I believe the best part about Aamir Khan Productions is that you feel you're working hard. They make you go through the grind. Initially the repeated screen tests could get annoying but once you bag the role you want to give it your best shot. Aamir is very sure about what he wants and his faith in you makes you feel responsible. So as an artiste you don't want to disappoint him.

But weren't you apprehensive about Imran getting all the pre-release hype?

It's very strange, because I don't come from a film family ready to make a film for me. So for me the best way to get noticed is to get a hyped up film. Sure Imran will be more talked about and be on every cover page possible. But the film is still about Jai and Aditi. So the more people come to see Imran, the more they get to see me.

As a co-star what's Imran's biggest strength and weakness?

Technically he is very sound. For a newcomer he exactly knows what his shortcomings are. Everyone's hardworking but to know where you are going wrong and the ability to be sensible is a great quality. I don't know what's his weakness but he should stop calling himself my spot boy. He enjoyed washing my hair.

What's your favourite song and scene?

Without doubt Aditi. I always knew it was a good song, but now that so many people are loving it, I love it even more. Favourite scene... I love it when Aidti fights.

Who would you like to dedicate Pappu Can't Dance Saala to?

(Laughs) No one!

Abbas Tyrewala said he always wanted a fresh face. So how did you get this role?

I don't know. Maybe I looked the character. Honestly when I met Abbas he told me the same thing. He was very keen on a newcomer and had tested 400 girls. But Aamir had some kind of confidence in me. Aamir also gave Juhi's example who had done a few films before QSQT. And he said I think if the girl is perfect for the role she is perfect.

You mentioned Juhi. At one level the film is being compared to QSQT and at the same time you are competing with Love Story 2050. So rate the Imraan-Genelia pair against the Aamir-Juhi and Harmaan-Priyanka...

I am not rating anyone. But I hope the Imran-Genelia pair makes Jaane Tu… one hell of a rocking film.

What's your take on the competition with Love Story 2050?

It's very healthy. They are two different films and there is enough space for both to succeed.

Finally what's the equation between you and Riteish Deshmukh?

I don't see why these speculations are arising. I am very much single.

Are you working together on any film?

We aren't doing any film together but I am hoping for the best.

How do you rate Riteish as an actor?

Fantastic!