Randeep and I share a good chemistry: Sushmita Sen
Noreen Aslam

BOMBAY—Sushmita Sen is snooping around in her own house. Her all black ensemble is the perfect contrast to the white decor of her suburban Khar pad. ‘’Baba, where are you,’’ is her constant call as she checks all the rooms. The commotion continues for five minutes till sister Neelam informs that her father is not anywhere near the living room. ‘’Oh, good. Just wanted to make sure because I can’t smoke if he’s around,” she confesses mischievously. Soon, she’s in a talkative mode. ‘’Finally, I have loads to talk about. So come on, get your notebook out,’’ she commands.

It took you a while to get a break in Hollywood?
Actually, I stepped into Hollywood before I made my debut in Bollywood. Paramount Studios owned Miss Universe so in that sense I was always a studio girl. But yeah, Karma, Confession and Holy is my first film assignment. I’ve never had any big dreams of being a Hollywood actor.
How did you get the film?
Like everything in my life, it was instant. Sa Re Ga Ma called me and put me in touch with the US team. I found a rapport with director Manish Gupta and producer, Drena, (Robert De Niro’s daughter). Out of all my so called mainstream Bollywood films, she saw Samay and really liked it.
What excites you the most about your Hollywood debut?
I’m most excited about the technical crew. Lysa Cooper, who’s the stylist of Tom Cruise, Britney Spears and Elizabeth Hurley, will be doing my look. The director of photography is Lisa Lene, who assisted Stanley Kubrick. This is also the first time I’ll be working in a sync sound set up. And because of Drena, we’re sure of a showing at Robert De Niro’s Tribeca Film Festival.
Were you and Randeep Hooda signed on as a package deal?
That’s not fair. They’ve seen our work in isolation and since we obviously share a chemistry, they signed us. We’ve been offered many films together but we agreed to this one because it’s something unusual. We play, Dev and Mira, an Indian couple settled in New York with a wacky sense of humour.
Are you getting an international agent?
I don’t like the idea of putting myself through a PR and marketing exercise. I’ve a very vast life of which acting is just a small aspect. If someone likes my work, they will cast me.
What’s the deal with Richard Gere?
Laughs) The deal with Richard is a very good one. A company called L’ Luminiere has signed us for a period film, The Great Emperor to be shot in the terrains of Argentina. I play Queen Tishyarakshita-the Indian equivalent of Cleopatra. Dr Chandraprakash Dwivedi is directing the film.
You’re turning 30 in November, any plans of a big bash?
I’ve already gifted myself two of the biggest gifts. I’ve started my own production house, Tantra Entertainment, and a leisure company that will build hotels, nightclubs and spas. I’ve already bought 10,000 sq ft land in Kolkata. Tantra’s first venture is soon going to be on air. We’ve shot a 60 second commercial for Kiah. And, by the way, being 30 doesn’t scare me because I already have the experience of a 50-year-old woman. I’ve finally acknowledged to myself that I’m enjoying growing older.
What’s happening to your dream film on Rani Laxmibai?
I’ve finally registered the title. It’s been a dream since childhood and I’ve big plans for this film. Right now, I’m researching for it.
Are you aware that Aishwarya Rai has also been signed for a film on the same topic?
Yeah, I read somewhere that Ketan Mehta wants to make a film with Mr Bachchan and Aishwarya. But I think that film is related to that particular period and is not on Rani Laxmibai per se.