Nilufer Qureshi engages actress Celina Jaitley in a quote-room drama over link-up rumours, sex symbol tag and more.
What keeps you busy?
Work. I know it is a clichéd answer but it’s the truth. I’ve been working round the clock. It’s been back-to-back for the past few months. But I like it this way.There’s no time for idle talk or to brood.
Has your sexy image been a drawback in your career?
(Laughs ) I’ve enjoyed the sexy image for too long. Now it’s time to go celibate. Jokes aside.
The new directors aren’t interested in the image that’s been projected so far. For instance, Rohit Shetty saw a picture of mine in an Indian costume and cast me as a simple south Indian girl in Golmaal Returns.
Have you enjoyed the tag of a sex symbol?
Abroad, the term ‘sex symbol’ is associated with beauty. Here it’s a bit different. I don’t mind being called sexy but when it’s said that Mallika Sherawat is sexy.. please excuse me. Sorry, I don’t want to be in that bracket.
How do you work on your body?
By the grace of God,women in my family have been gifted with slender frames. But I do work out to keep my body toned. I have never ever been pencil thin, I don’t want to be either. I eat five-six times a day but I’m careful about what I eat. I don’t like bulges, so naturally I make sure I don’t have them.
Celina Jaitley and Fardeen KhanDo filmmakers always insist that you should wear sexy outfits?
I will not parade in a swimming costume just because a filmmaker wants me to. I wore a bikini in Jaanasheen because I had complete faith in Feroz Khan. I’ve worn a swimsuit in Money Hai To Honey Hai because it is required. Everyone in the film is wearing what he or she would in a pool.
Do you have any 4 am friends in the film industry?
I’ve good friends in the industry. Lara (Dutta), Govinda, Ravi Kissen and Manoj Bajpai. I don’t hang out with them every night. But I can confidently say that they are my 4 am friends. If I’m troubled about anything,
I can call them up any time of the day or night.
Your reaction to rumours about an affair with Govinda.
I don’t deny that I adore him, he has been my best co-star so far. I respect him. I’ve been his fan for a long time. But that doesn’t mean we are having an affair. It was a ridiculous rumour.
Celina Jaitley LostYou miss not having a man in your life?
I don’t miss a man till I see a couple which is happy together. Of course, I would love to be in love again. There are certain qualities I want in my man.. at least he should have the courtesy of picking up the cheque when he takes me out to dinner.
Which has been the most cheesy pick-up line used on you?
A guy came and said, “Excuse me.. can we be friends puhlease?” I told him to shut up. The one line that really worked. It was romantic, I was asked, “Will you be the mother of my babies?” I said yes. (Laughs ) But see, it didn’t work out because there are no babas or babies.
Would you proposition a man?
Never. I wouldn’t proposition a man till my dying day even if I was attracted to him. Call me old-fashioned but I want the man to make the first move and sweep me off my feet.
Your wish-list for three men who should make the first move.
( Smiles ) Jake Gyllenhaal. And I’m going to get into trouble for this, Shah Rukh Khan and John Abraham.
CelinaIsha Koppikar and you have been having problems on the sets of Hello Darling. True?
No. Iwould never carry my personal problems to the sets. I will never give a chance to my director to say that I’m unprofessional. Initially in my career, there were the usual insecurities about what the other heroine’s wearing and howshe’s looking. But I’ve learnt the hard way.. these things don’t matter. I’ve to wear whatever suits my character. I don’t let vanity vans and outfits become issues.. that would be much too petty.
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