Amrita Rao: The down-home cutie of Bollywood
Actor talks movies, rumours, boundaries and her go-to people in B-town.
Actor talks movies, rumours, boundaries and her go-to people in B-town. PHOTO: FILE
Amrita Rao, who is now 11 years into her Bollywood career, has been known as the hearty and demure girl-next-door of the industry. While the actor has been commended for her performances in commercial successes such as Vivaah and Main Hoon Na, she hasn’t been able to capitalise on the popularity of these films. But for Amrita, her values and prescribed boundaries take precedence over gaining commercial acclaim. In an interview with The Times of India, a delighted Amrita talked about her upcoming movies, debunked rumours and shared the friendships that she values in B-town.
The actor, who recently travelled nearly half of India for a performance at a concert in Patna, shared her funny yet tiring experience: “[After an arduous flight schedule], we reached Patna at 8 in the night only to be told that the concert I was supposed to perform in had been cancelled due to cyclone Phailin. I didn’t know I would bring Patna on high alert!” she remarked jokingly.
Playing the role of a news reporter in her upcoming film Singh Sahab the Great, Amrita praised journalists for the time and effort they devote to their job. “[This character has made me realise that] it’s so tough for journalists. They really slog it out. They are on their toes and alert all the time. Hats off to the girls who get into this job,” she said.
On the question of why she hasn’t been signing many films lately, she defensively proclaimed, “I have been signing films but somehow, their release got delayed… It’s fate, I guess. But I have good projects now, which I am working on and will be seen [in films] more.”
What makes Amrita picky about her roles is her need to observe boundaries. “I have certain comfort demarcations. I would like to explore and be as creative as I can be within those limits,” she said. “I will never say never, but as far as possible, no kissing and love making scenes for me… I shouldn’t feel awkward… when my children or family see [me on screen],” she added.
When she took up Satyagraha, there was a buzz that she may not feel comfortable working with Kareena Kapoor, post-rumours regarding her being the reason for Kareena and Shahid Kapoor’s split. “It was the most ridiculous rumour,” said Amrita with a laugh. “Kareena and I got along very well during [the shoot] and we still do,” she said.
In an industry where new faces are launched at warp speed, Amrita acknowledged that while it’s easy to debut in Bollywood, it’s just as difficult to sustain one’s presence. “What after the dream debut? There’s cut-throat competition… I am fortunate that I have been able to [be recognised],” she stated.
In terms of whom she is friends with in the industry, Amrita said, “There is no one I am very close to but the family that I have loads of respect for is the Barjatyas. The second person I am really fond of is Farah Khan,” she said.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 24th, 2013.
The actor, who recently travelled nearly half of India for a performance at a concert in Patna, shared her funny yet tiring experience: “[After an arduous flight schedule], we reached Patna at 8 in the night only to be told that the concert I was supposed to perform in had been cancelled due to cyclone Phailin. I didn’t know I would bring Patna on high alert!” she remarked jokingly.
Playing the role of a news reporter in her upcoming film Singh Sahab the Great, Amrita praised journalists for the time and effort they devote to their job. “[This character has made me realise that] it’s so tough for journalists. They really slog it out. They are on their toes and alert all the time. Hats off to the girls who get into this job,” she said.
On the question of why she hasn’t been signing many films lately, she defensively proclaimed, “I have been signing films but somehow, their release got delayed… It’s fate, I guess. But I have good projects now, which I am working on and will be seen [in films] more.”
What makes Amrita picky about her roles is her need to observe boundaries. “I have certain comfort demarcations. I would like to explore and be as creative as I can be within those limits,” she said. “I will never say never, but as far as possible, no kissing and love making scenes for me… I shouldn’t feel awkward… when my children or family see [me on screen],” she added.
When she took up Satyagraha, there was a buzz that she may not feel comfortable working with Kareena Kapoor, post-rumours regarding her being the reason for Kareena and Shahid Kapoor’s split. “It was the most ridiculous rumour,” said Amrita with a laugh. “Kareena and I got along very well during [the shoot] and we still do,” she said.
In an industry where new faces are launched at warp speed, Amrita acknowledged that while it’s easy to debut in Bollywood, it’s just as difficult to sustain one’s presence. “What after the dream debut? There’s cut-throat competition… I am fortunate that I have been able to [be recognised],” she stated.
In terms of whom she is friends with in the industry, Amrita said, “There is no one I am very close to but the family that I have loads of respect for is the Barjatyas. The second person I am really fond of is Farah Khan,” she said.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 24th, 2013.