Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; February 5, 2015)
She exudes the confidence and poise of a diva, without restraining the inner child in her. Her eyes shine with excitement as she speaks about her upcoming film Sanam Re, early achievements and her take on true love in today's world. Even as Urvashi Rautela (Yamaha Fascino Miss DivaMiss Universe India 2015) flaunts her perfect bikini body for the camera, she confesses her inhibitions about kissing on screen.
You never aspired to be an actor?
I wanted to be an engineer. I never thought of becoming an actress, but I always dreamt of winning a beauty pageant, and I achieved that. When I was 16-years-old, I was offered Ishaqzaade (which eventually went to Parineeti Chopra). I really wanted to focus on studies and become a beauty queen.
Your upcoming movie Sanam Re is about finding true love. In today's world do you think that concept exists?
Yes, I believe it does. I don't think things have changed so much. It's all about striking the right balance between what you love and what your priorities are. I can do anything for the person I love. I love my parents and if they ask me to blindly marry someone, I will do so.
Were you apprehensive about playing second fiddle to Yami Gautam?
It is a love triangle but my character is the driving force of the film. Besides, it's not about the length of the role but how important it is. I have grown up watching films like Dil To Pagal Hai, and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, where all the leading characters had a substantial part to play.
There were reports that Pulkit had no qualms kissing Yami, but he didn't want to share a lip-lock with you?
I didn't want to kiss Pulkit either. There's a scene on a boat, and the way it has been shot, it looks like we are kissing, but we haven't. Pulkit and I have faked a kiss. But his kiss with Yami is real.
So you weren't upset about it?
Well, even I am not very comfortable kissing on screen. I may wear a swimsuit for camera, but in real life I am shy and an introvert. So I wasn't offended by his decision. About Pulkit kissing Yami...it's okay because they are a couple.
In real life or reel?
(Laughs) I have no idea about it but I also didn't want the kiss.
What's your equation with your co-stars?
I have a school connection with them. I was in class six, when Pulkit started doing Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and my friends thought he was really cute. Two years later, when I was in class eight, Yami appeared on a TV show, and my family totally loved her. I never thought Pulkit would be my hero in my second film. When I told him about this, he joked and said, 'You better keep your mouth shut. Don't tell anyone'. I don't have any scenes with Yami but we would chat on the set. Pulkit always pulled my leg while shooting. He hated it when I wore heels, so I avoided them in the film.
What is your idea of an ideal man?
I love Zayn Malik and Hrithik Roshan.
You never aspired to be an actor?
I wanted to be an engineer. I never thought of becoming an actress, but I always dreamt of winning a beauty pageant, and I achieved that. When I was 16-years-old, I was offered Ishaqzaade (which eventually went to Parineeti Chopra). I really wanted to focus on studies and become a beauty queen.
Your upcoming movie Sanam Re is about finding true love. In today's world do you think that concept exists?
Yes, I believe it does. I don't think things have changed so much. It's all about striking the right balance between what you love and what your priorities are. I can do anything for the person I love. I love my parents and if they ask me to blindly marry someone, I will do so.
Were you apprehensive about playing second fiddle to Yami Gautam?
It is a love triangle but my character is the driving force of the film. Besides, it's not about the length of the role but how important it is. I have grown up watching films like Dil To Pagal Hai, and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, where all the leading characters had a substantial part to play.
There were reports that Pulkit had no qualms kissing Yami, but he didn't want to share a lip-lock with you?
I didn't want to kiss Pulkit either. There's a scene on a boat, and the way it has been shot, it looks like we are kissing, but we haven't. Pulkit and I have faked a kiss. But his kiss with Yami is real.
So you weren't upset about it?
Well, even I am not very comfortable kissing on screen. I may wear a swimsuit for camera, but in real life I am shy and an introvert. So I wasn't offended by his decision. About Pulkit kissing Yami...it's okay because they are a couple.
In real life or reel?
(Laughs) I have no idea about it but I also didn't want the kiss.
What's your equation with your co-stars?
I have a school connection with them. I was in class six, when Pulkit started doing Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and my friends thought he was really cute. Two years later, when I was in class eight, Yami appeared on a TV show, and my family totally loved her. I never thought Pulkit would be my hero in my second film. When I told him about this, he joked and said, 'You better keep your mouth shut. Don't tell anyone'. I don't have any scenes with Yami but we would chat on the set. Pulkit always pulled my leg while shooting. He hated it when I wore heels, so I avoided them in the film.
What is your idea of an ideal man?
I love Zayn Malik and Hrithik Roshan.