It would seem Mallika Sherawat’s constant endeavour is to be a sensuous actor, but the siren says otherwise. As her latest film Kismet Love Paisa Dilli (KLPD) opposite Vivek Oberoi hits the screens, Mallika reveals she’s typecast and that she wants to do rom-coms. Excerpts from an interview with the actor as she talks about her journey and marriage.
For once, the promos of a film (KLPD) did do not showcase you in a highly glam look?
I play a girl-next-door, who is very strong-headed. She constantly beats Vivek (Oberoi) with her jooti (slippers).
You must have been quite comfortable essaying this role.
Yes; it came quite naturally.
And, you have dressed quite differently in this film.
Yes, I am sporting a salwar kameez. My mother will be very happy to see me this way! I don’t understand dressing style at times. I am criticised here (in India), but abroad I am referred to as one of the best-dressed celebrities.
Most filmmakers continue to offer you sensuous and glamorous roles. Do you feel you have been bracketed into that genre?
Yes. I don’t think I am a bad actor, and I do feel disheartened. And it is not just women, even men are typecast.
But I’m hopeful that the new generation of directors will cast me in better and different roles — such as Sanjay Khanduri who cast me as a girl-next-door in this film. Directors will have to think out-of-the-box. As they think of Vidya Balan for out-of-the-box roles.
Is that the reason why you do only one film a year?
Absolutely. There is no point doing films only for money. I would rather do a good script and give it my best.
Don’t you think there could can be a downside to that?
Yes, I keep my fans starving. On Twitter too, they are like ‘We need to see more of you; you should to more films’. Coming from a small town, with no backing in the industry, wherever I have reached means a lot to me; there’s a sense of achievement. From the ultraconservative background that I come, I have gone to the Cannes, Hollywood and event met U.S. President Barack Obama! How many can boast of such achievements?
So what sort of roles would you like to do?
I would love to do a rom-com; I want to do a romantic film too.
Marriage on the cards?
I don’t think I will ever get married. I am just enjoying my life right now — acting, travelling...
Why?
I think marriage is outdated. I love my single status. Why would I sacrifice the love of so many fans for one man?
-Bollywood News Service
