R ockstar released in November 2011 and since then, Nargis Fakhri hasn’t signed her next project. “Has it been that long? It doesn’t feel like it,” she laughs, talking to us during a brief visit to Hyderabad. You understand how much she cherishes her memories of Rockstar when she says, “I didn’t plan and come to India for work. I was a girl who fell in love with a beautiful story (narrated by Imtiaz Ali). I could connect with the story and felt that I had to be a part of it. I came from a very different background, culturally.”
On a few occasions, there were reports of Nargis being considered for Akshay Kumar’s Khiladi 786 and a project for Pritish Nandy Communications. “I haven’t signed any film. I have a management team working with me, to help me decide which project would be better. I don’t mind waiting,” she says.
Nargis shifted base to Mumbai from New York and you wonder what keeps her going in a new country. She’s been busy with brand endorsements and events.
“After Rockstar , I took a few acting classes. I am also taking Hindi classes and learning Bollywood dance. When I get time, I watch Hindi films in cinema halls. I can understand the language a lot better now,” she says.
It’s been a rough ride, dealing with criticism and coming to terms with an industry where there’s a new favourite each Friday. “I cannot even begin to explain how tough it is to be here without a mentor. Sometimes, I feel I am all alone. It’s exciting and scary. The film industry can be aggressive and at times vicious,” she says.
She took a break during Christmas and New Year to visit home (New York) and has been in Mumbai since February. In the past, she’s lived in Greece, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore, London, Bangkok and Sydney. “Mumbai is where I’ve been the longest for work,” says Nargis, who’s now being sought after for brand endorsements.
Those who are part of her management team remain her closest friends and confidants than co-stars in the industry. She says, “I have learnt not to expect anything from anyone to avoid feeling let down. It’s been a good journey, from searching for an apartment to learning about the industry. In the process, I am still waiting for good projects.”
When I read a script, I should be able to connect with it and visualise myself in the story. Hopefully I shall sign something soon.”
