“We are part of the comedy in the movie but not the cause of the comedy” - Daisy 
By IndiaFM News Bureau, October 11, 2005 - 05:48 IST
Daisy Bopanna wanted to pursue Fine Arts until the glamour world came along. Apart from acting in a lot of dramas in school and college, she has featured in over 150 regional ads. 150 ads? And we say the Indian cricket team endorses too much. She must have thanked her stars when her secretary introduced her to Priyadarshan who quickly finalized her for the role.
In a series of three interviews, here's introducing the first of the three Garam Masala girls, Daisy Bopanna in an exclusive tête-à-tête with IndiaFM.
How does it feel to be part of a Priyadarshan film?
It feels awesome. I am really excited. I have no words to say.
How did you bag the role?
I had come to Mumbai for a couple of months' stay, to see how things go. I met up with Prakash Jajoo, who I signed up with eventually. I met him through Sushma Kaul, a popular coordinator in the south. Things clicked really well after I signed with Jajoo. He is really responsible for what I am today. I owe my entry into Bollywood to him and Sushma Kaul.
What is that one element in the script, which after reading made you want to be a part of this movie?
I want to be a part of this movie for several elements. One is Priyadarshan Sir himself. He is such a famous director down south. He is so focused and he just knows what he wants with such clarity that an artist working in his movie will give her best. Akshay and John are another factor for my wanting to be in this film! Also, the very fact that Pareshji is a part of this movie.
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My first scene was a kissing scene with John!
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What is your character like in the movie?
I play an air-hostess. Akshay is trying to flirt with all three air hostesses without each of them knowing about the others. I am one of the girls. We do not have any particular demarcation in our characters. But all three of us are very naïve and innocent and don't know what is happening behind our backs. We do not know about the existence of the other women.
What is your look like in the movie?
Our look is supposed to be very glamorous! It is a very updated and glossy look. It is also a typical air hostess's look with neatly tied up hair and the uniforms. I think that Priyan Sir being from the South, has a very realistic approach. Even if we look glamorous, the people should be able to relate to us, in terms of not having excessive make-up.
If you had to inter-change a role, which one would it be?
I am very happy and very comfortable with my role. I really would not want to change it.
Tell us about your experience of working with Akshay Kumar.
I was apprehensive on the first day of the shoot because they are huge Bollywood icons. I was wondering how we would hit it off because we have just come from no man's land! We didn't know them and had only seen them on screen! I was nervous. My first scene was a kissing scene with John! Not a smooch, but a kiss! He came up to me himself and said that he was shy! He was like we have the best kind of scene to work on the first day! I said that I'll make up for it! We just hit it off on a friendly note. Akshay, from what I have discovered is a very helpful person when it comes to scenes and where work is concerned. He would always help me in terms of dialogue delivery by saying this expression would be better. He would always give suggestions. This little help by a co-actor is the so valuable for the other. Akshay was really awesome that way. Him being a prankster, gets the whole set on fire. Otherwise everything would become really boring and you wouldn't enjoy your work so much.
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Even if it were a lengthy dialogue, Paresh Rawal would get it on the first take
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Any pranks that you can recall?
Akshay and Pareshji would continuously be teasing each other. Everyone on the sets would end up laughing as hell. And then suddenly they had to get serious for the scene. This whole chemistry between them was awesome!
How was it working with Paresh ji?
He is a very lively person. One thing I remember distinctly that I would come on the sets and would be sleepy! Suddenly, I would hear “Daisy! Good Morning! ” He would just lift your spirits!
Did you get any tips from Paresh ji about acting?
For me, watching him perform itself was a big help! He gets into the character so easily. We sit and learn up the dialogues. It takes a while. For him, even if it were a lengthy dialogue, he would get it on the first take! You're like wow! When will I get to that stage? I'm not even comparing myself, but there is a lot to learn. You tend to get inspired.
What about working with John? How was that?
I don't want to sound clichéd but it was really nice working with him. The best thing about John is that he is a Sagittarian and so am I! We hit it off really well, right from the beginning. One thing I really liked about John is that he is such a big star, and yet he does not behave like one. He is so casual and approachable that you can talk to him as a friend. He makes you feel comfortable on the sets. Since this is his first comedy movie, he was in the process of giving it his best. It was teamwork. We were so chilled out and we worked as a family.
Did Akshay and John get together to bully the newcomers?
Maybe a little bit, but not really bullying! Just fun and freaking out!
Any part of the shooting you remember when all the cast members got together and had a blast?
During the songs. The shooting was in Mauritius. We would eventually have fun because of some comments or the other. Every bit of the movie was fun! In the beginning, it was a little on a serious note, because we didn't know each other so well. Once the ice broke, it was great.
Did you have any bitter experience on the set?
Once I was late for a shot. I am very finicky about time. Even if no one tells me anything, I feel guilty. There was no bitter experience as such.
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I think every woman has an instinct. Women get to know if their man is cheating on them
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Did you have any lines that were funny?
We are part of the comedy in the movie but not the cause of the comedy. We did not have really funny dialogues.
There is a song called Ada. It looks innovative. How was it shooting that song?
We didn't really do the air bubble thing. That was shot separately. It was made to look like eye candy where colors are concerned.
Akshay is three timing in the movie? What would you do if your man did that in your life?
I think every woman has an instinct. Women get to know if their man is cheating on them. I would go by my instincts and they would never cheat me. Actually, I don't know what I would do if I was in that place. The easiest thing would be to leave the guy.
What are the three elements that are the masala factor in this movie?
There are a lot of elements. I am trying to think of the best three! Akshay and John of course. They are the main spice of the movie. And all three of us make one element!
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Why Garam Masala is called so…
