“I'm interested in politics but I'm not interested in being a politician.” - Alice Patten 
By IndiaFM News Bureau, January 13, 2006 - 01:38 IST
UK political heavyweight Lord Chris Patten's actress daughter, Alice, debuts opposite Aamir Khan in UTV's much-awaited 'Rang De Basanti', releasing on January 19 in the UK and January 20 worldwide. Here's an exclusive interview with the firang girl.
How did you land yourself the role in Rang De Basanti?
The offer came through my agency. I did a series of auditions with the film's English producers and was then flown to Mumbai for a screen test with Aamir Khan. I ended up having some Hindi lessons while I was there to see how I'd pick it up. When I returned to London, I had no idea if I'd get the job but three days later I got a call saying I was on!
What was your immediate reaction?
I was extremely excited because for one, it was my first feature film, and an international one. Also having worked actively in television and theatre previously, I was a bit nervous about moving to a new medium and milieu. I was going to be in India for five months with people I'd never met before and in a language (Hindi) that was completely alien to me!
So do you have Hindi dialogues in the film?
(Laughs) Yes, most of my dialogues are in Hindi, except a few where I break into English! I had a fantastic Hindi teacher called Prakash who was on the sets all the time with me and became a dear friend. It was difficult initially to learn the language but I started to really enjoy it.
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The shared history between India and England gives a lot of scope for casting English girls in Indian cinema.
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In hindsight, what was your overall experience?
Oh, I loved every bit of shooting for 'Rang De Basanti'. It was a fantastic crew; of a very high standard. I've made some great friends there and every time I think back to my time in India, I feel nostalgic!
Bollywood has become huge in the U.K.
Bollywood has a huge market overseas. It has become an integral part of English culture. In fact, a few of my non-Asian friends are secret fans of Bollywood. So when they heard that I was going to do a Bollywood film, they were very excited.
Had you heard of Aamir Khan from 'Lagaan' and 'The Rising' before?
I had heard of him, but I only understood quite how famous he was when we began shooting. His popularity is just unbelievable. So of course it's nice to read media stories referring to me as “Aamir's girl” and “Aamir's love interest”.
Have you seen the two films above?
Yes, I saw them when I was in India. I really liked them.
What did you think of the two English actresses, Rachel Shelly and Coral Beed?
They were very good. It was interesting to watch them. I think that the shared history between India and England gives a lot of scope for casting English girls in Indian cinema.
Tell us about your role in 'Rang De Basanti'?
I play a determined English journalist and a brave filmmaker who visits India to make a documentary. I chance upon these five guys (played by Aamir Khan & co.) through a friend and that's how the story takes off.
Tell us more about working with a superstar like Aamir Khan?
Aamir's a brilliant actor and human being. He's great at comedy and quite a prankster! And his partner Kiran (Rao) is a lovely lady.
Who are you in touch with?
I'm in touch with Soha (Ali Khan) a lot. She's a beautiful person. I think she will become a huge star.
What about the music?
I just love the music. I feature in many of the songs - the title song, 'Paathshaala' and 'Rubaroo'. 'Rubaroo' is my favorite.
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It's important for all of us to be politically literate! This is something that the film emphasizes.
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Any formal training in acting?
I've been acting since my school days. I've attended workshops and been actively involved with television and theatre. I've been picking up things while working. That's the way I'm learning.
How nervous are you now that the film is readying for release on 19th January?
I am extremely nervous. I hope that it's a great success. I can't wait to see it.
You have a strong political background - your father, Chris, has been a known face on the UK political scene. Any plans of joining politics?
(Smiles) It's important for all of us to be politically literate! This is something that the film emphasizes. I'm interested in politics but I'm not interested in being a politician. Acting has been my first love and will continue to be. My parents have been very supportive of my decision to act.
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Alice Patten creates a buzz
