Bipasha returns to Kashmir for Lamhaa under tight security arrangements

By Bollywood Hungama -

January 14, 2009 - 12:00 AM IST

The unpleasant scary experience she had when she last visited the Valley has not dampened Bipasha Basu's spirits. She returned to Kashmir to shoot for Rahul Dholakia's Lamhaa with the assurance from the producer and director of beefed-up bandobast. The full contingent of the civilian security force available to the Jammu & Kashmir's government has been put into action to make sure that the Valley doesn't lose face this time as far as its image as visitor-friendly spot is concerned. Bipasha's security is of special concern. Sanjay Dutt in fact proceeded to Kashmir a day ahead of her to make sure the atmosphere is conducive to her safety. The producer Bunty Walia has met the Deputy General of Police in Kashmir who has appointed a senior-rank officer to take charge and provide all the required security force to cordon off the areas where the film will be shot. Speaking candidly for the first time on why she left Kashmir suddenly during their schedule in November, Bipasha says, "Too much was made out of the whole thing. Lamhaa is a difficult film. There was bound to be ups and downs. The producer and director knew why I left. A certain amount of security was promised. The first seven days were absolute chaos. There was disorganization and lack of security. Beyond that I really don't care what people say." Bipasha is very clear on her security issues. "Yes, my work is my life. But then I've a life beyond work. I'm not going to risk my life unnecessarily for any film. Who comes to hold your hand when you're in pain? Let's be optimistic. This time hopefully we'll shoot without any trouble. Let's be sensible about it. Lamhaa is a sensible film." Interestingly, Bipasha has dropped plans of learning the language and behaviour of the local Kashmiri girls. She won't be speaking like a Kashmiri girl. "It'd be difficult for audiences to follow. At the end of the day we're making a commercial film." Bipasha thoroughly enjoyed her cameo in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. "It was like Mumtaz-meets-Sadhana. I loved it! I got a chance to work with Shah Rukh Khan. Nothing else matters. Like millions I had seen him on screen. Then I met him on a show and I was very impressed. Speaking from my heart I do whatever I feel like. I'm not a schemer. I didn't do Rab Ne ...in the hope of doing a full- length role with Shah Rukh and Aditya Chopra. That one day of shooting with Shah Rukh was memorable. He's the nicest superstar I've ever met. And irresistibly charming. This was my chance to dance." Bipasha hasn't signed any films after Rahul Dholakia's Lamhaa. "Before that I only have Aa Dekhe Zara with Neil Nitin Mukesh. I just don't feel enthused to sign anything until I'm convinced about it. With Lamhaa it was an instant affinity to the role. And I love working with Rahul Dholakia. He's fun and funny. We've a strange equation. He looked at me at the start and asked if I am a method actor. I liked that. It showed the director had enough respect in me to first find out what kind of an actress I am. Now I'm busy with my schedule of Lamhaa in Kashmir. Let's hope all goes well."