“Industry’s perception towards me has changed” – Anushka Sharma

August 2, 2011 - 4:38 AM IST

Anushka Sharma may not be signing films by the dozens but her stocks are certainly rising on a steady note. Barring Patiala House, her only film outside Yash Raj Films, each of her films so far has been successful at the box office, hence bringing her into the A list of top leading ladies who have enjoyed such good run for themselves in such quick time. With Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, Badmaash Company and Band Baaja Baaraat behind her and Ladies v/s Ricky Behl, Yash Chopra's next with Shah Rukh Khan and an untitled film with Ajay Devgn coming next, Anushka is making a few calculative moves on her rise to the top.

“Industry’s perception towards me has changed” – Anushka Sharma

You must be feeling elated about the fact that you have made your way into Top-10 actresses at the least, if not Top-5, right?
When someone comes and tells you that in the list of Top 5 or Top-10 actresses, you are at this or that point, you do feel a little worthy at the least. I know it sounds silly to actually take these lists seriously but then somewhere back there in your mind, you do realise your true potential.

...and also feel a lot more comfortable I guess?
Yes, I do think that today I am in the kind of a position where people are excited about me. There are feelers that you are needed, whether it is amongst the audience or industry in general. Any actress would want to be in a position in life where all the best scripts come to her and the best directors want to work with her. When you find yourself to be inching towards that position, you are bound to feel a lot fortunate.

I am in the kind of a position where people are excited about me

You seem to be fortunate for sure. After all there is a good line up ahead with a film each with Ranveer, Shah Rukh and Ajay. I guess the change started with Band Baaja Baaraat, right?

I feel humbled that I got a film like Band Baaja Baaraat to do because I could afford to put my heart and soul into it. Ever since then, a lot of things have changed for me. While audience has been way too kind to me, even industry perception towards me has changed. This wasn't my state though; say a year back, since I used to be way too low key. It was the audience that made it all possible though. They wanted to watch my film and spread all the good word.

But you still refrained from signing films in a flurry and went relatively slow when others in your place would have made hay. Pray why?

I want to make a gradual progression. Even if that means not facing the camera for few weeks at stretch, it is okay. It is this approach that worked for me. ClichÃ©d as it may sound but my work spoke for myself. If at all I had to pick up more work, I would have signed five films soon after Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi itself and stayed happy thinking that my future was secure. But did I do that? No, because that's the way I want to build my career.