“Make up is the most boring part of an actor’s job” – Shenaz Treasuryvala

December 4, 2009 - 11:38 AM IST

Radio releases today. However, instead of being all jittery and nervous, Shenaz Treasuryvala is taking it easy and now allowing any tension to mount. For someone who has quite a few varied interests other than acting in Bollywood, Shenaz is cool about her first major film as a leading lady hitting the screens. Appreciated as a pretty face over the years, Shenaz surprises when she confesses in a conversation with Joginder Tuteja that she hates make up and tries as much as possible not to apply any, whether in real or reel life. She also talks about the release strategy of Radio, competition from other films as well its target audience.

“Make up is the most boring part of an actor’s job” – Shenaz Treasuryvala

Himesh says that unlike his previous two films that were targeted at masses, this one is a complete class affair. Do you agree?

I believe and am hoping everyone will enjoy our film and identify with our characters. I don't really want to discriminate (smiles).

But in your career, have you got any such direction already built for you, in terms of class or mass affair?

No, not really.

The item numbers and posing in the bikini is not really for me

The current crop of females is quite uninhibited when it comes to skin show since it has almost become a part of an actress profile. Any boundaries that you have set for yourself?

Look, I want to act. I enjoy acting as much as I do hosting and writing. I was always bored with modelling and not so crazy about choreographed dancing. So really, the item numbers and posing in the bikini is not really for me. In fact when I used to model, Farrookh Chotia, who is India's No. 1 photographer, told me that I am not vain enough and don't care about my looks enough to be a good model.

Do you also believe so?

Yes, he's right. I don't care much about my looks. I find all that superficial, shallow and nothing bores me more than staring at myself in the mirror. I avoid wearing make up, I never wear any foundation, blush or lipstick in real life or in my films, as long as I can help it. In Aagey Se Right and Radio, my character doesn't need it. In Delhi Belly, I play an airhostess and air hostesses wear make up on the job. So yes, I had to do it but I still got away without wearing foundation. I hate sitting for hours in makeup. Argh! That's the boring part of the job. I'm here to act.

Talking about Delhi Belly, are you the main lead opposite Imran Khan? Can you elaborate further on your part?

Delhi Belly is an ensemble film. I am Imran's girlfriend in the film. I play an air-hostess. I'm scared to say more lest I tick off my beloved producers (winks).

But what is it that is taking so long for Delhi Belly to release. Isn't a tad too long now for it to arrive?

I am sure Aamir Khan Productions know what they are doing and I'm also sure it will release with a big bang! I am (selfishly) happy that my releases have been spaced out well; I didn't want all three films releasing together.

Now Radio is all set to release this Friday. Isn't it a little surreal for you that after being in the industry for 6 years (starting with Ishq Vishk), this is your first commercial film arriving in theatres that has you as a leading lady?

I am excited and a bit nervous about the release but it isn't surreal or dream-like because I take Bollywood films as one of the many things I do.

It isn't surreal or dream-like because I take Bollywood films as one of the many things I do

The film follows De Dana Dan, comes along with Paa and is followed by Rocket Singh - Salesman Of The Year. Isn't that too much of a competition?

As an actor you do your best to bring the character to life in the most truthful and honest way as you can. In this film, I've done everything I can to breathe life into Shanaya and to make her a three dimensional person. I think I have achieved that. I did my job to the best of my ability. Everything else is irrelevant. There are so many factors, so many variants that make a film successful and most of them are out of my control and none of my business. Hence, I don't see the point in worrying about all that; especially the competition.

Leaving aside competition, if one sticks solely to Radio, are you personally happy with the kind of effort that has been put in the film's promotion? After all in the times when a film has to be on your face 24X7, Radio seems to be following a controlled approach.

Radio is being promoted very well. I leave all these things to the producers anyway. After all, that's none of my business.