“The character I play is a happy-go-lucky yet ambitious girl” – Bipasha Basu

By Devansh Patel -

April 20, 2011 - 2:32 PM IST

Bipasha Basu is the kind of chick you can't blame your boyfriend for having a crush on. Everything about her - from the pinup girl brunette locks, to the bombshell body, to the deep, throaty voice - exudes sexiness. But sexiness, it turns out, is not something Bipasha takes all that seriously. Acting? You bet. She must've played the quintessential woman a number of times on screen but Dum Maaro Dum and her role in the film, she says is something quite out of the ordinary. While waiting for the Goan thriller to release, the actress is busy shooting her next thriller, the remake of The Italian Job called Players. For someone whose name and visage have been used to sell everything from sugar free substitute to jewellery and now her newest fitness DVD, in an instant, Bipasha doesn't seem at all preoccupied with her image. Life is just perfect for Bipasha Basu at the moment, the reason being Dum Maaro Dum. From fish and prawn curries to infinite sun, sea and sand, Bipasha Basu tells UK's Harrow Observer columnist and Bollywood Hungama's London correspondent Devansh Patel why Goa and Dum Maaro Dum lures her.

“The character I play is a happy-go-lucky yet ambitious girl” – Bipasha Basu

Sexy is back. So, is Bipasha back with Dum Maaro Dum?

Thank you for the kind words but have I really been away?! My director Rohan Sippy spoke with my manager and we met for a narration. I loved the script and because I always wanted to work with Rohan, I happily agreed to be a part of the film. The character I play in the film is not so much of an archetypal "sex bomb" figure but a happy-go-lucky yet ambitious girl who strives to achieve something in life, but ends up following the wrong path. I loved the part, right from the storyboard stage.

The character I play in the film is not so much of an archetypal "sex bomb" figure but a happy-go-lucky yet ambitious girl

You were a part of thriller movies ever since your debut. Then how is Dum Maaro Dum a different thriller?

DMD in every essence is unique - from its characterisation comprising four pivotal characters as opposed to "leads", to the script which explores the darker side of Goa and it being India's Drug capital, to its pace and edge...it's certainly a film out of the stable of new-age thrillers and is definitely not the quintessential Hindi cinema flick we all are used to consuming.

What does a new comer like Rana Daggubati bring on the table?

He brings fresh insight and energy. But let's face it, he's certainly no newcomer given his family lineage which has a longstanding and illustrious history in the South Indian film fraternity. What's more, Rana is an established and reputed star in South Indian cinema.

It's your first time with Rohan Sippy. What's so thrilling about him?

His sheer passion and energy for our cinema and his unique panache for re-positioning the way Hindi cinema is seen, expressed and experienced. Rohan is a modern-day filmmaker and he has given a very sleek treatment to the film. Plus, there's a real coolness about his work.

Rohan is a modern-day filmmaker

And about 'AB'..? How honest is he a cop?

(Laughs) Abhishek Bachchan as an honest cop? Only kidding. In real life, Abhishek is a truly grounded, honest and up front individual. As an actor, he is immensely talented and a true professional - always a pleasure working with him. I'm working with him in Abbas Mustan's Players too.

What about your prowess... what's a learning experience with a whole new cast and crew for the first time?
It's always great - a new challenge, allowing you as an artist to step out of your comfort zone, exploring new territories and developing as an actor.

What's GOA for you?

Infinite sun, sea and sand, a party haven but at the same time rich in colonial history. Plus I have shared several good times in Goa with my family and friends, memories I will cherish for life. It's these memories that have defined my bond with the city.

You wished you were swaying to the DMD beats in the film?

Totally! The soundtrack has it all - from a chartbuster like 'Mit Jaye Gham' to a soft soulful track like 'Te Amo'. Plus you get to hear very authentic Portuguese sounds since the film is set in Goa, merged with haunting Konkani songs. One moment you're swaying your hips and the next you're jamming the dance floor.

What's your favourite track from the film and why?

Hard to choose just the one but if I had to then 'Te Amo' - the romanticism and sincerity of the song is a delight.

Ok, did you relish and indulge in fish curry or beer? Be honest! And if not these, then what?

I don't drink, so no beer! Just loads of fish and prawn curry and other Goan delicacies is what I indulged in (laughs).

How dear is DMD as a film to you from other films you've done?

Wow - it's really like saying to a mother which child do you love more! All my films are very special to me for their own reasons. I sign a film based on so many factors and with Dum Maaro Dum let's just say it ticked all the right boxes.