‘I Will Never Strip For Hollywood’

Controversy is her middle name. And she knows how to milk it to maximum effect. In the last two years, ever since she burst into Bollywood’s consciousness through the reality show ‘Bigg Boss’, Veena Malik has done enough to ensure she has stayed in the limelight. Indeed it wouldn’t be wrong to say that if headlines don’t chase Veena, Veena chases them with a vengeance!

The year 2011 was quite eventful for the Pakistani actress, to say the least. The FHM controversy (where she alleged the men’s magazine had doctored her cover image to make her appear nude), her sudden ‘disappearance and reappearance’ from the sets of her film to being finalised for another reality show ‘Swayamvar’, everything Veena did, made news. Critics might sneer but Veena is on a roll and why not? It’s her time to make hay while the controversy sun shines! We met her during her recent visit to Dubai.

What what brings you to Dubai?
It’s a mix of both, work and pleasure; I was performing for New Year’s Eve show. Moreover, I love Dubai, there is so much shopping to do. Some of my family members are here too.

You made a lot of news in 2011…
2011 was crazy! There were so many things happening, the most exciting of which was hosting the World Cup. A lot of projects came my way and 2012 looks even more promising. Apart from three or four films, I also have ‘Swayamvar’ to look forward to.

Your bold image hasn’t gone down well in your home country, Pakistan, has it?
My fans have been very supportive. There is a small section that criticizes me just for the heck of it but I have a large support base among the youth. The true Veena Malik fan will always be with me!

What or who is a true Veena Malik fan?
You will a true Veena fan among the youth and the liberal sections of society. They love me. Meet them and you realise how loyal they are! In India, I became famous after ‘Bigg Boss’ but I was already known for my Pakistani films, modeling and TV shows. But I was surprised by the support I got from Indians. Do you know I was nominated eight times for elimination on ‘Bigg Boss’ and each time my fans voted for me to stay?


You will appear on ‘Swayamvar’, a show about finding your groom. Are you actually planning to get married?
Yes, I think it’s very exciting. It took me six months to agree to the show. I was engaged twice before and each time I had wanted to settle down with the person. So I am very serious about getting married. Of course, it depends on the man too.

Won’t your image go against you?
I am bold and honest but that doesn’t mean I am bad! I have my own set of principles and rules. I have no control over my image. Recently, I read an article which said that I claimed I’ll strip for Hollywood. I never said that! I will never strip for Hollywood. Of course, I have been offered such films and shoots, but I have always refused. No matter where I work, I have my set of dos and don’ts.

So what is your limit?
I have worn bikinis in the past and that’s what I am comfortable with. I am not comfortable with intimate scenes. Of course, it depends on the script and character. If there is anything that justifies the character, you can extend your limits.

What is the staus of your case against FHM?
I have filed a case against them, but you know how long these cases take to reach a conclusion. I should have investigated the magazine properly before the shoot. All I can say is that the picture that I shot with them had me fully covered. They morphed it and made it appear as if I was topless.


Do you think you have finally arrived?
Well, even before Bigg Boss I was offered films. I now have three offbeat women centric films on hand. Moreover, there are two item song as well. I chose them from among the many I was bombarded with! I am sure the ‘Channo’ number will rock the charts! So yes, there are lots of things happening.