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Masala! talks to Bipasha Basu

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The 'Raaz 3' hottie on men, movies and money

Bipasha Basu

In Raaz 3 Bipasha Basu is taking on, what she says, is the most challenging role of her life. Well, taking risks is what Bips does best and she has been nothing if not a trendsetter in most things she has undertaken. Ten years ago, she had made people sit up and take notice of her in Raaz. No wonder the franchise has a special place in her heart. Warm and vivacious with a glow about her, Bipasha seems to be in an extremely comfortable place in her life and is seemingly unaffected by the trappings of fame. Despite being labelled as no longer ‘safe’ by certain directors, Bips is sure of herself and her talent. She might have had a few flops, but nothing deters her. Of sound mind and invincible spirit, La Basu is definitely a force to reckon with even today! Here are a few excerpts of our entertaining chat with the effervescent lady.

You have done your fair share of horror movies. How is Raaz 3 different?

Let me start by saying that this was the most challenging role I have played in my career till date; it is the darkest role essayed by a woman onscreen for the longest time. I will not say I enjoyed doing Raaz 3 because it has drained me as a human being and as an actor; I have given it a lot. Shooting for this film every day was tiresome and draining but the final product is highly entertaining to watch. I am scared of seeing myself on screen. I have done so many films in my career but none of them come close to what I have done in Raaz 3.

When was the last time you were scared? Have you ever scared anyone and how?

I am scared of everything. If you hide behind the door and say, ‘Boo’ I will freak out. When I was a model, one of my colleagues tried to freak me about some spirit not wanting to leave the room. I suddenly saw this white thing coming straight at me in the dark and my first impulse was to go and kick it with both my legs which I did from my bed. I fell down and I was howling but when the lights were switched on I saw that the ghost was actually a male model and he was bleeding. When I’m scared, I hit out and I’m strong.

Rumours are rife that some parts of the film are inspired by your own story. Is this true?

This is every actor’s story. Honestly, when I started the film I realised that not even 10 per cent of my character Shanaya, is like me. During the course of the film, however, things changed. As I pushed myself to understand my character, I grew to realise that it’s okay to accept your weaknesses and to allow yourself to be vulnerable. I always try to be very strong no matter what the situation is and Shanaya taught me that there’s no harm in being human and that it’s not imperative to be a strong soldier all the time.

Reportedly, the film is about an actress who can’t handle losing her stardom. Personally how important are the trappings of stardom to you?

Actors go through a lot in their careers and they constantly oscillate between being up and plummeting down; it’s a cycle and I haven’t had it any difference. I have been a part of the industry for the past 12 years and it’s been an amazing journey, albeit like a rollercoaster. I used to think that stardom doesn’t really matter as I have not yet reached that point where I can give you an answer. Maybe one day it will matter!

Mahesh Bhatt recently said, “Today Bipasha is not as safe as she was 10 years ago when she came into the industry.” How do you feel about this statement?

People are entitled to their opinion. I am not a horse in a race that you can put these safety bets on me. I don’t know if I was safe 10 years ago because I didn’t even want to be an actor back then. If you ask me how I am as an actor, I would say I am very good today. I have only my talent to sell; I can’t sell my luck.