Eager to set her career back on track after the fashion gaffes and flops, Vidya Balan gets candid with Neelima Menon about the steamy scenes in Ishkiyan, alleged link-ups and more "Dancing is definitely not my strong point.But it's really ironic that it was Madhuri Dixit's EK do teen dance that inspired me to act".Ishkiyan promises to take passion to new levels and the actress is not going to be cowed down from being the new sex symbol.Vidya Balan is in a hurry to set straight the great Indian movie lovemaking trick. Her next big release, Ishkiyan (a Vishal Baradwaj production) is already reaping publicity for its steamy between-the-sheets sessions featuring Balan and Arshad Warsi. And for a nation who still goes ballistic over 10-sec bikini appearances in movies, the Ishkiyan premise is adding enough fodder to the newshounds. Too close for comfort I start off with the controversy doing the rounds (No time to beat around the bush). Grapevine has it that she had issues doing the passionate scenes with Warsi? "Oh, please! I know exactly what I am doing when I sign a movie. I read the script thoroughly and work only if I am convinced," she denies it hotly. There's no unnecessary bashfulness, with Balan; what you see is what you get.Also, she gives you the impression of weighing each word before uttering.Actors have confessed to feeling drawn towards their co-stars during an intimate scene. What's been her dynamics with Warsi? "Intimate scenes are very tricky . It's the biggest challenge for any Indian actor to enact a lovemaking scene. We, as a nation aren't open about PDA (public display of affection). There are times when you do feel stirrings of attraction for your co-star. But I guess that's your biggest victory as an actor," she states candidly.Balan details this delicate behind-the-scenes process. "Most of the time you are wondering whether you are being shot from the right angle, or worried about the sheets slipping away to reveal that you are not really nude. See, I don't want to demystify the process," she laughs.Directed by Abhishek Chaubey, the long-term associate of Vishal Baradwaj, Ishkiyan (co-starring Naseeruddin Shah) according to the actress is one of the best roles of her career after Parineeta."It's a well-layered role. Not your typical story and extremely challenging. Something, I have never done before. This is also one of the best professional set-ups I have worked on," she offers.Balan is equally thrilled about her second release this year, Pa directed by Balki (Cheeni Kum) where she is acting alongside Bachchan Sr and Jr. Like every actor in B-town, Balan worships the seniorr actor. "It's just humbling to work k vwith him. His dedication is unbeliev o able. For God's sake, he can afford to throw his weight around but after er working with him I have become the he Buddha," she chuckles.We go back to Ishkiyan. Heard her er ell, character is that of a temptress? "Well, she's a very real character with her oes own set of complexities," she says. Does she involve herself during script read-ad ing ings? "Normally I like to get everything se, I clear before I start any film. Of course, make suggestions and won't t let hings anyone get away with saying things like `Arre yaar, heroine hai'."Despite her no-nonsense attitude, directors who have worked rked with her have vouched for her undiminished professionalism ism on the sets. She grins, "I like e to have a good time on the sets. I am a people's person and involve in friendly banter, but not at the he cost of work." Is it difficult to get back to normalcy once the cam- mera stops rolling? "Most often, ,I manage to switch off. But it's 's emotionally draining all the e same," she admits.I bring up the issue of her r poor dancing skills. But before e I could frame my question, she interrupts, "Listen, everybody can't be a Madhuri Dixit. I know dancing is not my strong point. But, it's really ironic that it's in fact Madhuri Dixit's Ek do teen dance that inspired me to act. You can't expect me to match steps with Shahid (Kismat Konnection), " she laughs out loud.To link or not: I broach the topic of her various link-ups. From Sanjay Dutt to Shahid Kapur, it's been a marathon race. Doesn't it get awkward to face them? "When I first got linked with Sanjay Dutt (Parineeta), I was worried. But being a seasoned actor, Sanju took it lightly. Now I have learned to deal with it. At least on paper, I lead a very colourful life," she giggles.If there is one thing that Balan is particular about, it's that her films should be seen and heard by the masses and not just be part of some ambiguous film festival. "I am not ok about my movie being seen by two people in some corner of the world. I would prefer to make home videos instead," she says with mock anger. But having said that Balan is a fan of world cinema. "I remember flipping over The Tin Cup (a Taiwanese film) and hungrily lapping up some of the finest Iranian films. In fact, I am dying to do an Iranian movie," she discloses.The brat and bookworm: We flashback a bit to her growing up days. How was she as a kid? "My only focus was eating. I was a fat indulgent child," she grimaces. She attributes her so-called laidback attitude ("My ambition is only in front of the camera") to a happy , contented childhood.Her love for books is well-known. "Yes, it's like oxygen for me. I shamelessly borrow from everyone," she owns up. From Sue Townsend (currently reading) to Jhumpa Lahiri, Chithra Bannerjee, Paulo Coelho and even Ramayana, you name it and she's read it. For Balan, St Xaviers College, Mumbai, was an extended home and a place where "she's spent some of the best years of her life". That's where she acquired a taste for films and Indian classical music and listened devotedly to Begum Akhtar, Balamurali Krishna and Maharaja puramSanthanam. Even today, she never misses Ustad Allah Rakha's barsi that happens annually in Delhi in February . Her perfect day? Listening to ghatam player Vikku Vinayakram and Hindustani musician Kishori Amonkar.She sounds so unaffected by stardom. How does she tackle the glitches that come with it? "I can live with the lack of privacy but I wish film critics would be more responsible. We work hard to make movies. Somebody's personal opinion could really cause damage," she says solemnly . Bit of classical, a plate of avial, truckload of books and a mind of her own, the real Vidya Balan is indeed without pretensions and retakes.Ishkiyan is slated for a September release.
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