Exclusive interview: Kashmira Shah

Article Updated 17 June, 2003 08:52:50 PM IST

Exclusive interview: Kashmira Shah

Our interview today is with one of Bollywood's beautiful and talented actresses, Kashmira Shah. Before her Bollywood calling, Miss Shah began a career in modeling which afforded her the opportunities to represent India in the World Miss University contest in South Korea and win the Miss Talent award, both in 1993. In 1995, she was inaugurated the Miss Globe, resulting in the Best National Costume award and scored in the top 5.

Her film career started to take shape in 1995 with a role in Yes Boss. Since then she has added a total of six films to her repertoire, and currently has two more awaiting release this year. She has been praised with rave reviews for her exceptional performance, and nominated for Best Female in a Negative Role in Jungle.

This past week Miss Shah managed to find time in her super busy schedule to sit down and answer some of our questions.

Is there someone you look up to in the industry?
Shahrukh Khan and I like Salman a lot.

What is your favorite role to date?
Jungle and the role of Maya in my forth coming film Roshni.

Your most noteworthy performance was in Jungle. How has it contributed to your success as an actress?
Well, people looked up for the fifth time and said "yeah she is damn good actress" but nothing much happened as I guess people have a short term memory here. It is like everyone is ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and needs constant films to keep them going. People (I am not talking about my fans, only the film people) don't realise that there are not as many roles to do as they would like them to be.

Are there any roles which you won't do?
I won't do a role of a woman that gets trampled on, as I don't believe women are that weak at all. I believe that every woman if she wants to, has the strength of Hercules.

Who would you like to do a film with in the future?
Definitely would love to work with Denzel Washington and Jet Li.

You've experienced both Bollywood and Hollywood. What are the differences, and should we expect a complete crossover?
No, don't expect a complete crossover. Bollywood is in my blood and I will never let go of it. I love Hindi films and have grown up to them. It is who I am today and I will not turn away from it not now, not ever. Hollywood is not much different. The thing is, people will be the same wherever you go regardless of who you are, provided you are the same. If you are a grouchy person, you will meet mean people but if you are someone that sees beauty in everything and everyone... you will end up meeting beautiful people. I miss Bollywood though and I hope Bollywood misses me.

What can you tell us about the yet to be released film Perfect, and your role as Anna?
Can't say much now as I don't know much about it yet.

Do you have an idea of when we might see the release of Roshni?
Definitely by diwali this year.

How have you grown as an actress?
I am much better than I was when I first came into this industry. I have definitely improved and my theatrical experience also helped me a lot.

You were a costume designer in Gaja Gamini. Any plans to do so again?
I was not a costume designer in that film. There is a person with the same name as mine though. It is very strange and we have never met. She is older than I and that's all I have heard.

What are your personal and career goals/aspirations for the future?
I want to be better than I have ever imagined in my work and in my personal life. I also want to be satisfied and content with what I have... only if I could learn that (smiles).

Are there any new films on the horizon?
Yes, I have just completed Janasheen with Feroze Khan and Fardeen and I can't wait to have my fans see me in this role. You will be reminded of Jungle all over again.

If you weren't an actress, what field of work would you be in?
I would not have done anything till I was an actress as that is all I ever dreamt of and worked towards. I was very focused and prayed to God that I'd be given an opportunity to show that and God was kind enough to grant my prayer. It took years of preparation though but it was the best feeling on earth to be in front of the camera and than to see myself on 70 mm.

What advise do you have for anyone looking to start a career in Bollywood?
Three P's. Pain Perseverance and Patience. You have these three qualities than you would never have to look back.

Links to visit:
Kashmira Shah: The official web site.

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