Ghostbuster!- Femina

So, is 'Naina' your latest horror offering?
Everyone is slotting it as a horror film... actually, it comes more under the genre of a supernatural thriller. And it is a really good one at that. There aren't many such films made in India. The end product is very exciting and it is an emotionally rich movie - not just a scary ride.

Does the idea of good triumphing over evil draw you to these roles?
As a character, Naina is vulnerable and simple, but she is not weak. She has her strengths, which come into play only when her life demands it and she comes out triumphant in the end. Yes, that's what drew me to this movie... the fact that the director was so insistent about her emerging as a stronger force. I always believe in playing strong women. I must say I was pleasantly surprised... I always imagined women directors to take care of such things, not men.

What kind of effect do these horror stories have on your personal life?
None. I don't believe in ghosts. I am far too strong in my mind to believe in these things. That's not to say that supernatural forces don't exist. Maybe my vision is limited and I can't see them. And doing these films doesn't get that freaky. I would rather invest my energies in making things look freaky for audiences than get freaked out myself!

Why do you think women play protagonists in most scary flicks?
Oh, women are far more expressive, I think! Men are too immobile where expressions are concerned! Women have the ability to endure more, say more, and appear more vulnerable and hence, project more than men can.

Do you feel that this whole horror phenomenon gets repetitive for you?
Actually, it was out of niceness that I accepted a couple of horror projects... I didn't want to do all of them. I don't believe in repeating myself at all. All my films - even the ones that have dealt with supernatural content - are totally different from each other. I take on challenges... everything that I have not done before. Naina's character was different and scary, not in the real sense, but as an actress. So it is an obvious growth, which is an integral part of life. And I have grown with experimentation - a glam girl, a psychopath, a period cinema character - so much. Now I am looking to do a kick-ass comedy. And it would be great to do a dance number too!

So we'll see you in an item number soon?
I hope so! Why not? I am not apologetic about anything I do and that's why my movies have the impact they do. I have never had this intense hunger for success. I refuse to be ruled by the two things that drive this film industry: Fear and insecurity. Box office, awards, critical acclaim are important in their own way but they cannot dictate how you lead your life and how you pursue your career. I've never had an attitude that said, 'I shouldn't do this or that' or 'I am doing this for so and so reason'. I just do my work and I respect it... If I don't, how will others?