Taking the leap from actor to producer, Manisha Koirala talks about doing away with ‘yes people’, the predominance of T&A, and why Sushmita Sen is a child-woman

One thing actors need to know about producers: Is the fact that the producer’s ass is on the line! An actor might have five to six movies in hand, so she can carry on doing her thing, whereas a producer has to first finish the current movie on hand.

And vice versa: Well, actors always support the producer — if they have been treated well. If, in the past, as an actor I have not supported a producer, it’s because I’ve not been treated well or given enough respect. It’s a lot about trusting each other too.

Co-star Sushmita Sen: Is a child-woman. She’s extremely affectionate and yet, extremely moody. She’s strong, yet very childlike. She’s a good balance of fun and professionalism.

To me, Mumbai is: Basically free-spirited. It’s a place where people can go out on their own and have fun, where girls can step out alone. It’s pretty safe. Plus, the people are chilled out, more relaxed, and it has a fairly casual atmosphere.

So, is this where home is? I’m a gypsy. The earth is home for me!

The transition from acting to producing: Has been kind of a toughie. First, you have to do away with ‘yes people’ because they can be really sweet to your face and then mess up your happiness! Besides that, you have to be extremely strict and focused.

There are different types of producers: Some are driven by the business aspect; others only care about the creative content. I have to strike a balance. I’m very passionate about cinema, but I’d like to make a good film which is profitable as well.

Women always being the central focus of my films: I’m very comfortable working with actresses and so I’d be happy making another film with women. But it’s not a mission!

I get under a character’s skin: I read and observe. One has to do a little bit of research. Though I believe that once you have a general idea of how you’re going to play a certain character, and once I form a basic structure in my head, then I let my subconscious take over. I’m not a method actor — I’m a very instinctive actor.

To make it in Bollywood today: The whole energy has shifted into looking good. So if you look really hot, you can make it here.

T&A (Tits and Ass) vs talent: Right now, looks will win. You bet. Unfortunately!

Film critics: Are still not objective enough. I have to be honest! Most of the critics are my friends, so with due respect to them, I have to say that if they’re friends with so-and-so, and even if they know that they’ve made a bad film, they’ll still praise it!

What really irks me: Hypocrisy and double standards in society. In fact, I want to make a black comedy about it — on how people really are and how fake it all is.

The ‘Ek Choti Si Love Story’ controversy taught me: That there are good people and bad people, good times and bad times. And however cautious I am, I’ll never be able to escape the bad times. It’s a part of life. What really matters is how I come out of it — as a broken person, completely disillusioned, or as a winner.
Directing movies: Yes, hopefully in two years’ time. But only if I’m confident that I’ll make a good film — one that can be seen by people all over the world.

Any Oscar dreams: I’m not an Oscar fan, actually! I’ve heard some horror stories from Shekhar (Kapur), so I’m not really a fan.

Roles on the anvil: There’s ‘Tum’, ‘Anjaane’ and ‘Mehbooba’. And there’s the role of Indira Gandhi that I’ll be playing, but since we haven’t started shooting yet, I don’t want to talk about it till we go on the floor.

On my love life: I’m very much emotionally and mentally settled with Cecil (Anthony), but I can’t think of marriage right now. Maybe at some point in time. I think so. I hope so.

Manisha in a nutshell: Strong and naive.