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“If you live in India, you will face gender discrimination at some point,” Mallika Sherawat talks tough
The Hisar-born actress busts many myths as she opens up about her Hollywood experience, among other things
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Date of birth: October 24
Home Town: Hisar, Haryana
First break: Khwahish (2003)
School/college: Delhi Public School/ Miranda House, Delhi
High point of your life: When I met President Obama
Low point of your life: Whenever my movie doesn’t do well
In a guy, the three things that turn you on would be...?
His sense of humour, dressing sense and dental hygiene.
The most filmy thing you have done in real life...?
When I was young, I would get my tailor to replicate Madhuri Dixit’s costumes. My favourite one was from Tezaab (1988). I would wear it and dance to Ek Do Teen in front of the mirror!
The most bizarre thing that you have ever done in real life?
I left my home and my people to act in movies.
The most bizarre thing you have ever done for a movie...?
I have done a lot of bizarre things but one that takes the cake would have to be all those action sequences for The Myth (2005). I did complicated stunts strapped to wires and cables, and at the same time, I was supposed to look sexy.
What’s the best part about being an outsider in the film industry?
There is no one else to take credit for your success or failure. And you can become an inspiration for young girls.
The sexiest thing about you...?
My confidence.
The bitchiest thing you have heard about yourself...?
I have heard so many bitchy things that I can put together an anthology!
One thing that not many people know about you is...
I am not a party animal, I don’t drink alcohol and I don’t smoke.
The best part about being a woman is...
You can wear gorgeous dresses and you get to be the boss of the house!
Have you ever faced discrimination for being a woman?
If you are living in India, you are bound to face gender discrimination at some point of time of the other.
Have you ever faced any discrimination for being a person of colour?
Yes. Especially when I was in Los Angeles.
The greatest culture shock you have got:
It was on the sets of The Myth. I realised that the Chinese can eat almost anything and everything that has four legs! And being the only Vegan on the set, it wasn’t easy. I was on a cow’s diet during the entire shoot.
Your most awkward red carpet moment:
There are so many! But the one I remember the most was during my first outing at Cannes. It was my first red carpet event of that magnitude and I wore the highest and most gorgeous pair of heels possible thinking I would look like a diva. But when it was show time I realised that I could hardly move in those. I was scared to death of falling off my shoes. I had a wobbly camel walk during the whole event!
The most difficult part of an on-screen kiss is...
It has zero feelings involved.
Your autobiography would be titled...?
The Woman Who Dared.
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From HT Brunch, October 22, 2017
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