'I have worked hard on my body for Acid Factory'

With five films slated for release next year, Dia Mirza looks set to rule most Fridays in 2009, writes Minakshi Saini.

What are you working on?
Well I am working really hard on five films — Acid Factory, Kaun Bola, Johnny Mastana, Alibaug and Kisan. They will release next year.

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Which of these will be your first release?
Acid Factory. I have worked really hard on my body for this film — I’ve worked out like I have never worked out in my life before.

What’s your role in it?
I can’t disclose much, but all I can say is that there are six boys and I am the only girl in the film. So my character is in par with the boys and I have performed stunts on my own.

Why are actors so keen to perform stunts on their own?
I think it’s over-excitement. [Laughs] And the pleasure of a closer association with the character and the script... it makes for a better outcome.

Isn’t doing action scenes scary?
Yes, it’s scary and risky. I even hurt myself several times during the shoot. I know I am not going to do any life threatening action sequence. The sheer thrill to perform your own stunt makes you believe that risk is worth taking. It’s something that life does not offer you in real so you get a chance to experience or realise it [thrill] on screen.

What made you do those special appearances in Heyy Babby and Om Shanti Om?
Heyy Babby happened because Sajid (Khan) is a close friend. He called and said that you have to be a part of it so I could not say no. And Om Shanti Om happened because of Shah Rukh Khan and Farah Khan. SRK insisted so I agreed to be a part of the film.

Are such appearances meant to make your presence felt on the big screen?
These are not things that you do for a professional move, these things are done on a personal note. Honestly, I’ve never repented or thought twice before making these appearances. It would have been a big question if I would not have other films to work on and was filling my time only doing such things.

Till the time I have a number of projects in hand, a few special appearances don’t really matter.