Lisa Haydon says Anupam Kher naughtiest Shaukeen

Lisa Haydon has made it from her very first film “Aisha …Queen and now playing the pivotal role in “Sahukeens…She gets chatty in a close rendezvous with Lipika Varma

How was it working with NSD Actors?

They made me incredibly comfortable from the word go and it was a blessing. It was not intimidating experience at all. They were such confident volunteers and it’s a stress-free work environment. They give their characters such nuances and you as a co-actor it helps to bring out the best in you. When I got to sets knowing that they are veterans I tried to balance and surely tried and met their caliber half way.

Do you consider Queen a stepping stone in your career?

Every film is a stepping stone. Queen sort of broke down all the walls for me. Earlier, I was considered a glamorous person and a model. Queen gave me an opportunity and director like Vikas Bahl too allowed me to showcase my acting abilities. I am so blessed that a film like Queen came along. I wouldn’t be happy doing the role of a hooker or ex-model I wouldn’t find it a challenge. She’s the anti hero in the film. I think Queen broke that perception.

Are you getting more exposure after Queen?

People are looking for actors these days more than anything else. It’s not just about playing quintessential roles. All the girls are doing performance oriented roles and have been applauded for their roles. It’s not about looking glamorous. Kangana did Queen and Vidya did Kahaani or Deepika doing Finding Fanny. It’s a big mix of formula. I don’t think girls are looking for those kind of roles anymore. That roadblock on just being the “Glam Doll” no more exists.

You have all the sensuality and the look…comment

I am glad that people find my looks good and sensual. I hope it opens more doors for me.

How was it working with Akshay?

He has a cameo where he plays himself. He plays an alcoholic and I loved Akshay in the role. We spent a lot of time laughing. I was very touched that he stayed over there to make us comfortable.

Did Akshay give you any tips?

We had many discussions and conversations. He is a great disciplinarian and brings more energy on the sets though he has been here for 25 years. I used to wake up at six in the morning and talk and he has the same energy and same enthusiasm even by the dusk. There was this shot where I was supposed to jump. He gave me his tips on how to do the scene. He walked that extra mile for me. Smilingly he advised me to jump the wall off…laughs

Any real Shaukeen old man experience?

Uvika and I were flying on a plane and there was an old man who was looking at us asking if he can sit on the empty chair besides us. He was so naughty and old and he was so sweet. We burst out laughing as we were flying to cape Town. When old men hit on you it’s so full of admiration.

Was Anupam the naughtiest amongst Shaukeens?

Kher sir was the naughtiest and he is so lovable and he makes sure that he makes you comfortable. He is very interactive. Actors love themselves and Kher has no qualms about showing it. The director says that the three oldies and I am standing with Akshay and crying. And Kher sir would say cut that‘s not the way you shoot this scene. He is very lovable human and authentic.

Being the only female in the film, were you the centre of attraction?

It gives you that kind of quirk. Everyone vies for attention. It doesn’t leave a lot of empty spaces and I enjoyed that. For characters, it's all about their journey and their space and here everybody was catering to my story and my character and it’s great being on the other side.
They downloaded the original movie for me I will be watching it in the next few days. But I didn’t watch it before because director and Akshay told me don’t watch it and get crazy ideas. Rati Agnihotri is classy girl and Ahana is a child and is crazy there’s a lot of difference. My dad loved the film and was laughing throughout.

On making it big in films

Have I? I can make it bigger. I don’t think it was a cake walk and acting is not an easy profession. You have to work and you have to decide and the hardest part is the emotional work. It’s not labor work; You have to decide and get out of the emotions. It’s hard to shake it off and rearrange all the emotions.

Success….And.. Expectations

Aisha – No I was clueless, it was more of a family affair and it was not such a big career move. People were shocked that I did the film. I was getting a lot of offers from Hollywood. I enjoyed making the choices. I think the film did fine my role was not relevant enough and it was more of a cornerstone for Sonam Kapoor.

On being emotional

I am very emotional. I wish I dealt with my emotions a little better and surely. I think I am kiddish or emotionally volatile. Having a realistic perspective on things you can keep a check on your emotions and realize that everything happens for a reason and understanding that life is not in your control and go with the flow. I wouldn’t get engaged in things that don't let my emotions flow.

On Item dance

I wouldn’t mind doing dance films. I like to do a film where I can play a guitar. It really depends on what film and what song, but I don’t like the term item.

Your Brand Naked

We make according to the orders I make limited products, I make essential oils, vitamin E and stuff like that. The whole concept behind Naked is it’s very challenging. I think I could be better.

Finally she discloses sincerely about having no films yet and her being single

I haven’t signed any films now. I am still single. How can I mingle the moment I do it you will all know. There are lots of speculations…..So what can I say. It's better I just keep mum.