New Delhi: Simran Kaur Mundi came into limelight after winning the Miss India crown in 2008 but she had to wait for three years for her first release 'Jo Hum Chahein'. Simran wanted to get a corporate job but a chance encounter with makeup gurus Bharat and Dorris brought her to the modelling world. Her confidence shows in 'Jo Hum Chahein' and is praised by film critics. IBNLive talks to Simran about her journey so far.
Q: You look quite confident in 'Jo Hum Chahein'.
A: I have done some music videos, ramp shows and modelling before this film. I have been in front of the camera in last some months but I think the confidence you are talking about comes from my childhood. Since the time I have seen Kareena talking to the mirror 'how dare you' in K3G, since then I am also talking to the mirror. It's been crazy but I guess an actor was always there inside me. Then I did Miss India, Miss Universe, so much ramps, everything which enhanced my self-belief.
Q: Do you remember when she says 'kaun hai ye jisne mujhe mud ke nahi dekha (Who has dared to not see me twice)?
A: (Laughs) I know. It was killer. That was quite pathbreaking. That character can bring happiness to you automatically.
Q: You trace your roots to Hoshiarpur in Punjab?
A: I actually belong to a pind (village) called 'Mundian' which is in Hoshiarpur district and last time when I went there, it was a family get together and I was in class five. We had this 'kothi' and I still recall running around in 'khet', tractors, cousins from abroad, it was really amazing. I love the rawness of Punjab.
Q: Is that why they named you 'Simran'. I think they were inspired by Kajol's character in 'DDLJ?
A: (Laughs) No. Kajol's character was inspired from me.
Q: You have lived in several cities. Does that help in identifying with the character?
A: Of course it does. You are automatically exposed to various emotions. It just changes your perspective towards things and expressions.
Q: Is this true that you sold tickets at Fame Adlabs before being picked by fashion gurus Bharat and Dorris?
A: I came back to Mumbai after finishing my graduation in bio-technology. I started preparing for MBA and side by side working at Fame Adlabs in the guest coordination department. My job profile included selling tickets to celebrities. There was a new popcorn machine installed there and I was making popcorn and had burnt my hand when Bharat came to me and asked whether I want to participate in Miss India or not. I did not know who they are so I was little confused. I thought them as some random people but later somebody told me about them.
Q: Did working in the proximity of celebrities make it easier for you?
A: I was always living in the vicinity of known people. I was born and brought up in Versova where many celebrities lived in our society.
Q: The story is, you missed the London Fashion Week for the audition for 'Jo Hum Chahein'?
A: I wanted to pursue international modelling after winning Miss India. I did shows in London, Dubai, America everywhere. An agency signed me up for modelling in London for six months but there were some issues with my paperwork so I had to come back to Mumbai where I came to know about the auditions of 'Jo Hum Chahein'. I was selected after three rounds of auditions.
I believe a lot in destiny and things just fell in place for me. I would have loved to do a 9 to 5 corporate job, walk around in high heels and doing weekly analysis and all but life had other plans for me. I don't know what future has in store for me but I am just following my heart.
Q: Can you recall the last question they asked you in the final round of Miss India?
A: Yes, yes. How could I forget that question? It was: "Divorce rate is increasing in India. Is it because of western influence or something else?". That was the deciding question.
Q: Did you take any workshop while preparing for the role in 'Jo Hum Chahein'?
A: Yes. We took a month long workshop. I did not know Sunny, plus I had some inhibitions also. Like crying is my weakness. I can't cry in front of people. So the workshop actually helped me. I am no longer worried about people judging me.
Q: Some media reports had also surfaced that Simran is insecure because Sunny is dating other girls.
A: (Laughs) I am not a person who would get insecure easily. Yes, we did go out and there were girls who paid attention to Sunny but why would I be sad or angry because there is nothing like that going on between Sunny and me. There is absolutely no truth in such rumours.
Q: Isn't there any particular liking for Sunny or you guys are just 'good friends'?
A: I think he is a fabulous actor (Laughs) and I am genuinely saying this.
Q: Ok, if you say so. Any particular role you want to portray on screen.
A: I would love to do a role like Kareena Kapoor's in 'Jab We Met' or Aishwarya Rai's in 'Devdas'. I could really relate to Geet's character in 'JWM'. I so wanted to be there when I saw these films.
Q: Tell us something about your future projects.
A: I am just waiting for something to materialize. I am in conversation with some makers. I had started getting offers right after winning Miss India title but I wanted my first film to be of particular genre. I don't want to sound snooty but I am a little choosy. I want to do interesting roles rather than doing a film without any reason.
Q: Not many newcomers take such brave stance in the beginning of their careers.
A: I am not desperate to do movies so I won't do a film just for the sake of doing it. I don't want to do a half hearted job so I would rather wait for a good role.
Q: Any director you want to work with?
A: I really want to work with Imtiaz Ali. Then I also want to work with Raju Hirani and Kabir Khan. They are fabulous directors.####
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