Sayali Bhagat will be seen trying her hand at regional cinema this year. And she also has a few interesting projects to look forward to - that has brought a new rush of optimism into her. And that, coupled with a new fitness regime, is making Ms Bhagat glow and gleam like a person with a new goal and a new strategy to make a mark in Bollywood. “The way my career is going right now, I am anticipating a huge turn. I want to be among the best,” she says with an air of determination.
Sayali Bhagat on movies, link-ups, style and a lot more…
Most of your films haven't done well at the box office - does that bother you?
It would bother anyone. I am hoping that I'll get lucky this year in terms of scoring hits. I usually do a lot of shows that keep me busy. l also endorse a couple of brands. Frankly, I feel there are times that a lot of films have a good subject but don't work at the BO; what's important is that people accept me, and I'm glad they still refer to me as the girl from The Train.
Talking about The Train - that was a copy of Derailed. What's your view on unofficial remakes?
It's been six or seven years since the film released. I guess you should leave such things to the director and the production house. I don’t want to comment....
Tell me something about this new fitness regime of yours...
I have started doing Parkour lately. It’s a form of martial arts. It's great, 'cos it boosts my energy level. I am more of a nature friendly person. I started this two months back and I am simply loving it.
Let’s get to your future films…
There's a Punjabi film called Aisi Tenduni Dilande Mare which will release by December. There's also a film with Tinu Verma titled Shout, opposite Rajneesh Duggal. And I have just finished working on Yaariyan which comprises four different stories - we have just completed the third shift of the schedule.
You have been a model; what would you say to people who think models are dumb?
I think people have wrong notions as far as the glamour world is concerned. Look at Aishwarya Rai and Sushmita Sen - they are intelligent. I feel some people just don't want to get rid of such ideas, which is why they say such things. I also believe there might be models who simply act dumb for the heck of it (laughs).
We haven't heard many link up stories about you; how have you managed to maintain such a squeaky clean image?
Let's just say I've been extremely lucky. Also, I am a family person. When I am not working, you will find me in Nashik spending time with my family.
Who from Bollywood inspires you in terms of style?
I think everyone has their own class. But I really like Kareena Kapoor Khan and Sonam Kapoor's style sense. Also Madhuri Dixit Nene and Karisma Kapoor sport great fashion statements. I usually follow Reese Witherspoon and ensure my hairdo is like hers, but there's no one else I really follow as such.
What's the one thing you feel Bollywood has taught you?
My family feels I'am very innocent. Being a part of the industry has made me much smarter as a person.
What if you hadn't won the Miss India pageant - would you still have been a part of Bollywood?
Not many people know that I am a MBA. I had done a lot of hard work to win the pageant and The Train just happened to me after that. Well what can I say - if not Bollywood, I would have been the CEO of some company (laughs).
Any strategies to be in the limelight?
Luckily things have kinda fallen into my plate. But I must confess I resort to aggressive social networking. I have a blog and have my own PR; I want to be a brand in the coming years. The one thing I don't see myself doing is television. I would rather do good films. I want to stay focussed for the next six months...that's my strategy.
You are a Maharashtrian; don't you want to do any Marathi films? You are trying your hand in Punjabi cinema...
People think I look very Punjabi kudi-like and hence I am offered Punjabi films. It's great that a lot of Bollywood actors are taking up regional cinema. And Marathi cinema is doing great, so I would love to do something soon...
