As the countdown heats up, we present to you none other than Natasha Rai, who plays one of the key characters of Meghna Mathur in BPP's FASHION. In Natasha's most sincere interview, she handles some tough questions and opens up about her rivalry with other leading divas of Trollywood.Q. You claim to have an MBA from an accredited university in the States. But isn't it true that you started your career as an assistant in a shoestore? Most people with real MBA's work as top notch executives. Can you explain why someone with an MBA would work as an assistant manager selling shoes? Even a high school graduate can easily get such a position.
Natasha: After studies in US, I immigrated to Canada on points system on the basis of my education. I came to Vancouver with my degree and 400 US$. With no family and support in Vancouver, I had to take any job that came my way. The AM job with a reputed retail co. was not bad for a new immigrant. With my marketing background, I climbed up the company ladder quick and within 2 years I was promoted to District Manager looking after 8 businesses of Vancouver. I definitely credit this to my MBA.
Q. As you might have heard, there is a lot of speculation that the university you supposedly received your degree from does not even exist. Could you please comment on this matter?
Natasha: I did MBA with specialization in Marketing and Sales from University of San Francisco under senate J W Fulbright grant for my entire studies. USF is a Jesuit university of San Francisco and the MBA program from there is very much accredited. You can verify this from the USF Alumni Association. I'm surprised that you have not heard of this university.
Q. Your feud with the Malhotra family has proven to be a consistent source of tabloid gossip fodder. However, many believe that you deliberately attack the Malhotra family to keep yourself in the news. How can you stoop to this level for the sake of cheap publicity?
Natasha: I've never attacked Malhotra family for any personal reason. I've not even met any of the Malhotra members other than Malini who I used to be friends with. I was even cordial to her in the Bollywood dance night in Vancouver. I am not the kind of person who harasses anyone but I will not sit quiet if someone attacks me on my back. This is in my Gurkha blood. I could also be very loving and giving to someone and the proof is I have more brothers and sisters in Trollywood than anybody. If I have to attack someone to get publicity, why would paparazzi be after me? Its the other way around.
Q. Both critics and the audience lashed out at your bulging waist line and huge love handles in your last hit Race. How come you didn't realize that you needed to be in shape to carry off a western outfit? Also, are you going to make a laughing stock of yourself again in a western role as Meghna Mathur in Fashion?
Natasha: Yes I agree, I was not in best shape while shooting for Race and it clearly affected my stardom and fan followings. But then I've worked hard for supermodel Meghna Mathur's role for Fashion. I won this role from voters' poll and I thank them for believing in me despite my appearance in Race. The audience is the best judge and they will review me after the release of Fashion how I've carried off on the Fashion ramp.
Q. Paparazzi have spotted you violating traffic rules by running the red light and almost causing an accident. How can you set such a poor example for your fans?
Natasha: I didn't cross the red light. I crossed on yellow. My speed was higher than city limit as I was rushing to meet my appointment. Thank God I got the warning ticket this time after the traffic police checked my driving record. I have to be more careful now and set a good example for youngsters.
Q. There are numerous stories about your arrogance and ego. Isn't this the reason why the Malhotra family cannot accept you and broke off the potential rishta with you?
Natasha: I think I am a headstrong person and I will not bend my head to anyone. My character is very much like that of Vaidehi in Lajja. I would rather break off my relationship if a man cannot respect my individuality. I believe in sharing and caring and for me trust and love that builds a relationship. It seems to happen a lot in Trollywood that the women are made inferior to their male counterparts and I think that's totally wrong. So for this reason, if someone calls me proud and arrogant then so be it.
Q. You have been known to compare yourself with none other than Aishwarya Rai. However, paparazzi pictures show that you have a very different look and size and you look nothing like her. Please comment?
Natasha: (laughs) Aishwarya Rai is Miss world and I am not even Miss Nepal. Sandhya Lama is! I loved Aishwarya in Devdas and so when we did the Trolly version of it, I naturally wanted to do her part and I don't think I did a bad job either. Lots of Celebrities look very different and plain without make up and I am no exception. I have to dress up differently for my job with plain get up and paparazzi always try to show the negative side of me to sell their gossips. My director and audience must have seen something in me otherwise I would not be getting the roles that keep me going.
Q. Malini has been your rival for almost a decade but she has always maintained the coveted numero uno position. Why is it that even with so many author backed lead roles, you are never able to command the kind of fan following that she enjoys?
Natasha: Malini is numero uno and will alwyas be as she is Trollywood's Madhuri Dixit. Though Subhash Ghai introduced both Monisha koirala and Madhuri Dixit, Monisha could never take over. That's exactly the situation with us. She has more fan following than me as she has more jhatkas and nakhras a la Madhuri. I am happy with what I have and I enjoy with whatever offers come my way. We all have our places and positions in Trollywood and I am not greedy for the top slot.
Q. Recent polls suggest that newcomer Monisha Rai is breathing down your neck. Critics have noted that she will will soon overtake you because she's in much better shape. Aren't you concerned that your weight is ruining your career? Do you have any plans to loose weight and get your career back on track?
Natasha: Honestly, I think Monisha was the best in Race and that's quite an achievement for a newcomer. I will be very proud if she can take our position one day. I have had my share of success in Trollywood and I am still here today only because my fans still want to see me. I have done a good job in Fashion and Lajja is another promising offer to me and I will do my best with my looks and acting. Please pray for me!
5 comments:
Fantastic interview! No other way to put it. Finally we see Natasha coming out of her defensive self and becoming like a real filmstar. A star cannot be sensitive as she's been in the past. Just because people talk s*** about you doesn't change you in any way. I am glad Natasha is finally realizing that, as this interview illustrates to me. I can't wait to see her in Fashion and Lajja. Something tells me that we are all in for a surprise. This lady's best work has yet to come...
Natasha seems more real here but I am not convinced with her answer as to why she will work selling shoes with MBA degree. Something is fishy... But overall interview and all other answers were AMAZING. Kudos to her!
Honestly, Natasha has just proved that she is arrogant, proud and full of contradictions. I will prove my case with her own words:
1. When asked why an MBA would work for a shoe store, she says "I had to take ANY job that came my way." In the very next sentence, she completely contradicts herself saying that "A job with a REPUTED RETAILER was not bad for a new immigrant!" So is she saying she took ANY job that came her way or that she took a REPUTED job?
2. When asked if she is proud and arrogant, she actually confirms that she IS proud and arrogrant. Read her answer for yourself and decide: "I would rather break off my relationship if a man cannot respect my individuality. I did my MBA from University of San Francisco under senate J W Fulbright grant for my entire studies. I will not bend my head to anyone. If someone calls me proud and arrogant then so be it!" If these sentences are not PROUD & ARROGANT, then I don't know what is!
3. When asked about her feud with the Malhotra family and why she uses them for cheap publicity, she says she does not harass anyone but we have all seen how she harassed Malini with many emails and at the disco.
These are just a few examples. And I highly doubt she can ever get into the Malhotra family after this interview where she has basically said that she would not bend her head to ANYONE. I am sure they can find a much more humble and down to earth daughter in law for their son. I hope Natasha realizes that PRIDE ALWAYS COMES BEFORE A FALL.
I have not attacked anyone but only quoted the person being interviewed. Hence, my comment should not be deleted.
Chandramukhi you are right in that some of what Natasha said in the interview does come across as sounding arrogant. However, you should not make conclusion before knowing the person. I used to have the same impression of Natasha but after getting to know her better, she is a very warm and sincere person. Interview is just words and it is not a substitute to meeting someone or getting to know them. I am confident that if you get to know her for real, you will be very fond of her as well.
Wonderful interview from natasha didi. i love how she's so smart and answers so well. I love her personality!!
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