Minissha describes her debut Bollywood movie “Yahaan” as her “Dream come true”.
Minissha had not even completed her graduation in English honors when ad filmmaker Shoojit Sircar spotted her during an ad shoot and offered her the lead role in Yahaan, which was also Sircar’s first feature film.
Minissha took the offer and, to learn the ropes of acting, she did some acting workshops with N K Sharma from the Act One theatre group in Delhi.
In Yahaan, Minissha plays a Kashmiri girl who falls in love with an Indian army captain, played by Jimmy Sheirgill . The film tells the story of two young lovers against the backdrop of militancy in Kashmir.
Since Minissha has stayed in Kashmir for over two years in her adolescence, she was abreast with the place and the situation in the terror-struck valley. That made her a suitable choice to play the female character Adaa in the film.
Minissha is frank enough to admit that she often felt butterflies in her stomach before shooting any tough scene for Yahaan.
She recalls the first scene that she shot in zero degree temperature. Her half-page dialogues were suddenly extended to two-and-a-half pages by the writer and she had to memorize the lines swiftly.
Minissha says she was able to do it, thanks to the immense support from the movie’s director Shoojit Sircar.
Minissha is also full of praise for her co-star Jimmy Shergill.
“I for once didn’t feel that I was acting opposite a star. He (Jimmy) is such a simple, non-messy actor that I instantly struck a comfort zone with him,” Minissha told an entertainment site.
Describing Yahaan as a dream come true, Minissha said the movie is like her first love.
“Yahaan is a dream come true for me. It is my first love with Bollywood. I am very happy that I could debut with a film that has so much to offer me as an actor,” said the beautiful belle.
You wanted to be a journalist. How did you land up in Bollywood?
Since I wanted to be a journalist, I prepared myself well for the field. I completed my honours in English — but maybe destiny had different plans for me. When I was in my final year of graduation, I was offered various ad campaigns. While shooting for one such commercial, Shoojit Sircar (who was directing the ad) approached me for his movie, Yahaan (her debut opposite Jimmy Shergill), and there was no looking back!
You’ve travelled extensively as a child since your father was in the hospitality business. What was that like?
I’ve grown up in conservative places. My formative years were spent in Chennai and then we moved to Kashmir, which is very traditional. But luckily my parents never bogged us down with rigid diktats. They’ve been liberal and have always allowed my brother and me to choose the life we wish to lead. There were never any societal pressures we had to succumb to.
What kind of roles interest you?
I like playing different characters. For example, I played a girl-next-door in Yahaan, a sexy girl in Kidnap, a village belle in Zila Ghaziabad and a journalist in Joker. Since I enjoy acting, I am game to try out various roles. But I would love to portray Meryl Streep’s character in The Iron Lady or Michelle Williams’ in My Week with Marilyn.
You’ve always had a girl-next-door image. Your sexy avatar in Kidnap didn’t go down well with the audience…
Who said it didn’t work? People were talking about it when the movie released. I’ve received positive as well as negative feedback for it, but this happens to everyone when they try doing something new. I did not do the role simply for an image makeover. I did it because it was different from the characters I’ve played on-screen so far.
We haven’t seen you on the big screen since Joker. Are you happy with the way your career is shaping up?
One needs to understand that it is not the quantity but the quality of work that matters. I can sign 10 films and be busy throughout the year, but if the character or the movie doesn’t satisfy me as an actress, what use is it? I take time to choose my movies. The audience will see me in quality roles now.
Are actresses being forced to play second fiddle to actors these days?
Yes, I don’t see anything wrong with that. The day women-oriented films start raking in big bucks at the box-office, we’ll have more producers and directors offering meaty roles to actresses. But to have more of these films, we need the audience to be interested in them. Until that happens, I don’t see why any producer would want to put his money where he isn’t sure of getting returns.
You’ve been paired opposite Nawazuddin Siddiqui in your next movie. Are you nervous about the unconventional pairing?
Having an unconventional pairing is the ‘in’ thing in Bollywood. For example, Imran Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan in Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu or Konkona Sen Sharma and Ranbir Kapoor in Wake Up Sid! And now, Nawazuddin and I are joining the league! He is an amazing actor and a very confident man, so there’s no question of being nervous of working with him.
According to a tabloid, you underwent reverse surgery to get back to your cute girl-next-door image…
It’s alarming how people make easy assumptions about you! Surgery is not a wardrobe change that one ends up doing just because it’s the new fad.
For a recent photo shoot last year, you were reluctant to pose in a bikini. Was it to protect your innocent image?
I did not say no for the shoot. It was just that the pictures they sent me for reference were too over-the-top; I was uncomfortable with that. Luckily, when we took a few test shots, the photographer as well as the creative head of the magazine agreed that we needed to tone down
the concept.
While coming back from the Cannes Film Festival last year, you were detained at the airport. Do you think you were targeted just because you are a celebrity?
I won’t deny that I was targeted just because I am a celebrity. I only wish that our government uses its resources to catch criminals and doesn’t make soft targets out of uninformed travellers just for some print space or promotion.
You were also in the news for dating cricketer Andrew Symonds…
I am not dating anyone. Andrew is just a good friend. He happened to be in town when I celebrated my birthday.
You were also linked to cricketer Sreesanth…
Both of us laughed about it when we read that. If only life was so easy that you start Dating someone the day after you meet that person! Jokes apart, such fake reports make it even more difficult for two people to remain friends. Sreesanth is a very sweet and saaf dil insaan.
Are you seeing someone currently?
I have always told the press that I am single. This is a conscious decision, not because I am boring or don’t want to date someone but because even if I am with a man, I don’t want my happiness or heartbreak to be a matter of easy reading for the public. I have dated previously — men who were wrong for me and for whom I was wrong. I am just waiting to meet the right guy. That shall be the day when I shout out to the world from rooftops.
What is your idea of romance?
I am not conservative when it comes to romance. For me, it’s about passion interspersed with space. I wouldn’t go for a candlelight dinner on a date; instead I would choose adventure sports like rock climbing or a long drive. Being close and doing things together enhances a relationship.
Who are the most stylish people in the industry?
Salman Khan and Saif Ali Khan are the most stylish men while Kareena Kapoor Khan and Deepika Padukone are the most well-dressed and gorgeous women.
What do you do to unwind and relax?
I Love travelling and reading books when I am not shooting. I have a small library at home where I have stocked about 300 books of different genres.
Lemme introduce Shreyas to everyone, This Funny Guy is full time Twitter addict and has a special soft corner for Mini.. and the Love for Mini shows occasionally on his very busy Twitter account! Follow him for Honest yet Funny Tweets..
Name: Shreyas Bhide
Date of Birth: 17th October
Profession: Fulltime Tweeter.
City: Pune
Active on Twitter since: 2010
Q1. Do you remember the 1st time you were impressed by Minissha Lamba?
Pretty vividly … the moment I saw the song Naam Ada Likhna from Yahaan on MTV.
Q2. What according to you is the Best Thing about Minissha Lamba? (Explain in Detail)
Her face – such innocence, such beauty … with just a hint of mischief in the eyes!
Q3. Which is your own Personal Fav. Role done by her in her Career thus far? and Is there a Dream Role that you’d like to see Minissha doing what would it be?
Has to be Zara (Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd.). Well done Abba comes a close second. Dream Role? Let us see … Guess Srivedi in Mr. India … Would love to see Minissha do a Kaate Nahi Katate Yeh Din Yeh Raat!
Q4. Which is your Favourite Minissha Movie and how Many times have you seen it?
Shaurya. About 20 odd times.
Q5 What is that 1 most crazy thing u have done as a Miniac for Minissha?
Watched Anamika in a cinema hall! Sorry to say but that was a lame film, sat through it ONLY AND ONLY for Minissha! And then watched it twice again on TV ONLY AND ONLY for Minissha!
Q5 What is your fondest or the most priceless memory related to Minissha ?
In a coffee shop with friends, once I spotted a girl who bore a striking resemblance to Minissha … and guess what, I actually told her that!
Q6. Who according to you is the Best Co-star she’s worked with & in which film?
Abhay Deol (Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd.)
Q7. If you as a Fan were allowed a Wish List, with whom would u like to see Minissha Work with? (Specify atleast An Actor as well as Director/Banner)
Would love to see Minissha work with Ranbir Kapoor.
Q8. Can you contribute in the Betterment of the Fan Club? (Remember We Arent a PR Agency, Just Crazy Fans like u.. So we’d Value any Help!)
Any help needed, always there to help in whatever capacity I can.
Q9. What is the one aspect about Minissha that you don’t like or Like Less?
She should be more careful while selecting films.
Q10. Are You Happy with the Fan club’s Activity & Interaction with Fellow #Miniacs? If No, Suggest ways to Improvement if any?
Pretty much … a more aggressive approach to reach Miniacs could be adopted though.
Q11. Have you ever had the Privilege to Meet Minissha Lamba? If Yes, Please Post a Pic/autograph.. if No, Here’s your chance to Request her to Meet You? Give her a Reason..
No. Would love to meet her atleast once though!
Q12 if u were given a chance to ask Minissha something, what would u ask & why?
How come there has never been a moment in your life that you haven’t looked gorgeous? Inhumane intensity of gorgeousness she has!
Q13. Does Minissha Follow you on Twitter?
Nope. Hope this acts as a catalyst!
O14. If You Were To Dedicate a song (English/Hindi) to Minissha, what would it be? (Remember to be Careful with the choice for a song’s Lyrics often say
My love must be a kind of blind love
I can’t see anyone but you
Are the stars out tonight? I don’t know if it’s cloudy or bright
I only have eyes for you, dear
The moon may be high But I can’t see a thing in the sky
I only have eyes for you
I don’t know if we’re in a garden
Or on a crowded avenue
You are here and so am I
Maybe millions of people go by
But they all disappear from view
And I only have eyes for you
Q15. Which is the One Filmy Dialogue that given an Option would you like to modify and say to Minissha Or her Family..? (Modify in typically filmy Style)
Main tumhain follow na karu yeh ho nahin sakta or tum mujhay follow na karo yeh main honay nahin dunga.
Q16. If You were Allowed 3 Questions (Any Three questions) to ask Minissha, what would they be and why?
1. Do you cook? If yes, what’s the chef’s special recipe?
2. How often do you gym and for how long?
3. Who is your favorite author?
Q17. If You could capture anything of/about Minissha for a lifetime/forever, what would that be and why?
Her eyes
Q18. in what other roles would you want to see Minissha in times to come, besides acting?
