Be bold don’t apologise!, says Nandana Sen

She’s bold, she’s sexy and she’s talented, but actor Nandana Sen would rather be ‘eccentric’ in her career than jump at every film offer. Currently, she’s quite thrilled at shape-shifting from a man-eating  leopard to seductive ex girlfriend in her latest film
The Forest. Amused at being perceived as bold, Nandana sees nothing wrong in showing skin on screen. The excerpts:

Q: For someone who’s done a lot of interesting films, including Bollywood, you are hardly seen in  films now. Why?
A: I have always had a relaxed attitude about my career. A couple of years ago, because of accidental circumstances, I ended up shooting seven different films in four continents, and I swore to myself, never again this multiple-movie madness. I am drawn to characters who aren’t necessarily perfect but are intense, human and believable — yet unpredictable, not stereotypical in any way.  I need to be absolutely passionate about the role to be able to say yes.

Q: Despite having worked in a couple of commercial capers in Bollywood, you still continue to do art-house films like The Forest. Why’s that?
A: I do have an eccentric taste in the films I choose, but I never pay attention to labels such as art versus commercial. Every film in the world represents both — an art form and a commercial enterprise.  Most of the films I've done, here and abroad, not only have a strong aesthetic sensibility, but also an inherent social-political consciousness, even when they are commercial.

Q: Apparently, you have some bold scenes in the film...
A: Yes, but I’m simply amazed that a couple kissing is still seen as scandalously ‘bold’ in Indian films!

Q: You have never shied away from doing bold scenes...
A: Film is by nature a bold and transformative medium. Bold, because it holds up a mirror for us to see ourselves in, and bold again, because it can change our perspective — so why not use it boldly?  And I have never been one to hem and haw.  If you want to show something —whether it’s a moment of romantic intimacy, or political hypocrisy —then just show it. Don’t apologise. That said, it was initially difficult to say yes to Rang Rasiya even though I passionately believe in its theme of freedom of expression.

Q: There has been a lot reported on a certain nude scene that you have done in Rang Rasiya. But the film has not yet seen the light of the day...
A: You better watch this apparently controversial film then, as I’m sure it will release very soon! (Smiles) In fact, we just got invited to be the opening film in the New Film Series at the Bangkok
International Film Festival.

Q: On personal front there has been reports suggesting that you are getting married to Madhu Mantena this year. When is that happening?
A: Why don’t we keep chatting about movies and not get personal? (Smiles)