Bollywood can wait, says Ayesha Takia

Her last release was one of the biggest blockbusters of 2009 (Wanted opposite Salman Khan), and yet actress Ayesha Takia has no qualms about bowing out from regular commercial movies to become a businesswoman.

“I don’t want to stop acting, but yes, I might not be able to find time to act in commercial movies the way I used to. My first baby is my priority right now,” says Takia while sipping a cup of tea at her husband Farhan Azmi’s restaurant.

The ‘first baby’ that she’s referring to is a chain of tea cafes that the couple are planning to launch across the country.

“I am a strict coffee drinker, and Ayesha, a strict tea drinker. She used to complain of feeling like a second-class citizen in most cafes as they only served coffee. That is when the idea struck us,” quips her husband Farhan.

What followed was Takia’s meticulous field research before deciding to turn entrepreneur. “I have always been a foodie, and that is something that we have in common. I felt that this was the time to shift gears and get into the business of beverages. I quite enjoyed the whole homework that I did (researching on cafés in India and abroad). I’m flying off to Ooty for 52 days for a Nagesh Kukunoor film, but when I come back, I might not have the time to devote to a hectic acting schedule. I might not be seen as much in commercial cinema, but I plan to continue acting and do a few meaningful movies to satisfy the actor in me,” she adds.

But, won’t working with one’s spouse 24x7 affect marriage? “I don’t get to see her the whole day! I just see her at night,” protests Farhan. “While I am in office, she’s out visiting cafes or restaurants,” he clarifies.

And, what if they argue as colleagues? They do, admits Takia adding that the wife ends up winning all the time and the hubby cribbing. “I am traditional that way. So yes, I win most of the time, but sometimes I let him win too,” she giggles.