Mallika Sherawat makes herself at home at 'DNA's Mumbai office

Khayalon ki Mallika for all the teaming ‘public’ (to use typical Bollywood-esque terminology) milling near the DNA building to catch a glimpse of B-Town’s original oomph lolly — and Mallika Sherawat didn’t disappoint as she cheerily waved to everybody, even adding some casual American ‘Hi, how you doin’’ ease of greeting (and why not, she’s been given honorary citizenship of LA) to flabbergasted onlookers when she arrived, Tuesday afternoon.

On a whirlwind promotional tour (movie Double Dhamaal is up for release) Sherawat however was quick to point out that this visit was special — “I’d love to see the office. You know, it’s a very new experience for me. I’ve never been to any media office in my 8 years — This is my first time.”

But before touring the premises, La Sherawat spoke to DNA on various topics, including her transition from a Haryanvi conservative background to Big Bad Bollywood and then the hallways of Hollywood. Infact, when asked how she managed the journey, especially without a Godfather, Sherawat’s reply was candid: “Bollywood is more tough without any connections or Godfather because Bollywood survives on nepotism. Sab apna vansh aage badaate hain. Mera beta meri beti, this keeps on going. Have you seen the Bollywood awards? I want to thank this uncle and that auntie! Where in the world does that happen?! It’s more tough here. Hollywood is very democratic. They don’t give a damn as to what last name you have. They really don’t care. So I think it’s much easier out there!”

She touched upon her romance with Cannes and her power play with Hollywood’s big boys, or rather the politico big boys. To a question ‘LA’s honorary citizenship — apparently the mayor is going gaga over you…?’ Sherawat quipped, “Now Obama is also going gaga over me —You’ve got your headline right there!” We steered her towards home…and hearth. When asked about marriage, Sherawat played elusive: “Arre yaar dulha toh dhund doh…!” To that we asked her specifications, and she replied: “He has to be a vegan. He has to do yoga. He should not smoke and drink. And he should sleep by 9:30 and wake up by 6 in the morning.”

One from the team mischievously made a connection: “What about Baba Ramdev? (Does he fit the bill…?)” Sherawat’s reply, “I’m sorry to disappoint you and to sound ignorant but I really don’t know what is up with him.” She did though reveal how two Oscar winners were in the running as suitors. And then, a tidbit for Sherawat fans, for the next time they’re travelling by train — when asked if she still wore a burqa, she revealed her practical side: “Yeah, just to protect myself when I’m travelling alone. It gives you that much privacy. And also sometimes in the Mumbai traffic when the roads are jammed I wear it and go on the Mumbai locals…”