I’ve always felt like a princess: Lily Collins

For actor Lily Collins, daughter of musician Phil Collins, opting for a career in music may have seemed like an obvious choice, but the young actor says that though she ‘loves music, acting is more of my thing’. Having starred in films like The Blind Side, Priest and Abduction since, the actor will now be seen playing Snow White in the big screen adaptation of the fairytale in Mirror Mirror. In an exclusive chat with After Hrs the young hottie talks about her upcoming movie and also reveals her plans to visit India again:

You have shared screen space with Oscar-winning actors like Sandra Bullock and now Julia Roberts, does it get intimidating?
I was in awe of them (smiles), and it did make me nervous initially, but never insecure. There’s so much you can learn from these actresses you have grown up watching, just by seeing them work. And they are incredibly funny too, Julia especially. So, more than intimidating, it was enriching working with them.

Do you believe in fairy tales?
Yes very much. In fact, I feel, I’m living a modern fairy tale myself. I grew up in the English countryside pretending to be a princess and waiting for my Prince Charming and all. So getting to play Snow White in Mirror Mirror was almost too good to be true; after all I got to live out every girl’s fantasy.

Does being famous make it easier to find your Prince Charming?
Well, I don’t know. However, it feels very strange to have your private life under public scrutiny all the time, so it’s hard to say whether it gets easier or tougher, really.

How do you bracket yourself between sexy and cute?
I don’t think it has to be either this or that. Well, I’m young and enjoying exploring both sides. Though I do think I am kind of more old school classic in that way, but I’m sexy in an understated kind of way too (laughs).

Is there a fairy tale character you identify with the most?
Princess Jasmine from Aladin. I think she had an adventurous streak in her, very much like I do. My mom and I both love travelling and have travelled across the world, including India.

How was your experience here?
Oh it was gorgeous and beautiful! I’d visited India about seven years back and we had travelled right from Agra to Kerala and had checked out lots of temples in our stay of two weeks there. I’m so excited just talking about it, can’t wait to visit India again.

What about films here?
I have heard about Bollywood and seen a couple of films too. I love their musical format. You know, I’ve always wanted to do a film where I could explore the singing and acting both, so I think Bollywood would be perfect and I would love to consider a film here.