She made a ‘Rockstar’ debut in 2011, which earned her a Best Female Debut nomination. But a few months ago, amidst speculations about her personal life, actress Nargis Fakhri took a break from Bollywood.
About her on her absence, the actress says, “I was on a short holiday recently. When I’m not doing films, I have a lot of other things to do like shooting for commercials.”
Nargis will soon be seen in Banjo, opposite actor Riteish Deshmukh. Describing the movie, she says, “Banjo is a quirky movie in which I play a DJ who goes to Mumbai in search of a band.”
So, how was her real-life experience of landing in Mumbai for the first time? Says Nargis,“It was late at night and at first, I could hardly see anything. Looking down from my window seat, I saw people and cows moving around! Once outside, I heard hawkers yelling all over the place. I was so scared that I did not come out of my room for at least two days!”
Having received a warm reception in Bollywood however, Nargis says, “I am really blessed to have got work here, although I did face ups and downs. I feel people work very hard here and have no time for holidays.”
Nargis has many things on her wish list. “I love travelling. But now it is impossible for me to walk down the streets of India as my fans recognise me! Maybe someday, I will travel across India with no one following me!
“Also, I always pray to the Omnipresent Power to put me with good hearted people and kind souls, because I am very sensitive. I am glad that normal people are clean at heart. Such people have always helped me.”
On lessons learnt, the actress says, “Life has taught me many things. My gut feeling is never wrong. I keep my distance from fake people, especially those who talk about you without knowing what you must be going through. This includes some people from the industry. I don’t like negative energy.
“Also, I think everyone is insecure. Sometimes, even the prettiest women look into the mirror and feel something is lacking.”
Nargis confesses that she has no friends in the industry, except for Imtiaz Ali’s assistant director. “She is my best buddy and always ready to help me even during the wee hours. I am happy to have her by my side.”
As for her mantra for life, Nargis says, “Life is like a rollercoaster ride. Those who come to work here should not take ups and downs seriously — get ready for an adventure. You need to be strong, follow your gut feeling and go ahead in life. Success will be yours.”
The actress has her plans laid out. “After Banjo releases, I will be flying to New York to shoot a Hollywood film opposite Raj Kumar Rao. I have also been deputed to write a story for a magazine,” she says.
