'I didn't do it to be a hero'

KANAK HIRANI NAUTIYAL / TNN / Jul 31, 2006, 23:27 IST

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Malini Ramani speaks us about taking a stand on the Jessica Lal case and what keeps her ticking.

Malini Ramani speaks us about taking a stand on the Jessica Lal case and what keeps her ticking.
The rani of style arrives, hair in order and attracting admiring glances. Malini Ramani settles down with her glass of wine, ready to talk. The predictable question about how she likes Bangalore is asked and Malini announces it's the ideal planet.
"Besides having friends from here, where I live in Goa has people from this city.It's called the Bangalore Building and I'm the only one from Delhi; it's great fun," she says.
The last time she was here, was for an Art of Living course, "I'm looking forward to doing the advanced level." It means no drinking, or smoking, but Malini is great at detoxing, "especially if it's for a short span of time.

I also like to surprise people they're all dying to smoke and drink and they're wondering how I'm staying away. So I tell them, 'if I can do it, so can you!'"
Tell Malini to give up anything but fashion. "This year I'm focussing on making money." Which means a move away from her regular stuff. "Usually my clothes are supersexy and skimpy; you can't even put them on a hanger.
I may even think of doing menswear this year..." Designing for Bollywood? "I don't even watch Hindi movies. But with so many designers stepping in, I do think Bollywood is getting a makeover." Style tips for any desi celebs?

"She's already stylish, but what would really suit Preity Zinta is a lowslung skirt, a crisp shirt and pumps." Malini agrees with all the flak stars get for their sartorial style on the red carpet. So no gowns or skirts. "You can't go wrong with a saree and a sexy choli."
The bikini turned 60 this month, and this beach babe raves about the twopiece. "It's an essential in any girl's wardrobe. I have two in my suitcase right now." Work-wise, Malini also plans to focus on bikinis this year, "The bikinis I make aren't for swimming.
But I'm coming out with two kinds for swimming and posing!" There's going to be no time for the pool while she's here, but she is going to do some bartending. "I bartend pretty often at my nightclub in Goa. And I make really good Bloody Marys."
Bartending could be a sensitive topic for Malini, but she's willing to talk about the one incident that changed her life the Jessica Lal murder to which she's a witness. "It's part of my life now. I feel the same way Sabrina feels.
In a way I feel fortunate that I can have a hand a getting justice." Does the fear factor ever kick in? "I'm not scared of dying. I'd be more scared of my conscience. It's important for me to speak the truth."
She's glad everyone stood by her, "I would expect my friends to do the same. I try to be the best person I can. If I can't face myself, I'm going to have a shit life. I didn't do it to be a hero."
Does everyone who speaks their mind or show a bit of bravery become a hero nowadays? "You mean like baby Prince, who was stuck in a pit for hours? How was he calming himself down? I would have had a nervous breakdown!
" Malini says, wide-eyed. She adds, "In everyday life, hundreds of people are being heros. There's an NGO I'm part of that's doing wonderful work." This year, Malini will also sponsor for life an HIV-positive child. Partying, social work, designing how does she do it all? "Balance, darling."

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