'I'll have to put on weight for doing south Indian films'

Tena Desae has been out and about in Bollywood for sometime now. Though she started her career with a lesser known film 'Yeh Faasley', nevertheless, she has gone on to do a Hollywood film — 'The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel' (TBMH) slowly carving a niche for herself. The actor, who has just returned from a schedule in Fiji for her upcoming film 'Table 21' is all praise for the place.
Talking about it, an excited Tena says, “Fiji has a strong Indian influence, you don’t feel like you are abroad. I was surprised as I wasn’t aware that its history has Indian touch,” and goes on to add. “Their food is Indian so I didn’t miss Indian food though I was away from home. People there had seen TBMH and it gave me a sense of familiarity which was comforting.” Though what amused Tena the most was the changing colour of the sea which seemed to assume a different shade every five minutes.
Having shared her experience of Fiji, Tena remains tight lipped about Table 21, divulging as little information as, “the subject will give away the story”. And, it’s a thriller where the three characters played by Rajeev Khandelwal, Paresh Rawal and her are playing a game.
Tena definitely had a good time working with her two co-actors as she couldn’t stop praising them, “Rajeev is an incredible actor — effortless and intense,” she says going on to add, “Paresh Rawal doesn’t even need to be funny, just the way he conducts himself and his body language makes you crack up.”
Quiz Tena on the difference between working in Hollywood and Bollywood and the pretty lass replies, “It’s hard to generalize but part of the difference lies in language. The style of working of the directors also varies.” But does it bother the actor that her earlier films haven’t done well. “Not at all! In fact, I learnt so much working with Anupam Kher in Yeh Faasley that I believe, that’s what got me the role in TBMH. Working in it I gained confidence and experience, in a selfish sort of a way, I am happy that I did Yeh Faasley. And, Sahi Bande Galat Dhande — I think the releasing time wasn’t right,” says Tena.
And as far as films go, language is not going to bar Tena from trying out in different industries. “I am open to doing films in any language. All that I will want is a good team to be associated with a good film. But I guess I will have to put on some weight before I try my luck in south films,” says Tena who had been approached for a few films that never worked out.