'My sex appeal lies in ...'

In an up and close interview, Sameera Reddy talks about all that is close to her heart and her plans for Bollywood. From a simple salwar-kameez-clad girl in Maine Dil Tujhko Diya to the sizzling seductress in Musafir, you've come a long way? As far as the clothes are concerned, I am still open to doing roles that require me to don Indian wear. As an actress, yes, you can say that I'm trying to give my best.Acting is a constant learning process and that's what I am doing, learning from experiences. How does it feel to be a part of a prestigious project like the exchange programme with Emma Bunton? I must admit that this has been a month of opportunities for me. First Kaal Purush and then this. Being barely three movies old in Bollywood, it's quite an honour. I am really looking forward to this. I might be starring in either East-enders or Casualty (famous television shows in the UK) as part of the deal and I am sure it will be a great experience. Tell us about your role in Kaal Purush I play a middle-class Bengali housewife, Supriya, who is married to Rahul Bose. She is extremely ruthless and ambitious and has a rebellious streak in her. Totally stripped off glamour, the role is quite opposed to my so-called 'sexy' image in Bollywood. What about your role in Musafir? In Musafir, I play Mahesh Manjrekar's wife. All the characters have some grey shades including mine. She is feeling desperately stuck in a bad marriage. She also has a mysterious touch to her character. From the sultry seductress to a middle-class wife. How was the transformation? It's easier to play a de-glam role as it's closer to real life. It's getting the oomph factor into play that's the difficult part. The role was a challenge not because of the character but because of the language. Being totally alien to the language, getting the right accent was a tough job. How different is working in Tollywood as compared to Bollywood ? In Bengali cinema, your expressions do most of the talking. It requires more concentration. There are numerous long shots involved where even the way you look at something has great significance, whereas in Bollywood, it's all about quick and in-your-face movements. Who is the real Sameera, the sexy siren or the docile childwoman? My sex appeal appeals lies in my confidence. An image is only what the media perceives you to be. People are surprised to find that I am quite an introvert by nature, very homely, and not too outgoing except with my friends. But that doesn't mean I don't enjoy partying. I think I am a mix of both. But, yes, I do have a sensual side. Which are your forthcoming films? I am doing Anees Bazmee's Benaam opposite Ajay Devgan. It's an action-thriller, where I play a girl, who due to certain circumstances gets trapped with Ajay and both are on the run. Apart from this, there are some other offers that I am contemplating including a few from the South.