This story is from June 18, 2011

Vedita's not a claim-to-fame girl

Varun Vazir / Mumbai Mirror / Updated: Jun 18, 2011, 12:04 IST

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Vedita Pratap Singh is okay with doing intimate scenes, but does not want to be typecast in only 'bold' roles

With a number of TV commercials in the past; Vedita Pratap Singh is one of the most familiar faces on TV and now she’s all set to hit screens today, with her debut film Bhindi Bazaar.
Though, in the recent times this 24 year old model-turned-actor is in the news for all the wrong reasons.
In an exclusive interview with us, she shares her thoughts & experiences on her debut film Bhendi Bazaar Inc.which features a raunchy scene with co-actor Prashant Narayanan, the unedited version of which has been leaked online.
Excerpts:

You have won a couple of beauty pageants. Were you always inclined towards acting?
I was never keen on doing films; I was always more inclined towards modelling. I never gave serious thought about doing films and I don’t have any godfather in this industry. I have never been very ambitious and I accepted all offers that came my way. Once I did a number of TV commercials, I got more comfortable facing the camera.
What is the film about?

Bhindi Bazaar Inc. is based on the lives of pick-pocketers in Bhindi Bazaar. These pick-pocketers are very ambitious and can even go up to the extent of killing each other to reach their destination. The film reveals the darker side of human beings. Ankush Bhatt (director) also picked a few real life incidents from Bhindi Bazaar.
What is your role in the film?
Well, I play the role of Shabana, who is very ambitious but has grey shades. She is manipulative, selfish and ambitious. She is not a sex worker by profession but her body language and expressions are close to that of a sex worker. For inspiration, I watched Memoirs of a Geisha.
How did you react to the whole incident of your steamy video being leaked?
I heard about this incident on Facebook. Somebody buzzed me saying, “Your love making video is cool”. When I saw the video on www.santabanta.com, I realised that it was the unedited version because the director took my approval before incorporating it in the film. The edited video goes well with the story line and doesn’t look vulgar at all. I did not react for a couple of days, but it soon struck me instantly that it’s a ‘sex video’. I do not want to be known as a for claim-to-fame girl. I hope I do not get typecast with such bold roles.
Don’t you think this incident garnered some much-needed publicity for the film?
I am upset on a personal note. However, this is my debut film and I agree this is good publicity for the film. If it attracts audiences into theatres, then I do not mind.
Reportedly, you have a few intimate scenes with Prashant Narayanan and Pawan Malhotra. How comfortable were you while doing these scenes?
My first day of shooting included love making scenes, which were to be shot at night. I was very nervous throughout the day and apprehensive about the execution, so I walked up to Pawan Malhotra and spoke my heart out. Thankfully, he made me feel very comfortable and told me to be in my character each time I face the camera. I feel once you get comfortable with your co-star; it becomes easier to perform scenes better.
The film has a very strong star cast. How did you manage to showcase your talent?
I feel lucky to share screen space with such brilliant actors. The character of Shabana is an integral part of the story and cannot go unnoticed. I’ve tried creating my own screen space by doing justice to the character.
How was the experience of shooting in Bhindi Bazaar?
I am from Lucknow and I felt Charbagh (Lucknow) and Bhindi Bazaar are quite similar. I was comfortable shooting in Bhindi Bazaar as I am used to such atmosphere. During each shot, thousands of people used to gather around us which used to cause havoc for the production people. But Bhindi Bazaar is like another world in Mumbai.
Any memorable moment from the shoot?
I was shooting a scene with Pavan Malhotra on the streets on Bhindi Bazaar and suddenly people from big storeys began to throw water balloons and empty tins on me. Pawanji was alert and he immediately made me rush inside the building.

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