Bipasha won't risk life for any film

Jan 15, 2009 Subhash K Jha

Mumbai, Jan 15 (IANS) Bipasha Basu, who abruptly left the shooting schedule of "Lamhaa" in Kashmir last year, says she left in a huff because a certain security she had been promised wasn't provided at the location.

"Too much was made out of the whole thing. 'Lamhaa' is a difficult film. There was bound to be ups and downs. The producer and director knew why I left. A certain amount of security was promised. The first seven days were absolute chaos - nothing was organised and there was a lack of security.

"Yes, my work is my life. But then I've a life beyond work. I'm not going to risk my life unnecessarily for any film. Who comes to hold your hand when you're in pain? Let's be optimistic," Bipasha told IANS.

Bipasha has now returned to Kashmir to shoot for "Lamhaa", with the assurance from the producer Bunty Walia and director Rahul Dholakia of beefed-up security.

After last year's incident, Bipasha's security is of special concern and her co-star Sanjay Dutt, in fact, proceeded to Kashmir a day ahead of her to ensure the atmosphere is conducive for the actress to resume shooting.

Walia has met a senior police official in Kashmir, who has assured security to the cast and crew while the film is shot.

"This time hopefully we'll shoot without any trouble. Let's be sensible about it. 'Lamhaa' is a sensible film," Bipasha said.

Bipasha has dropped plans of learning the language and behaviour of the local Kashmiri girls.

"It'd be difficult for audiences to follow. At the end of the day we're making a commercial film," she said.

The actress, who starred in last year's first big hit "Race", says she thoroughly enjoyed her cameo in the song "Phir milenge chalte chalte" in "Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi".

"It was like Mumtaz-meets-Sadhana. I loved it! I got a chance to work with Shah Rukh Khan, nothing else matters. Like millions, I had seen him on screen. Then I met him for a show and I was very impressed.

"I didn't do 'Rab Ne...' in the hope of doing a full-length role with Shah Rukh and Aditya Chopra. That one day of shooting with Shah Rukh was memorable. He's the nicest superstar I've ever met and irresistibly charming. This was my chance to dance."

Bipasha hasn't signed any films after Dholakia's "Lamhaa".

"Before that I only have 'Aa Dekhe Zaraa' with Neil Nitin Mukesh. I just don't feel like signing anything until I'm convinced about it. With 'Lamhaa' it was an instant affinity to the role. And I love working with Rahul Dholakia.

"He's fun and funny. We've a strange equation. He looked at me at the start and asked if I am a method actor. I liked that. It showed the director had enough respect in me to first find out what kind of an actress I am," she said.

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