Bollywood Zone : Blog, Movies, Celebs

After her debut film Aap Ka Surroor, Hansika Motwani will now be seen in a music video, Ishq Na Karna directed by Divya Khosla Kumar. “I know not many actors would want to do music albums after their first film, but I just couldn’t refuse this one. It’s special. I’m working with the Kumars and it has been a nice experience.” About life post-Aap Ka Surroor, Hansika says, “I’m busy shooting. It’s hectic, but fun. I’m the same person though. Success hasn’t gone to my head.” But when asked about her future projects, the actress prefers to be tight-lipped like an experienced actor. She says, “I can’t say much about the movies I am doing right now; eventually I’ll be able to divulge more details.”

Hanssikaa - yes that’s her official name now - celebrates her birthday today. The girl who will turn 17 hates the concept of parties and partying, and hence she won’t be partying today. Instead, she will spend first hold a prayer and then visit an orphanage. Her mother says that she’s a religious girl. Incidentally, the name change has been ‘prescribed’ by her hero Himesh Reshammiya. “Mom likes it, Himesh knows astrology, and I’m happy with it,” smiles the happy kid with all innocence. Now that’s a unique gift, what say?

Himesh Reshammiya’s teenage heroine Hansika Motwani is slowly and steadily learning the tricks of showbiz. And as a first step she has hired India’s biggest transformation guru Mickey Mehta to get her in shape and to help her have mental and emotional stability to handle stress at a tender age of 16. Ace fitness guru, Mickey Mehta, apart from physical fitness is also training her in communicating with expressive, enchanting eyes and creating a strong magnetic field to attract millions through pictures, posters, films and in person. “The very word ‘Hans’ itself is the embodiment of beauty she is today. At 16 she is one of the most beautiful women in the country and in years to come, when her looks and other maturities set in, she will be one of the stunners on the global scene,” avers Mehta. While Hansika on her part says, “It’s very comforting, great learning and opening up of many dimensions of reality in front of me. This multi-faceted transformation program is unimaginably interesting and a fulfilling experience.”

Those who have watched her as a spunky kid in TV ads and serials were charmed by her impish smile and inherent innocence as the lead actor of Aap kaa Surroor recently. The chrysalis has now emerged as a poised lassie — stunning and successful, to boot. With Aap Kaa Surroor becoming a huge hit, Hansika Motwani has arrived in Bollywood, while Down South, she has been quite a rage for sometime now.

Ask her how it felt acting opposite Himesh Reshammiya, who’s nearly double her age, and Hansika says in that grownup voice, “It was a wonderful experience. God’s been very kind!” But didn’t she feel quite like a kid in front of him? “Do I look like a kid in the movie?” she counters, adding, “I was just playing a character, so I wasn’t Hansika there and people have appreciated my work and my looks.” Try ruffling this diplomatic demeanour with questions like — what about her chemistry with Himesh, and an unruffled Hansika says, “He makes me feel so safe. For a girl that’s really very important because it’s quite a jungle out there in Bollywood.”

Hasn’t she started a bit too early on the career front? “I will be turning 17 next month and I think it’s the right age to start in this arena. It was a chance of a lifetime and I took it. Check out the career graph of Nargis ji, Nutanji, Dimpleji etc. They all started very young and went on to play a long inning,” she says.

What about her studies and missing out on all that fun, frolic and masti of college life? This gets the girl really worked up and she protests, “I am doing my A-grades at Podar International, Mumbai. When I am not shooting, I also hang around in the canteen and the library. The principal has allowed me a flexible routine, due to my shoots. So life is pretty normal. What am I missing?”

And is there love on the horizon, or anyone special hankering after her? Now this superconfident girl is finally tonguetied. After a moment’s hesitation she says, “Right now I am in love with the camera. First, I have to make my mark and complete my education. Love will come later, there’s a lot of time for that.” As she has tasted success with her very first Hindi film, Hansika is rather worried about people expecting too much from her. She confesses, “I am not exactly scared, but yes, I am very cautious now. Everyday I am getting quite a few offers. I have also signed a couple of good films, but I am not supposed to talk about them.”

Her biggest wish in life? “To make my mom very happy. Ours is a single parent family and my mother Mona, who’s a dermatologist, has struggled a lot to bring up both of us (I and my brother) and we want her to remain happy always,” says Hansika.

Is she really 16? That’s the hot topic of discussion in every gossip mag and online chat-room. “No, I’m not. But that’s what everyone thinks. I don’t blame them because, for the past four years, most websites haven’t changed my age! So even though I’m 20 now, people think I’m still 16. But I’m a big girl and am doing my A levels,” clarifies Hansika Motwani, who’s currently in the spotlight for starring with Himesh Reshammiya in the much-hyped Aap Ka Suroor. The film may be her first in Bollywood, but Hansika has previously appeared alongside Allu Arjun in the Telugu flick, Desamudrudu. “I consider myself lucky for having got the best of both worlds. The film industry, unlike what people think, is very warm and cultured,” says the young starlet.

Contrary to popular belief, Hansika feels her entry into the industry at 16 was an advantage. “I believe opportunity knocks only once, so you’d better grab it before someone else does. And my parents were also supportive of my decision to enter films; but I’m also pursuing my studies. So, while most people enter the industry at 21 and start a career, I’ll be much ahead and doing good work at that age,” she says with confidence.

Hansika considers Aap Ka Suroor a prized trophy in her career. Ask her if she was witness to Himesh’s alleged high-handed behaviour, and the actress says with typical PC, “Himesh is humble and sweet; he’s very misunderstood. When we weren’t shooting, I was either interacting with Himesh or listening to my ipod. I loved working on this film.”

She says she got a lot of positive feedback for Aap Ka Suroor. “A lot of people told me they watched the film because they liked me and my smile,” she says, adding that she’s become an expert at handling the media. “I got so many calls after the film and once even gave 15 interviews back-to-back. That was fun,” she laughs.

But did she ever feel left out, considering how Himesh has hogged most of the limelight? “When people go on the Mumbai city tour, all they get to see are my posters. And when people switch on their TVs, it’s our songs they see; it’s Aap Ka Suroor everywhere, so I’ve got my due. Besides, many people from the industry also called to congratulate me,” she says.

Who called her - any biggies? “Sorry, that’s too personal. I can’t mention any of their names.” Wow, two films old and she’s mastered Bollywood-speak already!

‘When did she grow up?’ is the question that hit viewers when they saw Hansika Motwani (appeared as child artiste in the TV show ‘Kyunkii Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’ and the film ‘Koi Mil Gaya’) playing Himesh Reshammiya’s love interest in ‘Aap ka Surroor’.

Also, the curiosity that was built up by keeping her away from the media glare was immense. “Yes, care was taken to keep the female lead under wraps,” confesses Hansika. “I guess it was done simply because had I been questioned about my work before the movie’s release, I wouldn’t have been able to speak much,” explains Hansika.

What’s the secret behind her sudden and noticeable makeover? “I honestly don’t know. People say that I have taken hormone injections or undergone some kind of surgery. It’s really ridiculous to talk like that,” laughs off the new damsel on the block.

Incidentally, Hansika is already a couple of movies old down South, apart from Himesh’s debut flick. “The industry there has some great actors. In fact, they call me ‘golden leg’, simply because they feel I am lucky for them,” smiles Hansika.

While critics may have lashed out at Himesh’s acting skills, Hansika has a different opinion. “More than being a good actor, he is a very good human being. I don’t care what people say about him or his singing. The bottom line is that Himesh has proved himself. I’m nobody to judge him,” states Hansika.

While she claims to be like any other college going teenager and manages her studies via her laptop, acting as a career was always on her mind. “My mom knew that I would be an actor. She kept pushing me and maybe that’s why I am here,” explains Hansika.

The debutante has gained a sizeable fan following. She says, “Just last week, a lady with her child stood outside my door. She had even brought chocolates and flowers along. It was heartwarming.”