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Unlike many of her contemporaries, actor Perizaad Zorabian has been extremely selective about her films. Despite doing fewer films, therefore, she has been able to deliver some fine performances in films like Jogger’s Park and Morning Raga.

In the city to inaugurate a craft store, Perizaad looked as lively and energetic as ever. Talking about the fact of being choosy, she says, “I have always wanted to do movies I can relate to. The choices here are to either get typecast in a particular role, or to carve a niche for one’s self. Of course, being selective can be good or bad. But, I have been lucky to get good roles in my career.”

Perizaad has worked with many major actors and, in fact, she gives the entire credit for her success to her seniors. “I have always worked with seasoned actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Shabana Azmi and Victor Banerjee. So, when you are paired with strong actors, your performance automatically improves. I have been very lucky to work with such great co-stars,” says she.

The actor is said to have backed out of the Indo-US project titled When Kiran Met Karen, a film in which she was supposed to play the lesbian protagonist. Did she develop cold feet? “I had read the script, and agreed to do the movie. It’s a very brave film, and not sleazy at all. But, when you are someone’s wife and a daughter-inlaw, you are answerable to the family. So, I had to refuse. Although I would have loved to do the film, I don’t have any regrets,” she says. Besides, she has given a miss to Sanjay Gupta’s Alibaug as well. “I wanted to do the movie. But, Sanjay wanted me to give him bulk dates of 60 days, which was not possible in my present condition,” she informs.

What does she imply by her “present condition”? The lady is expecting a child very soon, which possibly explains the unmistakable glow on her face. However, that does that mean that the actor has opted for complete rest. Instead, she says, “I’m working hard. I have started working with my father in our poultry business. The transition, from being an actor to a businesswoman, came naturally to me. As it is an expanding industry, it is a challenging job. And, it’s a very real world unlike acting, where I am treated like a queen,” she observes.

A boy or a girl: which thought excites her more? “I would love to have a girl like a doll, so that I can dress her up in little dresses,” she says, adding, “but, more than that, I want a healthy baby. I just want to be a good parent.” Now, that’s one role she’d definitely love the most.

“I’m so excited about this new film I’m doing in which I play a lesbian. It’s such a challenging role!” gushed actor Perizaad Zorabian a few weeks ago as she readied herself to play the protagonist Kiran in the Indo-US project When Kiran Met Karen. Today, Perizaad has a different story to tell.

“I have chosen to step back from the project because of my own personal inhibitions about playing the character of a lesbian and for no other reason,” admits Perizaad, who says that the decision to not do the film was the hardest decision she has ever had to take. “I did what is right for the film. It truly is a very brave film. It would be unfair to the script, character as well as the director to have an actor play Kiran half-heartedley. Kiran is a fantastic role for any actor who has the courage to think with an open mind,” she says.

Speaking to BT from New Jersey, director Manan Katohora says that he holds absolutely no grudges against Perizaad for backing out of the project. “She is a brilliant actor and a wonderful person. Although I would have loved for her to be a part of the film, I respect and understand her decision. I guess, past Bollywood films dealing with lesbianism like Girlfriend have scared many actors off,” says Manan.

One such actor is Amrita Arora who played a lesbian in the film Girlfriend. “I was not happy with the way the film ultimately shaped up. It was meant to deal with the issue with sensitivity, but it turned out to be a film to titillate the masses,” says Amrita, for whom the film is still a sore issue.

According to film trade analyst Indu Mirani, very often, smaller stars are apprehensive about doing such ‘different’ films because of the type of films we have seen in the past. “Films like Girlfriend and Men Not Allowed have dealt with the subject very crudely which makes such subjects very unappealing to newcomers,” opines Indu, who adds that on the other hand, progressive films like Fire and My Brother Nikhil made by good directors will attract bigger stars.

Whether a big star or a relatively new actor, it is ultimately the way the character is portrayed that matters, says trade analyst Taran Adarsh. “It is the entire package, the script, the banner, the director that determines how a film and performance – lesbian or straight – is appreciated. I don’t think smaller stars should shy away from experimenting with such subjects,” he says.

After Ek Ajnabee, the only time one heard about Perizaad Zorabian was when news of her relation ship with Boman Irani, a medical professional broke out. Currently shooting for Kabhi Up Kabhi Down, she promises to make up for her absence with diverse roles in her couple of films releasing this year.

Which Hollywood or literary character would you like to play?
Audrey Hepburn’s in My Fair Lady. In fact, all the characters she’s played.

What is your pet name?
PeeZee.

If you had not been an actor?
A murgiwali with a great pay-packet.

Favourite Hindi movie dialogue?
“Main tumhaare bachche ki maa bannne wali hoon.” (laughs).

Your foot-in-mouth moment…
Many times. Once I asked Shabana Azmi how come she’s not won the National Award not knowing that she had already won 5. Once I asked Raghavendra Rao why he didn’t make films not knowing he’s made about 100 of them.

One thing you definitely want to do before you die
Go back-packing to a place where I don’t know the language and test my survival instincts.

Pet peeve
That I don’t look Indian enough.

Your prized possession
My collection of books.

What song do you hum when happy?
My Mother Mary novena Book from St. Michael’s Church, which I have for as long as I can remember.

Your forthcoming films?
Highway 203, Salaam-E-Ishq and Kabhi Up Kabhi Down, where I have diverse roles.

Father’s day is approaching soon, and guess who’s been out shopping for her daddy dearest? The one and only ever-effervescent Perizaad Zorabian. The occasion also happened to be perfectly in tune with Lacoste’s decision to unveil its new Spring Summer collection range themed as ‘Soho’ for men and ‘St. Tropez’ for women.

She dropped by the store and picked up a striped polo shirt as a gift for her father. Said Perizaad, “My father is one of the most perfect men I know and Father’s Day is the perfect occasion to express my love for him. A polo from Lacoste’s new colourful collection is the perfect gift for him. I am certain he will be delighted with this gift.”

Father taken care of, she went ahead and bought a few pieces for her mother and sister from the new collection for ladies titled ‘St. Tropez’ that draws inspiration from St. Tropez, a beautiful holidaying place along the sea in France, famous for its beaches, trees, deep blue waters and sunsets. “I really like the range as it’s quite sensual and feminine. The stretch material is perfect for a sensual fit,” said the actor, impressed by the collection. As she walked out of the store, bags in hand, she turned back and gave one of her dazzling smiles to bid adieu. “Shopping sure is a good stress buster,” she winked and left.