She walked into Underground on Wednesday night wearing a black Tee that said ‘movie star’ — a dream model-turned-actress Bidita Bag has nurtured for long. After her Tolly debut in Ichche, Bidita is now taking her first Bolly steps with From Sydney With Love (directed by Prateek Chakravorty) that releases on August 3. A t2 chat...

On the runway or in front of the camera?

I really can’t choose. I will stick to both. See, now filmstars endorse so many brands. They become more like models and since I started my career with modelling, it would be foolish to let go of that. I think I will keep my options open.

Going de-glam vs bare-all glam?

I am a versatile actor and I will be comfortable with both. I have already tried both. I have been in front the camera without a touch of make-up and I have gone for looks where you would not recognise me, I look so different! So I am game for both.

Bong arthouse vs Yash Chopra chiffon sari?

I select my films based on the script. If the script is good I will do the film, whether it’s Bengali arthouse or from the YRF house. Mind you, not all art films are good!

Calcutta vs Mumbai?

I would rather say amar ekta pa Calcutta-ey and ekta pa Bombay-te (I have got one foot in Calcutta and the other in Mumbai).

One thing you miss about Cal in Mumbai?

Oh, I miss so many things! The street food, the tram-bus, the people. And no matter what others say, Calcutta’s weather is much better than Bombay’s. I miss the changing seasons in Calcutta — the kalboishakhi, the pujo smell and, most importantly, winter! Mumbai only has summer and monsoon.

Things from Mumbai you want in Cal?

Its professionalism and time management. Oh yeah, and I really hope the Bengali industry pays as much as Bombay does... at least in the near future. Fingers crossed!

On being Sabya’s girl...

See, Sabyasachi (Mukherjee) has supported me many a times. It is not that I have always featured in his shows or worn his outfits. But whenever I am low on confidence, he is the first person I call. He talks straight and it acts like a stress-buster. Let me put it this way — if I deviate from the track, he gets me back on it.

Your latest buy...

I actually spent quite a bit on my wardrobe recently. Bought a lot of bags, shoes and clothes.

Your wardrobe must-have...

Basic blue jeans and white shirt, an LBD and saris. I love saris and I think I look great in them! I especially love promoting tangail and silks from Bengal.

What would you rather splurge on — travel or fashion?

Fashion keeps changing and I have many designer friends, so I think I would rather splurge on travel and see new places. That’s a passion of mine too.

Bungee jumping vs lounging on a deck chair while holidaying?

Definitely bungee jumping! I haven’t had an opportunity to go out and try adventure sports. But whenever I get an opportunity, I just pack my bags and go off camping and trekking. So lounging around is not my kind of holiday.

Cosying up with a book or a film?

Right now, I would prefer a film, because to read a book you need at least two days whereas a film can say all that in three hours. It’s like a capsule. See, we are so busy that I need to take in as much as possible in as little time. Books need time.

Which is more you — partying out or staying in?

I am not a party person at all. Given a choice, I would rather stay in. By the way, it (Wednesday night) was my first ever partying stint in Calcutta at Underground, that too as part of the promotion of my film.

What’s on your iPod?

I am more into Indian music... that could be Rabindrasangeet, instrumental, classical or Bollywood. But I am a huge Gustavo Santaolalla fan, so I love all his soundtracks. I also listen to a lot of Erik Satie piano pieces and when in the mood, I also trip on psychedelic trance. But right now, I am listening to the tracks of From Sydney With Love on loop because they are too good.