Before we could reach The Park for the shoot with Bidita Bag on Saturday, the model-turned-actress had checked in, unpacked, sorted out her clothes and accessories, made herself a cup of green tea and settled down for make-up. Soon, she would iron her clothes too. Yes, there is a lot to learn from the Santragachhi girl, who once modelled for fashion designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee. In town to shoot a short film by Anand Murthy, Bidita chatted with t2 about her life in B’wood and being Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s co-star in Babumoshai Bandookbaaz...

Were you in two minds before signing Babumoshai Bandookbaaz considering the controversy it went through (Chitrangda Singh, who Bidita replaced, walked out after a rift with director Kushan Nandy over an intimate scene with Nawazuddin Siddiqui. Earlier, shooting had to be stalled in Bengal, after which the film was shifted to UP)?

Even I don’t know know why I signed the film! Actually, the past doesn’t matter. None of my films has had a smooth ride. Ichche (by Shiboprosad Mukhopadhyay and Nandita Roy) was lying in the cans for four years after the shoot. I have seen whenever I’ve come on board, the project has finally taken off! (LOL) They had shot around 55 per cent when I joined. It would most probably release by the end of this year or next year. 

The intimate scenes have turned out well. We wrapped up the scene in 30 minutes. Both Nawaz and I were comfortable. The scene is very bold, but the allegations that have been levied against the director (by Chitrangda Singh) cannot be true.... They were in talks with a lot of people for the role and a lot of them had auditioned. Anurag Kashyap and some more people had recommended my name.

What do you play in Babumoshai Bandookbaaz?

I play a cobbler from UP. None of the characters in the film are your regular characters. The film is about a contract killer. Nawaz plays the title role and I am his love interest. 

How was it working with Nawazuddin Siddiqui?

I have been following his work for a long time now and I admire his work. I think I was destined to work with him. I turned down Gangs of Wasseypur. I don’t regret it because I wouldn’t have been able to pull it off then. The role that Reemma Sen did eventually. It was a difficult character. I said no for the bold scenes. What would my parents think? Plus, I was endorsing Fair & Lovely at that point and they were supposed to show me as a dusky girl. 

But it would have been a huge boost for you career!

Yeah. The struggle would have lessened. Then I was also shortlisted for Manjhi — The Mountain Man for Dashrath Manjhi’s wife’s role. Coming back to Nawaz, he is fabulous, very chilled out. Success hasn’t gone to his head. He would crack jokes on the set. He would say, ‘Why are you calling me sir? You can call me whatever, but not sir. I am losing my comfort level’. A mutual liking developed, a certain chemistry. I have the best chemistry with Nawaz! Most of the scenes were one-take ok. My approach was completely different from Chitrangda’s. Scene puro paltey diyechhi. (Laughs) They were very happy. I had 15 days of shoot. 

So, this time you didn’t have any inhibitions about the bold scene? 

I didn’t have any inhibitions, but it wasn’t bold in the sense of frontal nudity. Yes, there is kissing and smooching… it is a very nice, romantic scene. Nudity alone doesn’t comprise boldness. My character too is very bold. 

What has changed in you from the time you turned down Gangs of Wasseypur?

I have evolved as an individual. I have done a number of art films in between, travelled to nooks and corners of India, observed life closely. I have matured. My parents are also a lot more supportive now. Mindsets have changed. Earlier kissing was a big deal. Now, it’s there in almost every film. 

You have been in Mumbai for seven years now. Are you happy with the way your career is shaping up?

I’ll tell you something. I will be a star! Hobboi! That’s my dream. Yes, it’s been a little slow. I would have liked to make a name for myself a little taratari. I haven’t done mindless films yet. I haven’t worked for money yet. I was in Mumbai at the right time. Had success come earlier, I wouldn’t have been able to handle it. Now, I am far more stable. I was very emotional and would get affected by external factors very easily. Now I don’t let my emotions control my decisions. I have found out a good way to deal with depression. People relish their depression and they like saying that they are depressed. I can hold on to my happiness. You have to have patience and practise being happy. I sing sometimes. Workouts give you a lot of positive energy. I like cooking something different every day. I like listening to Sadhguru (founder of Isha Foundation). He is very intelligent.

What is Dear Dad (working title for the short film) about?

It’s a short, bilingual film by Tamil filmmaker Anand Murthy. It’s a story about prostitutes and the circumstances that have led them to prostitution. I play a reporter. Sai Dhanshika, who stars in Kabali with Rajinikanth, is my co-star. We are shooting in Calcutta and Chennai. 

You now have your own flat and car in Mumbai. What is the mantra to stick it out? 

Savings is a must. I think I am one of those models to have shot the maximum number of ad campaigns. That has also helped, but I have had to audition too. You have to learn how to take rejection, boss. Amake chhelerao koto reject korechhe! Boys I liked, didn’t like me! It hurt me, but you have to deal with it. 

Are you in a relationship?

No… I am looking for a boy, but now I am so busy that I probably won’t have the time to date… but I don’t mind a relationship! 

And your dream man would be…

After so many rejections… whoever will smile and talk! I don’t have too many demands… just someone who would tolerate me and my craziness a little. My parents have a long list of qualities they want in their son-in-law which they are not finding in anyone!

What would you sing for him?

Je gaan tomay aami sonate cheyechhi. 

BIDITA’S TIPS FOR A NEWCOMER 

Be self-sufficient. I do everything on my own in Mumbai — from driving to cooking to cleaning. My parents have brought me up like that. I know Photoshop and editing too. I can edit a film. And when my co-actors get nervous, I become their counsellor too! 

Put your ego aside. 

Love yourself, but love others too.  

Aim to learn something new every day.