Claudia Ciesla may want to bury her pin-up past but Rituparna Sengupta is in dare-bare mood. Tollywood’s leading lady is out to quench in Trishna, inspired by the John-Bipasha-starrer Jism.

t2 caught up with the skimpily-clad Rituparna, uncensored...

Are you doing a Bipasha Basu in Trishna?

No, not at all. I am not Bipasha Basu. She did Jism at the beginning of her career. She has got a sexy image for herself, while I have portrayed various roles so far. I am not just a sexy and glamorous heroine. That’s not my identity. Plus, our acting styles are very different. That’s why Pritamda (Jalan) offered me the role of Piyasha. I have proved myself in Tollywood. I have done an out-and-out commercial film like Sasurbari Zindabad alongside Paromitar Ekdin.... Trishna is a sensuous yet sensible film. It’s about Piyasha, who is full of desires, sorrows, joy but she is lonely too.

Will you expose more or less than Bipasha?

I am doing my own thing. Bipasha isn’t there on my mind at all. I will do whatever I am comfortable with.... Trishna isn’t a remake of Jism. I can’t reveal the story. It’s a thriller and I can bet that it will set a new trend in Tollywood. There’s a new me in the film. I am sporting a very different look with curly hair and smoky eyes.

But you have shot for a seaside sequence, just like Jism...

Yes I have. It’s a beautiful scene where the colour of the sky matches my dress and my eyes. It’s a lovely scene but it’s not Jism.

Why did you take up a film with lots of steamy scenes?

When Pritamda offered me Trishna, we sat and discussed not just my role but everything about the film. From costumes to hair, make-up, music and also how the numerous steamy scenes could be shot aesthetically and not end up looking vulgar. I wanted to offer something different to the audience. I want to look glamorous in my films now. But I would also like to strike a balance. That’s why I am doing Tarun Majumdar’s next film.

Is there a lot of skin show in Trishna?

I am wearing very short dresses.... Short denim pants, very short skirts, a two-piece bikini and a sarong. Fashion designer Suchismita has done the costumes. Basically, the idea is to look different and portray a character that’s very different.... See, we are icons. People idolise us and we have to offer variety. And why Trishna alone? I have also done Chaturanga where I am Damini, a very sensuous woman with lots of desires.

Any particular scene you were not comfortable with?

Yes, I said no to a liplock scene. I am not comfortable with it. But I had some intimate scenes with Angshuman, who’s opposite me in the film. He’s a newcomer and was shy initially when we were doing the intimate scenes. I was a little shy too. But then we got along well. We had to overcome our inhibitions for the sake of the film.

What’s the boldest thing you’ve done in Trishna?

That’s a secret. The beach sequence is the boldest!

What kind of reaction are you expecting from friends and fans?

I hope it’s positive. I am optimistic. I would honour their opinion but I hope they don’t judge me as Rituparna Sengupta but as Piyasha.

Who’s sexier — Claudia or Rituparna? Tell t2@abpmail.com