For the t2 chat on her Friday release Jomer Raja Dilo Bor, Payel Sarkar turned up in a green bikini blouse and a yellow chiffon sari. Will she be game for a bikini? “No, I am not ready to wear a bikini just as yet. For a bikini body, you need a lot of hard work and a film like Bang Bang!” she says, before getting chatty about the film directed by Abir Sengupta (produced by Anushree Mehta) where she is paired opposite Abir Chatterjee.   

In the trailer of Jomer Raja Dilo Bor, we see you rejecting at least 20 prospective grooms before Abir Chatterjee walks in wearing a topor. In real life are you as choosy about men as your character Riya?
(Laughs) Well, Riya is a writer who hates men and is against marriage. But her mother, like all mothers, wants her to settle down sooner than later. She finally gives in to the pressure and meets Debdas (Abir), who is perfect jamai material, and they get married. Now, coming to your question, no I don’t hate men. I like men, but of course I’m a little choosy when it comes to dating someone and a bit more choosy when it comes to marrying someone. Unfortunately, no matter how much we claim that men and women are equal, it is not so, at least not in our profession. How many heroine-centric films are made, tell me? 

What’s your definition of a perfect man?
I don’t categorise men as perfect or imperfect... maybe someone who’s honest and has the basic values in life. I am very passionate about my work and the man I choose should respect my work and he must respect my parents. I guess that’s it, the definition of Mr Perfect.

Are you open to marrying an actor?  
I haven’t thought about it yet. You can’t shortlist the kind of man you want to marry. You don’t know what is in store for you. So one must not have these reservations. I would like to marry someone whose wavelength matches mine and there’s mutual respect. In the beginning when we fall head over heels in love with someone, we tend to overlook a lot of things. But when you decide to marry that guy, you should not overlook things that you don’t like in him. Dating someone is something, marrying someone is totally different.

As in you won’t marry the guy you will date?
No, no, I can marry him, in fact I would love to settle down with the guy I’m dating. But one should not be blind in love. It’s important and better to think 10 times before tying the knot than getting married and thinking how to get a divorce.

What would be a perfect date like with your dream man? 
I am a movie buff. So we could watch a film in the theatre or stay home and watch a DVD... but not really a mushy rom com. I would rather watch a film from which you can take something back. We may not take the relationship to marriage, but the date should be perfect so that we can cherish the memory later.  

When do you plan to settle down?
Not right now. Honestly, I don’t have anyone in my life right now. I have a few career plans and things are going just fine as far as offers are concerned, touchwood. Marriage will happen when it has to happen. 

You’ve moved out of your parents’ house in Teghoria....
No, no, not at all. I have just rented a flat in Kalikapur and have booked one beside Ruby, which is under construction. Travelling to south from Teghoria is a problem now because I’m working every day. So on weekdays I’m in my flat and on weekends I go back to my parents. By the way, I have a beautiful balcony in my rented flat. 

How to work a bikini blouse:
1. Be natural when you wear a bikini blouse, don’t be self-conscious. 
2. Be careful with the cups of the blouse. They should fit you perfectly, otherwise you will end up looking tacky.
3. Wear a bikini blouse when you are in shape, nobody wants to see fat hanging out from everywhere.
4. Make sure your body is properly waxed.

Kushali Nag
Which actress in Tollywood has a bikini body? 
Tell t2@abp.in