Rendezvous with Gracy Singh

By Pradeep Kashyap

Grace personified, she won the viewers with her rustic looks and a neat performance as Gauri in Lagaan . Her acting prowess was discovered in the teleserial 'Amanat' where she portrayed the character of Dinki. Actress Gracy Singh in a tete-a-tete' with Indiainfo.com..

So did you want to be an actress?
Not really! However, as a hobby, I use to try for modeling. During that period, I went for the screen test of 'Amanat' (TV serial) and got selected. But I was offered a small role. But, after a point of time they were happy with my performance that I was offered a role of one of the daughters.

So how did Lagaan  happen?
 

I was introduced to Ashutosh and later on I went for the screen test. I was very during the test. They asked me to do a classical dance at the time of screen test. At the final screen test even Aamir Khan was present and I was again very nervous. After the test, say about 2 weeks later, I received a call from Ashutosh and he told me that I was selected.

So what was you reaction?
That I can't express in words. First of all, I could not believe that I was selected. But it was a fact! (smiles).

How does it feel that your first film, Lagaan  is India's official entry to the Oscars?
Great! Lagaan  will always remain close to my heart and I am thrilled that it is a part of Oscars.

How do you identify with the character of Gauri in Lagaan ?
There is no identification as such with the character. I am totally different from Gauri. But I never faced any problem playing this character.

Why is that you have very few films on hand despite the fact that Lagaan  was a huge hit?
I have been offered lots of projects, but they are not up to the mark. None of the characters appeal to me.

But you have signed a South film?
Yeah! The story appealed to me very much. On the other hand the film stars Nagarjuna and Prabhu Deva as the leading men and the makers are very much professional. I would rather do a south project than doing small Hindi films.

So what are the films you are doing at the moment?
At the moment I am doing only two films. One with Anil Kapoor, which will be directed by Satish Kaushik, Hum Bhi Khush Tum Bhi Khush . I am also doing a film for Tusshar Kapoor, which is a remake of Telugu hit Badri  and the film also stars Amrita Arora. I have also been signed to do a film for Pahlaj Nihalani.

What is your criterion for selecting roles?
Of course! Story. The story has to be entertaining. Than I go for the director.

That means you are not interested in art films?
No. I don't want to get bored. These kinds of films are okay for the awards but I am not much into the awards.

Lastly, what about the small screen?
At the moment, I don't want to work for Television. I want to concentrate fully on the movies.

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