Q. Do you feel apprehensive about the changes that have overtaken the film industry since you left?
A. No apprehensions at all. Now that I've said yes to Onir I am fully prepared to take the plunge again. Actually, I'm glad to be back at a time when so many different genres of films are being made in Hindi. When I was playing the conventional heroine there was just the commercial and some offbeat cinema, nothing in-between.
Q. In fact, you made your debut with a brilliant commercial film?
A. Yes, J.P. Dutta's 'Hathyar' (1989). But at that time I was just doing what I was asked. To be honest, I wasn't all that involved, nor was I passionate about acting. I was happy with whatever came my way. Today I feel I am far more clued in and emotionally evolved. I think this is the best time to be in the movies.
Q. Is Onir's film going to be the beginning of many other offers?
A. Now that I've stepped into it, I am fully into it. It's time for me to get back into the groove. I am happy to be working again. The film industry has changed completely. The industry is so much organized now. No one can afford to be lazy or disorganized. There are people to take care of everything. Earlier, we had to handle everything from dates to media ourselves. It's more of a team effort now.
Q. But you never stopped being in the limelight!
A. No, that isn't true. I wasn't doing anything in terms of work. I may have been visible but I wasn't doing anything. To be honest, it feels good to be working again.
