Lisa
Upala KBR (DNA; August 12, 2015)

As Vijayalakshmi in Queen or Ahana in The Shaukeens, Lisa Haydon, has played boho girl to the hilt. But, in Milan Luthria’s Baadshaho, she plays a down-to-earth, rooted character, while Shruti Haasan plays the bohemian character instead. Shooting for the film begins in September and will almost entirely be shot abroad.

Admits Lisa, “I have always wanted to work with Milan. I was to act in one of his productions last year, but it didn’t work out. When he came to me with the role in Badshaaho, I wondered how he thought of casting me in it. But this role is just right for me. In the film, I play a calm person with an amazing energy and I influence people.”

Milan adds, “I have always felt that something has not yet been tapped in Lisa. She plays a very strong character in my next and the responses from people about her casting has been electric! Lisa’s role is her career’s most challenging yet. I’ve always felt that there is this sensuality in Lisa that is very different from that of other actresses. It is something very individual to her. Much before Queen released, I had expressed a desire to work with her and we are both thrilled that it is happening. It’s a contemporary, sensual and yet, a very emotional role. Lisa will soon begin her workshops on the film.”

Milan adds, “I’m almost obsessive where styling is concerned. Lisa will be a delight to dress with the kind of figure and skin tone she has. It’s not an ethnic look. Lisa’s also very proactive and gives her own inputs on her look and styling. She lives very close to my house in South Mumbai, so we meet often to discuss the film and role.”