Aishwarya Rajesh is all set to make her Bollywood debut with the Arjun Rampal-starrer Daddy. The Tamil actress, who won accolades for her performance in National Award-winning drama Kaaka Muttai, opens up about entering B-Town, her meeting with Arun Gawli's wife Asha (who she plays on screen) and the colour bias down South. Excerpts...

Why did you choose a gangster biopic to make your Bollywood debut?
In South too, I got recognized for my work in offbeat films. I prefer performance-oriented roles to just being a glamour girl. So, Daddy is the kind of film I wanted to make my Bollywood debut with.

So, how did you land the role of Asha Gawli?
They had a completely different cast in mind before they started shooting for the film. But as luck would have it, one of the ADs saw Kaaka Muttai and told Arjun (Rampal) about my performance in the film. Arjun then called up to ask if I could speak Hindi and I replied in the negative. Though Arjun dropped the idea of casting me, the AD sent me a small script and asked me to audition for the role. After my audition, Arjun called to say that he wanted me in the film.

What is the kind of preparation that went into playing Asha Gawli?
Honestly, I had no idea about Arun Gawli or his wife before I was offered the film. But later, I started doing research on her. When Ashim Ahluwalia (director) showed me her pictures, I realised that Asha Gawli is even more powerful than her husband. People were more scared of her than Arun Gawli. I met Gawli's daughters and they felt that I looked perfect for the role. My character arc spans about 40 years in the film, so I've used prosthetic make-up. Also, after working with Arjun, I feel more confident about speaking in Hindi.

Did you get a chance to meet the real Asha Gawli?
I was in for a surprise when I met her, as I was told that she was quite reserved. However, I found her to be quite sophisticated. When I asked her about my performance, she said, 'It was fine. You looked good'.

Do you feel that gangster biopics end up glorifying the gangsters?
We fail to understand that these gangsters have a human side, too. If Arun Gawli is called 'Daddy', there must be a reason for it. The film is all about exploring the individual and his journey rather than glorifying it.

You started your career as a TV anchor before moving on to films. Was TV a stepping stone into movies?
It's not easy to become an actress. When I participated in reality shows, people told me that I could never become an actress. They told me that I am dusky and do not have what it takes to be an actress. In South, people are very obsessed with fair skin. The hero can be dark, but actresses have to be fair-skinned. I did many small-budget films after my TV stint and they all flopped. People were not ready to accept me. It's only after Kaaka Muttai that people started appreciating me.

Do you feel that the situation is different in Bollywood?
People like dusky women in Bollywood, but there is another obsession that is prevalent here - skinny women. You have to be a size-zero to be in Hindi films. I never want to be a size zero and I can't be one as I can't stop eating. Also, you don't get too many opportunities in Bollywood, if you don't come from a film background. Or else, you will have to be an outstanding performer like Kangana Ranaut.

You share your name with another Bollywood actress (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan)...
Yes, I did think of changing my name because of that. Initially, I felt that I will never be remembered as I share my name with someone so beautiful and talented. But now I have given up on the idea.