Bond Girl Caterina Murino, makes Bollywood debut with who her Fever, has worked in three film industries around the world.The doe-eyed beauty is so much more than the femme fatale she plays on screen. An actress who lives life by her own rules, she says in her thick Italian accent, “I cannot survive living in a box.“ She feels that living on the edge is the only way to be. In a chat with Bombay Times, Caterina gets candid about romancing Rajeev Khandelwal, Daniel Craig and the Bollywood actor, she feels, would make the best Indian Bond.

What made you take up a Bollywood film?
Casino Royale made me famous. A few years later, I received an offer from Bollywood, which didn't materialise. And then, I was offered Fever. I have always looked forward to smart scripts and this project has everything an actor would want in a film. It is not a typical commercial project, where I take the money, work for a few days and run away. All of us actors had to use our brains and hearts for this film.

So you think your Bond film helped you clinch this role?
You can say that. When I did the Bond film, I was expecting everything yet nothing. I think that when you expect something, nothing happens. Of course, Bollywood for me was not easy, but after Hollywood, I was keen on exploring other film industries. I wondered how it would be to act in an Indian film, though Fever is not a typical Bollywood movie.

What makes Fever so different?
Well, our director Rajeev Jhaveri has treated it like an international project and not a Bollywood movie. He has made it without so-called 'big stars'. The movie will be released internationally, too. Stars are big here, but outside of India they are all actors. As an actress, I don't want to be acclaimed worldwide, but I want to do a job well. I think my director has done a very smart thing by making a Hindi film outside of India by roping in European actors. We might start a new trend with this film.

In Bollywood, a lot of foreign models are offered item numbers. Did you get approached for any? Do you know what an item number is?
(Laughs!) What is an item number? I know about the song-and-dance routines, but I have no plans of doing an item number. This movie has no scope for it. But yes, I was a little disappointed when I learnt that there was no typical song-and-dance number in this film. What's even funnier is that while Gauahar (Khan) and Rajeev had a great time exploring Switzerland, where the film has been shot, for me, it was just an hour away from home. So, when my friends came to know that I was doing a Bollywood movie, the first thing they asked me was if it is being shot in Mumbai or Jaipur. And I said, 'No, I am shooting in Switzerland.' They turned around and told me, 'Then it's not a Bollywood movie!'

Two Indian actresses are doing Hollywood films this year, while you are doing the opposite...
Just like Indians, generally Italians also feel that going to Hollywood is the most happening thing one could do. But I have done Hollywood films as well, so I shuttle between both the industries. I knew Bollywood is the biggest industry in the world, and it's crazy too. There are temples dedicated to actors. I just wanted to be a tiny little part of that fanfare. Shocking as it may sound, but I am an actress who doesn't think about her career. I am someone who enjoys life and can't be restricted. I believe that those who don't take chances, can't give their heart, soul and emotions to the characters they play. So, experiencing different cultures has made me a better human being and helps me play my characters better. Bollywood is a special journey in life and will always be dear to me.

Rajeev Khandelwal is known to be a shy actor. Was it tough romancing him?
It was not tough romancing him. For all the girls who think Rajeev is very shy, let me tell them... He acts at playing shy (laughs!). I would like to add that he is a good actor. His only problem is that he is terribly married (well, by that I mean happily married.)

Do you feel women are objectified in Bond movies?
Earlier they were, but now they are definitely more powerful as characters. I don't think they are typecast anymore. Barbara Broccoli, who has had a long association with the Bond franchise, made sure that women were as much a part of the story as the hero.

There is a lot of mystery about who will play the next James Bond. Who are you rooting for?
I really want Tom Hiddleston to be the next James Bond. He is such a great actor. He has done theatre. He is suave and he can pull off the role well. He has a great physique and is perfect for the part. I feel he will make the best Bond.

You have mentioned that Rajeev could be the Indian Bond. Any other boys from Bollywood on that list?
(struggles to pronounce the name) Hrithik Roshan! He was so handsome in Jodhaa Akbar. I was blown away by his looks and his talent. But Rajeev is more Bond-like physically. Also, because I know him better. I have seen Rajeev formally dressed while shooting the film, while I have seen Hrithik only in period costumes. So I guess that's why Rajeev will fit the part.

Did you guys indulge in any 'Bond-ing' off the sets?
Of course, we did! We played some blackjack that Rajeev won, which was surprising for me because I'm good at cards, especially Poker. We did a car chase scene in the middle of heavy traffic. I was terrified driving a sports car as it was my first time, and to top it, Rajeev was going at a really high speed and I was following him. After a point, I lost them all. That was not too 'Bond-like' but it was fun.

Hope to drive in Mumbai in your next film?
Well, driving in Mumbai is never going to happen for sure. I just want someone to explain to me why driving in this city is so crazy. On second thoughts, why not? I am physically and mentally strong so maybe I can give it a shot.

Mirror had earlier reported (April 28) that Ayan Mukerji's superhero drama, featuring Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, will kick off in February 2016. Now, we've learnt that RK is going out of his way to ensure that he has a drool-worthy body when he puts on his cape.

A source close to the actor revealed that he has hired the services of a trainer, who goes by the name of Anthony, and who has previously been part of the team that has trained Daniel Craig for Bond movies like Casino Royale and Skyfall.

Says a source close to the development, “Ayan's script requires Ranbir to substantially bulk up but not look beefy. Anthony has been briefed accordingly and he's put RK on a diet which will help him gain muscle mass but not look disproportionately big.“

Ranbir, who has finished Imtiaz Ali's Tamasha, is currently in the midst of filming with his Barfi! director, Anurag Basu. Jagga Jasoos, in which he plays a teenage sleuth, requires him to look lean and lanky. “Anthony has been with him since March and will be travelling with him every where till Ayan's film goes on the floors ealy next year. RK's current exercise regime includes a lot of heavyweights, but they'll be executed systematically as he shoots for Karan Johar's Ae Dil Hai Mushkil through the monsoon,“ the source added.
“He needs to put in at least 10-15 kilos more. The training is already underway,“ the source further said.