Sangeeta Yadav (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 29, 2020)

Stationed far away in Los Angeles, USA amid the lockdown, Nargis Fakhri is “alone but certainly not lonely”. Thanks to the internet that has made long-distance short.

“It wouldn’t matter where I am. I’m alone here and would have been alone (in India), too. I’m grateful for the internet that enables me to connect with everyone,” she says.

New projects were set to start for the actor, but like all others, Fakhri’s work life, too, has halted. “A few events and shoots have got cancelled. But that’s okay. Health is more important,” says Fakhri, who plans to visit India once the Coronavirus threat is over.

Fakhri, 40, believes “there’s more to my life than just acting.” She adds, “I’ve been on a spiritual sabbatical, prioritising my health. I’m enjoying getting to know myself.”

Fakhri is also spending this time thinking about “the next chapter” of her life. “I do miss working in Bollywood and would love to keep doing films, but work-life balance is very important,” she says.

Reflecting on the current scenario, she feels everything is temporary. “Security is an illusion. It’s important to be able to adapt to circumstances. We take the most important things for granted. But now, it’s back to basics,” she says.

For those who’re taking the pandemic lightly, Fakhri has a word of caution. “Following these rules is a matter of life or death. If a country succeeds in reducing the infection rate, we must follow them,” she urges.

Nargis, who makes her singing debut, says will sing whether she is appreciated or not
Soumya Vajpayee Tiwari (MID-DAY; June 21, 2017)

After a busy 2016 which saw four of her films hit the marquee, Nargis Fakhri has had a rather pale 2017 with no films to her credit. However, the Rockstar (2011) actress has managed to hit headlines nonetheless, albeit for reasons other than her Bollywood commitments. Nargis has joined the growling league of B-Townies who’ve put their singing prowess to test. Her debut single pairs her with Punjabi singer Parichay and Canadian rapper Kardinal Offishall.

Talking about the track, titled Habitaan Vigaad Di, Nargis says, “When I heard the song, I was intrigued by its pace. Parichay and I decided to take it forward. To give it an East-meets-West flavour, we also got Offishall on board. We had a lot of fun shooting the video.”

Nargis admits that though she isn’t versed with the music industry, she is keen to hone her singing skills. “It (singing) sparked something in me. I’m thinking of taking some singing lessons. I also want to continue
learning the guitar, which I picked up during Rockstar. I can only play three songs on it, though.”

The industry hasn’t been kind to actors who’ve tried their hand at singing, but Nargis doesn’t fear criticism. “I’ve been criticised since I entered the industry; you guys turned me into steel. So, I don’t fear it, because criticism makes you stronger and thick-skinned.” She admits that despite spending six years in the industry, she hasn’t found a foothold. “It always seems to be a struggle [to make a name in Bollywood]. But I feel comfortable in India. I love coming back to the country,” she says, acknowledging that she’s appreciated more for her looks than her acting chops. “But I don’t mind that. You have to play to your strengths. If glamour is mine, so be it.”

Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 5, 2016)

Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; September 22, 2016)

Nargis Fakhri gets candid about her humble beginnings
Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; September 12, 2016)


Today, she plays a musician in Banjo. Times have changed, but she hasn’t, she affirms. “The only thing that stardom taught me was that I never want to be poor again (laughs). And to keep working and bust my ass. It also taught me that I was happier when I was poor. Isn’t that ironic? But seriously, that’s true!”

She explains, “You have less pressure. And when you struggle in life, you think about everyday things — stuff that you need to struggle for every moment. You don’t really have time to think about stupid things and get depressed. You are working hard to be better, make more money, to educate yourself. I had more goals then, so I guess I should make new goals now. But still, I’m not someone who needs too many things. I only need food and a place to sleep.”

And there’s something she just can’t stop doing. She admits, “Oh yes, I love to travel. But I can travel low-budget. I’m cool. It doesn’t need to be fancy. I can go and take economy flights.” Attagirl!

But Nargis Fakhri still categorically denies dating actor-producer Uday Chopra
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; September 7, 2016)

Nargis Fakhri is not one to pull her punches, unlike most celebrities who prefer to be diplomatic. "I'd rather be honest and blunt rather than fake things. Opinions and criticism don't bother me. I feel most people don't know what they are talking about; they just follow the herd mentality," the actress starts off a conversation while in the midst of promotions for her next, 'Banjo'. Prod her on her off/on relationship with actor-turned-producer Uday Chopra and she is quick to say, "I am glad that Uday always keeps me in the news. We often laugh about everything that's written about us. I am repeating myself: Uday and I aren't dating each other. But he will always remain a part of my life. I have very few friends in India and I feel fortunate that he's one of them."

Even after five years in the industry, Nargis says she still feels like an outsider. "People behaved strangely after Rockstar (2011). I received a lot of criticism, but it didn't bother me. I am sure I have done well for myself because I am still doing films and people are interested in casting me," she laughs.

Ask her why she hasn't been able to find friends in B-Town and she takes a deep breath as she says, "I am friendly to everyone I have worked with, but it takes two to tango. Friendship is a two-way thing and if someone is not interested, I don't think they deserve my attention." She cheekily adds, "I am very boring. I often get invited for parties but I never attend them. I don't enjoy partying. I am an early sleeper so I'd rather be off to bed than be at a party. I don't think after reading this, anyone would be interested in me!"

Nargis Fakhri on films, her leave of absence, relationships and her sense of humour
Upala KBR (DNA; August 24, 2016)


What’s your next film Banjo about?
I love the story. I play a musician from New York. It’s a love story and yet it’s not.

In Banjo, you are the only leading lady. Do you battle insecurity when you do a two or three-heroine project?
People always ask me that question but no, I don’t understand that because I am a part of the film as well so it doesn’t matter. They are paying me. I am getting a paycheque for my role and I am getting to be on screen and looking as good as everybody else so how does it matter whether I am the only one or the film has other actresses?

You left the country because you were unwell. What was wrong?
When I came here, I had arsenic and lead poisoning and no one knew what was wrong with me. It can happen in many ways — it could be in the water, food, rusted lead pipes in an old building… The doctor tested me, but he was so scared because it was at a very high level and I asked him ‘What do I do?’ Then I cured myself. Ayurveda is based on naturopathy, herbs basically but it was a combination of different things that I researched and six months later I got the test done again and there was nothing! The doctor was like ‘Oh, my God! How did you do this?’ And I said I will tell you when I see you (laughs).

That’s how you discovered naturopathy?
It was also because that’s how my mom got cured. When she had breast cancer, she had fibroids and they wanted to cut her uterus out. But she found herbs and took them for six months. I remember seeing all these herbal stuff and tinctures around her as a kid. Within six months, all the fibroids were gone and the doctor was asking how she managed to do it. So already then if a doctor’s asking, ‘How did you cure yourself’? Then something’s wrong with the modern medical system, right? I truly believe we should know our own bodies and learn these things in school.

Any plans of marriage?
I am not into marriage. You look at all the marriages breaking down and all the people cheating on their marriages and you become cynical. Marriage is nothing but a label. Or when someone wants to have half of the assets of one’s spouse, but I have my own assets. I don’t need anyone else’s. I am an independent, educated woman, I make my own money, take care of my mom and I am single so I can do whatever I want, taking no one’s permission and that is the best part.

Do you get into trouble for your sense of humour sometimes?
Yes, here I do, as you may have seen.

You have that kind of humour and persona to be a standup comedian…
It would be nice to do a live show although it would be scary to get on stage. I have stage fright by the way… I know I seem so confident and out there, but it’s a lie. It’s the mask I have to put on before facing the world. On stage I get very nervous, sweating, have heart palpitations, diarrhea and I even have vomited a few times, can’t breathe – everything that you can think of. Maybe some day I will get over it… Who knows?

Rihanna or Beyoncé — who would you love to dance on stage with?
It would have to be Rihanna for sure because I love her though I don’t know why… Though her music scares me and her videos are a bit much, for some reason I really like her.

You like travelling?
Yes. It’s my first love. I think my last holiday was last year… It was so long back that I can’t even remember… It was sometime in July that I had gone to the northern part of the UK where I had stayed in a tree house. It was only for four days… How sad! I hope this will be longer. I have friends in Greece so maybe I will visit them too. Greece is beautiful. I lived in Greece for four months and then I would visit every year as I made so many friends there. I am very smart. You make friends in every country you always have a home to stay.

Nargis Fakhri on the city she calls incomparable, beautiful and uniquely flavoured
Upala KBR (DNA; August 2, 2016)


That first night
“I first came to Mumbai for my debut in Rockstar in 2010. That first night I landed, I got to the hotel very late. I was severely jet-lagged and couldn’t sleep. I just stared out of the window until the sun came up and was surprised to see what I did — a city that was asleep when I arrived. I had woken up to become something, I’d never seen before. I know many say Mumbai is like NYC, but I beg to differ. There were so many people, cars and things on the streets. Vegetable vendors, bulls pulling carts, people yelling and selling things and loads more. I was so overwhelmed by the sight, I didn’t leave my room for more than 24 hours.”

The next day
“The following day I built up the courage to go downstairs and look for a place to get a SIM card. It was as overwhelming as looking at the streets from my window. I was going to turn back, after walking around and looking lost, when someone asked if I needed some help. He escorted me to get a SIM card and even used his ID to get it for me because I wasn’t allowed to get one. It was a very sweet gesture which really calmed me down and made me realise how beautiful the soul of the people in this city is.”

Learning to love
“It took me some time to enjoy the city. As I came to Mumbai with work already in hand and didn’t have so much time to explore in the beginning. I was sort of in a bubble, just going to work and back to the space I was staying. I did take my time to develop my love for Mumbai. I came alone, so my discovery and learning process was by trial-and-error. Now, I have a similar feeling for Mumbai that I have for my hometown, New York City. I have made a few friends. I know no matter what I can call them and they can call me and if I don’t see them for ages, I’m sure we can pick up where we left off.”

Why I love Mumbai
"I love many things about Mumbai, but what I love most is the fact that you can call for almost anything you want at anytime of the day! I definitely love the food options and variety we have in Mumbai. I don’t eat out much but I do enjoy Suzette’s and Salt Water Café and also, Pizza Metro Pizza. Mumbai sure has great food options, and it’s hard to pick a few.

I like that I actually feel safe in Mumbai. When I was here during the monsoons, I enjoyed listening to the rain and watching it fall outside my window but when I had to travel or go outside, it was quite a messy affair. Dressing to suit the season did take some getting used to."

But..
“I will always love New York City, no matter what. I have traveled all over the world and find NYC to be the city with everything and every type of person squeezed into the five boroughs. People come from all over the world and that’s what makes it exciting. I have always felt NYC is not really apart of USA — it’s its own special place.”

If I had to compare...
“There are some comparisons I can make between NYC and Mumbai. NYC has a great public transportation system — I have my BMW, which stands for Bus, MetroCard and Walking! It has the best shopping in the world, especially during sale time! You can get some great stuff for so cheap! You just got to know where to look. NYC is the best walking city! I love that I can walk from China Town to Central Park and you can see the difference in neighborhoods as you walk.”

Never change, Mumbai!
“I don’t think I would change anything about Mumbai. Because Mumbai is special. I believe that the way the city is, is the beauty of it. Why do we travel? To see and experience the different places, their feel and functioning, right? Mumbai has its own flavour and can’t really be compared to any city, and that’s a great thing. We have to embrace Mumbai and its beauty.”

Nargis Fakhri wants to take time out for auditions, but do Bollywood films as well
Upala KBR (DNA; June 23, 2016)


Says Nargis, “My Hollywood career happened by accident. Like Rockstar just happened to me. I have been lucky to get such great breaks. I get a film (Spy) with one of the best directors in Hollywood and lovely character to start off with, it was a blockbuster summer hit. Who could ask for anything better? For Spy, Paul told me it was a small role and I was busy, but I was like ‘Hello, you are Paul Fieg and duhhh! I would be honoured to work with you’. Paul’s very shy, so he laughed. Then I did it. I am happy.”

She continues, “I would like to pursue my Hollywood career further. I have got some offers for audition opportunities but unfortunately, there were four Bollywood films to complete at that time. I don’t know let’s see… Maybe when Banjo comes out, I will take time out and go back home and then maybe do some auditions. I don’t want to leave Bollywood forever as I enjoy it too much but if I can do half-and-half, it would be a blessing. I think you just have to have patience and passion for the right opportunity to come to you because it takes a long time in any career.”

Nargis Fakhri on her quirky humour, what’s kept her from doing a standup show and how she was never part of any clique
Upala KBR (DNA; June 6, 2016)


Nargis says she would like to call her standup show, These People. “I have already sent the concept to someone saying that I would love to do a show called that. I find human psychology very interesting. I love Russell Peters and I would watch him often because when I first came to India, I didn’t understand the culture. Watching Russell Peters (he was born Indian, but was raised in Toronto) who was able to make jokes a cultural thing and because he was so western, I could relate to him and what he was saying and just laugh at everything instead of being confused. Like okay, ‘Haha! It’s cultural’. I think I could probably do a good stand-up back home, similar to his kind of humour.”

What’s kept her away this far, she adds, “is stage fright, which I have… I know I seem confident and outgoing, but it’s a lie. It’s a mask I have to put on before facing the world. On stage, I get very nervous, I sweat, have palpitations, diarrhoea and have even vomitted a few times, I can’t breathe. Someday I will get over it… Who knows?”

The actress admits that her quirky sense of humour has often got her into trouble, especially in India. But she tells us that it wasn’t always that way. “Lot of people made fun of me when I was growing up in New York, so I developed a sense of humour. Kids are mean when they are young. I was chubby then and couldn’t dance well, so everyone made fun of me. Now I can tell people ‘Look at me! I can dance! Screw everyone!’”

She continues, “I was always the outsider. I never wanted to be part of gangs and groups and cliques. I was always everyone’s friend but no one’s friend. Also, when kids started drinking, I didn’t like to get involved, so that’s another thing that pushed me away from people. I spent a lot of time alone and that’s when I developed my sense of humour. It may seem cool now, but as a kid, it’s not, because then you are struggling and sad, thinking that you are all alone.”

The fun and quirky Nargis Fakhri says she isn’t attracted to cricketers, co-stars or close friends... just yet
Upala KBR (DNA; May 2, 2016)


Have you met the real-life Mohammad Azharuddin?
I met him a couple of times. He’s a very nice person. We talked about regular things, nothing about the film or his life. I haven’t met Sangeeta Bijlani or Naureen. He is the only person I have met who is connected to the film. I didn’t take any inputs from him. We spoke about Hyderabad, the history of the city and the forts there as I love history.

What made you accept this role?
I enjoy watching documentaries and biopics, so I found the script interesting. I like to gain knowledge and learn about things that happened in history. I always joke that we humans are nosy because we like to know about other people’s business and their personal lives. Azhar was interesting to me because I didn’t know anything about him and when people would tell me stories about him, there was so much emotion attached to it. I found it interesting that after all these years, people were still so emotional about what had happened. So for me, to know that it was a true story based on events in this great cricketing icon’s life, made it really interesting and I wanted to be a part of it.

What fascinated you about Sangeeta’s character?
The glam factor. She’s so glamorous even to this day. I don’t even know how she stays so beautiful. I want to know her secret so I hope to meet her one day and when I do, I will ask her about her health and beauty secrets (laughs). Apart from the glam factor I am very curious about humans and relationships. I always ask questions to people who are married or divorced or dating about how their relationships work, what are their troubles because I want to know. The one thing that we all want to find is to live happily ever after but I think that’s maybe not a reality. So it’s very interesting to see Azhar’s love story unfold and at the same time see how it is when the other person gets left behind or to understand the human process of why we fall in love with someone else, why love ends for another... Azhar is the journey of love, of the ups and downs of love.

Who did you feel sympathy for — Naureen or Sangeeta?
I feel sympathy for both the characters because I can understand being left behind and I can understand being in love. When you are in love you can do crazy things and you don’t realise what you are doing and you try your best to be proper and a good human being but it’s not always possible. Things are not always in black and white. It can’t always be this-is-this and this is how it has to be. A great part of the story is that this great cricketer, a top actress and this regular woman are all so human. Whether one is a sports star, a movie star or a housewife, it doesn’t matter as we all have emotions, we are all humans.

If you were caught in an elevator with Sangeeta Bijlani and Salman Khan what will you do?
I don’t know maybe I would get really shy… I am a very shy person actually so I am really not that funny but since I know Salman and he has a great sense of humour, he would probably say something funny to me and I can say something funny back. I am sure Sangeeta has a great personality and they are good friends so who knows (laughs)? It all depends on how long we are all stuck in the elevator!

Most relationships between actresses and cricketers don’t work, agree?
My thoughts are that if you look at every human being on this planet and every relationship you will see the same thing. The problem is that the regular people are not in the news and in the public eye. That’s the difference. I think it has more to do with humans than with what you are. An athlete or an actress doesn’t see each other so often and both have their own lives, a ton of money and they need anybody. In relationships, while usually two people stay together out of love, sometimes they also stay together for the wrong reasons too because one person is dependent on the other. I love the fact that women have more independence today to opt out of a relationship which they have outgrown. I don’t think being in the public glare has to do with anything. It just makes more news.

Do you see yourself dating a cricketer?
I would say no right now because you just never know what life gives you. Never say never. I just feel that because my life is so hectic right now I would want more of a stable person. Cricketers lead erratic lifestyles as actresses so I would need an anchor to keep me rooted.

Who is the hottest cricketer?
Nobody. I don’t find anybody hot right now. I haven’t really looked. I am not in the head space as there’s so much work happening and promotions. I am thinking of getting these promotions over with, getting Banjo done and then me taking a vacation.

Sachin Tendulkar or MS Dhoni, which biopic you’d like to see?
Cricket is not my forte, I don’t like any sports in fact, I just enjoy every sport whenever friends or boyfriends take me to a game. I never followed any sport nor am I a sports person. When everyone asks me about it, I feel strange because I feel everyone loves sports and I don’t really have an attachment to any one particular sport. I don’t follow an athlete or movie star or musician for that matter. I’ve met MS Dhoni so I would have to say that maybe I will watch his biopic. I met him during an ad shoot and found him to be a lovely guy. He’s young, family-oriented, very normal and down-to-earth and easy to get along with. Dhoni’s not a very talkative person but he’s a nice guy.

Would you endorse an IPL cricket team?
Yes, why not? The more I get involved with stuff that has to do with cricket, the more I learn because then I am around people who talk about it. I wouldn’t mind… I have gone for some IPL matches yet I still get confused (laughs).

Recently you said you felt uncomfortable kissing Emraan Hashmi because his moustache could have been made from pubic hair.
Oh gosh! I have a bit of toilet humour. I have a potty mouth, I am sorry. Everybody has a different sense of humour I guess. Yes, I have to admit that Emraan’s moustache was really weird (laughs) and it was creeping me out. It looked like one of one of those pervert moustaches which peeping Toms sport which you see on American TV. I was like wondering how do they make these things because the hair is a weird type of hair so I would think, ‘Eeeww it’s not very nice feeling and looking!’

You have a very quirky sense of humour. Where does it come from?
A lot of people made fun of me when I was growing up in New York and you develop a sense of humour to laugh at yourself. Kids are mean when they are young. I was chubby and I couldn’t dance very well so everyone made fun of me. Now I can tell people ‘Look at me now! I can dance! Screw everyone!’ I never fit in as I was always the outsider. I was never a part of gangs and cliques that kids form. I don’t like to be grouped into something. I was always everyone’s friend but no one’s friend. Also, when kids start drinking and doing other naughty things that I didn’t want to do, that was the another thing that pushed me away from them. So I spent a lot of time alone and that’s when I developed my sense of humour. It may seem cool now but as a kid it’s not because then you are struggling and sad thinking nobody is your friend and you are all alone.

Nargis Fakhri, who has been a part of this industry for almost five years now, gets candid on competition, link ups, working in the West and more
Anirban Das (MID-DAY; April 28, 2016)

Unlike many Bollywood celebrities, Nargis Fakhri speaks her mind. We met her at a suburban hotel yesterday and she looked elegant in a top and short skirt. The actress, who made her debut with Imtiaz Ali’s Rockstar (2011), is now gearing up for her next release, Azhar where she essays the role of cricketer Mohammed Azharuddin’s second wife Sangeeta Bijlani. We ask her some tough questions about her career and personal life and she takes them head on. Excerpts from the interview:

After being criticised for your performance in Rockstar (2011) and not garnering much positive response for Madras Cafe (2013) and Main Tera Hero (2014), was it difficult to get roles?
Actually, I was getting offers but they were not interesting enough. I also had to convince my agency that I am only going to sign a film based on its content. They did stress on the importance of a production house backing the film but that doesn’t bother me. I am not someone who signs film just because a big filmmaker is backing it. I will sign films only if the story is good.

Even after spending nearly five years in the industry, you are not considered competition to the younger lot of actresses or the established ones. Do you think you have contemporaries in the industry?
No. I feel like an alien. But I am happy with the work I am doing. I do not have people backing me, so someone please help me (laughs).

How is it to know that industry kids get more importance?
I think it’s good for them.

Are you trying to make friends here because that’s one way to bag roles in big projects?
I know but that isn’t my personality. I do get invites for parties but I do not even attend them. People tell me it’s a part of your job, but that’s not what I prefer to do. I am told that some filmmakers might take it negatively, but I love being myself and will do what I love to. I would rather sleep at home than attend a party. I know that wouldn’t go down well with some people and they will speak about me negatively, but there are people who have worked with me and will talk positively about my personality which will be helpful.

But it was also said that you behave weirdly on the set of Azhar and that it seemed that you were high on something.
What? Honestly, I report to set on time, work hard, engage in good conversation with my colleagues, complete my work and go home. It’s sad people are so judgmental and spread rumours.

On a scale of one-to-ten, how much do you rate yourself?
I can’t do that. I have spent five years in this industry and still getting work. It means that I must be doing enough good work to get offers.

Was acting your passion or it happened accidentally?
Accidentally. In fact I never thought of becoming a model. I did modelling because I wanted to earn money and travel. I have majored in fine arts and minored in Psychology. If not an actor, I would have loved to help children facing medical conditions.

Being in the glam world, you have learnt the art of keeping your personal life private.
That’s not right. I am just very picky when it comes to having a boyfriend. At the moment, I have no time to find a special person to talk about. The day I find someone — that will happen when I take a break from work— I will be open about my relationship.

Are you also networking to bag roles in the West like many other actresses here do?
I have an agency in US and also in UK. I have got offers to auditions for one popular show and many new shows. But because of films, events and other work commitments here, I feel sad sometimes that I have to miss out on a few things there.

Is there anything else that interests you apart from acting?
I will write. But need to find time for that.

Nargis Fakhri on filming a romantic song with 'Azhar' Emraan Hashmi
Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 1, 2016)



Nargis Fakhri plays Sangeeta Bijlani, former Indian skipper Mohammed Azharuddin's second wife and Miss India 1980, in Tony D'Souza's Azhar biopic. But she has yet to meet the glamorous model-turned-actress. "I did see some of her movies, but she hasn't done one in a really long time. Researching a person has become easy, thanks to the internet," Nargis told Mirror between shots on the sets of Banjo, also featuring Riteish Deshmukh, in Mumbai.

She was constantly told what Sangeeta is like, how she was perceived while in the limelight and how she is remembered as by people on the sets. "I see her as a statuesque model-actress and a fashion icon. I have been associated with the fashion business but we are completely different personalities," the actress adds.

Nargis, who has wrapped up all her portions for Azhar, describes her co-star, 'serial kisser' Emraan Hashmi as "a smart conversationalist" and recalls filming a romantic song sequence. "I probably didn't enjoy filming the song as much as he did. Lots of kissing happened... In fact, there was so much of it that at one point I wasn't sure if they were retakes, a part of the song, or someone playing a prank on me," she guffaws.

Apart from Azhar and Banjo, the actress will be seen in director duo Sajid Farhad's Housefull 3, for which she is simultaneously dubbing. She also has a special appearance in Rohit Dhawan's Dishoom. "I am swamped, I haven't had the chance to think about what kind of films I want to do next. I'm not thinking about what's coming my way," she reflects, revealing that "be wise, trust your gut, create goals and don't forget to stop and smell the roses," is her mantra.

Contrary to rumours, Nargis reveals that she has filmed extensively for Azhar, and that her portions have not been edited out. The grapevine hardly flusters her. Instead, she chooses to discuss how much fun it was dolling up in clothes to play a '90s star. "The styling was fun. But I wouldn't take the clothes home because we're in the 21st century. That would be a major faux pas," she jokes.

DNA (August 17, 2015)


“God bless the guy who invented Namaste”
Coming to India — total culture shock! At first, the language just sounded like ‘bada bada bada’ I didn’t know what the f**k I was saying! Rockstar was an absolute impulse move — and I think I did a bang-up job! I’d like to see someone else go to China, learn Chinese (and acting!) from scratch and be the female protagonist of the films. Anyone? Anyone? That’s what I thought. There are still things I haven’t come to terms with — I’ve developed wicked OCD in my time here; I don’t even shake hands with people! God bless the guy who invented Namaste!

“Why can’t I say Vagina?”
Marriage is such a biggie box to check, but sex is never up for open discussion. I mean, India’s so supremely over-populated. Where are all the babies coming from? Maybe if we talked about it, they’d stop popping out all the time! People have such a strong reaction to the word ‘vagina’, I’ve been told I can’t say it!

“I hate painting my face”
There’s always a lot of pressure to look good — and it’s harder for me, who loathes the whole hair-and-make-up thing (people fussing with your face and hair when it already looks fine is as bad as the sound of nails scraping against a blackboard! Is that making you cringe? Well now you know how I feel). I feel a lot of that is created by the corporate industry — we’re all terribly insecure, and they make products that feed off of that to make us buy more things.

“His life is not your life”
Currently, I’m mostly seeing myself— but when I find the guy I want to be with, first: I need him to have a brain. Next: a burning desire to travel — I dumped someone once because he didn’t travel enough! We’re still great friends, though. I’m friends with all my exes. They all still love me, and would totally marry me in a minute (and I’m just sitting here laughing at them).

“I wanna be a superhero”
The greatest career decision of my life just released — Spy — and my God, I loved it; from the way people work in Hollywood (like clockwork! Five minutes late, and I started getting calls), to the the fact that I got to do most of my own stunts (except the wildly dangerous ones). I adore fighting — I’d love to play a superhero or something that just lets me kicky everyone’s *ss!

Nargis Fakhri, admitting that some will star Sangeeta Bijlani, whom she plays in the Azhar biopic
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 3, 2015)

Mohammed Azharuddin has finally found his Sangeeta Bijlani, in reel life. The biopic, with Emraan Hashmi playing the cricketer, has been hunting for a suitable actress to play his second biwi for months and has now got the thumbs up from Nargis Fakhri. "I'm intrigued by the story, both excited and nervous. Azhar is a new space for me to explore, a new challenge for me," Nargis told Mirror.

Speculations have been rife for a while now about her being approached for the role when in Los Angeles. What took her so long to give the nod? "Unless I'm on board and confirmed for a project, I don't talk about it," she pointed out.

"Neither do I consider anything to be a solid manifestation. But I have to say that when I heard the narration, I was definitely interested."

Right now, she's focusing on workshops. She's not sure if any meetings have been planned by her producers with Azhar or Sangeeta. "I definitely have to do my own research. For now I have a coach who will help me with what is necessary for this particular role," she reasoned.

Having been born and brought up abroad, has she seen any of Bijli's films, like Tridev, Hathyar and Jurm? "It's funny you should ask this as I have a few films in my bag right now," she admitted. "I'll be spending the next few evenings on the couch watching a long list of films, some that she's a part of."

When prodded on whether it's a proper role or just a cameo, she laughed, "Where I come from, there is no such thing as a cameo. Every character plays an integral part and contributes to the film. I'll let you all speculate for now. You will know the answer once you watch the film."

The role got the thumbs down from other actresses like Kareena Kapoor and Jacqueline Fernandez. Did that give her second thoughts? "If I like something I say yes, if I don't I say no," she stated simply. "It makes life easy when you trust yourself with your decisions and not worry about what others are doing. I'm very pleased to be a part of this film."

Emraan Hashmi's last few films haven't done well commercially. Does that make her apprehensive? Nargis has the last laugh: "In that case, he is due for a hit and hopefully this will be it!"