Did offers come pouring in after Khuda Kay Liye?
Absolutely not. Considering the current state of affairs in Pakistan, making a film is the last thing on people's minds.
I had two offers from India, but things didn't materialise after the relationship between the two countries soured. I would love to do a comedy where I can dance too.
What do you think of the way our heroines dance?
After Madhuri, no one in Bollywood can dance. Rani was good at some point and Priyanka can dance a bit. But no one else.
Why did you play such a de-glamourised role in your first film?
People think that models can't act. I wanted to be taken seriously as an actress. I made many mistakes and because of the financial constraints, there was no scope of a retake. Looking back, I feel I could have done certain things better. But what really matters to me is how much the film was appreciated.
Do you think the film changed people's attitude towards women?
A lot of women told me that they got immense strength after watching the film. They became much more aware of women's rights. The film started a dialogue in Pakistan. The general perception is that our country is full of extremists but had that been true, then the film would not have been such a hit with the ordinary Pakistani.
So what are you up to at the moment?
I don't do anything that does not challenge me. Only when the thought comes to my mind, 'Will I be able to pull it off?' do I take up a project.
