Bollywood: From TV to film star via radio

Dec 3 2009 Uxbridge Gazette

DEVANSH PATEL meets the actress who became an overnight sensation after using a four-letter word in her debut film

ASHORT piece of dialogue from the film Radio has made Sonal Sehgal more famous than she could ever have imagined. Wherever she goes to promote it, especially to radio stations, she is asked to repeat the offending phrase.

It's a hoary old saying in the acting world that 'it took me 20 years to become an overnight success' - a cliché but so often true. Sonal Sehgal, although well-known for her roles on television, has become an instant celebrity.

Q What are your expectations when you go to a radio station for an interview? A I am asked the same boring questions, so Ihope you will not disappoint me.

Q When was the first time you listened to something on the radio?

A I can't recall my first time but I do remember that when I used to go to school, my parents would be listening to the radio. There was something going on non-stop in the background. Now of course, television has taken over.

Q Tell me something about the singer, actor, composer, and your co-star, Himesh Reshammiya.

A Everybody has a very different image of Himesh before they meet him. But he is not the monster people make him out to be. People think he is arrogant but he isn't; he is pretty chilled out. He actually works hard. He isn't a star who comes on the sets and throws tantrums. He knows that acting is a new thing for him and he takes it seriously. Himesh is a very serious person.

Q To whom is Radio targeted?

A Radio is only meant for the intelligent movie-goer because of the content of the film.

It deals with a certain age group. You'll see us talking about love and relationships in a very different manner, which our parents generation never had. After a break-up, the oldies prefer to get closer in a relationship. Here, we guys move on to another.

The mass fan following of Himesh may get a bit disappointed because they'll find Himesh in a new avatar in Radio.

Q What is your take on today's generation getting divorced?

A I don't see any difference between a committed relationship and a marriage. So when you break up, the same rules apply. The reason for the divorce rate going up is simply because the partners aren't happy with each other. They are less bothered about the stigma of the society they live in.

Q Don't you care about society?

A At the end of the day, isn't a divorce or a marriage about your happiness? Then why stay in a bad marriage? There is no reason to worry about the society you live in. A better start to a life is what one wants and wants to continue.

Q What if we had been friends for three years or so and are now about to get married? Won't life change in a moment? A In my life, nothing will change - I got married overnight and nothing changed. I can only speak for myself here.

My husband [Naresh Kamath, a rock musician] called me and said: "What are you doing tomorrow?" I said: "Nothing." Then he said: "Let's get married then." The next thing, we were in the temple and got married. Yes, life changed but only for the better.

Q What's your take on extra-marital affairs?

A A strict no-no. If you are committed in one relationship, you'd better be stable there. But if you get the urge to move to another one, then end the relationship and move on to the next one.

Q Is there any celebrity you have been attracted to and would want to get married to?

A I have very few celebrity friends. Shah Rukh Khan was my first film crush. He is the only celebrity I haven't met in person. All the rest, I've met them at some party or a social gathering or a house warming.

Recently I met Adrian Grenier [star of American TV series Entourage] in New York and I froze. I felt like a fan. My voice wouldn't come out - I was speechless. That's what a celebrity does to you. Marriage with a celeb is out of the question!

Q Have you been attracted to any other men since you got married?

A Not so far. But I do find some men cute and handsome. Why not? I'm sure you get attracted but you're programmed not to do anything about it. I'm sure everyone finds someone attractive. But I know I'm married, so why would I do such a thing?

Q How would you seduce a man on adate? A I have to think over this question because it's something that I haven't done. I'd look hot, Iguess (laughs). But I like men who are completely unpolished. I don't like men who are obsessed with their looks; that's a turn-off. I like men who smell good, though - a good cologne is a must. My preferred man should be wearing something by Gucci or Versace (laughs).