Bipasha Basu: Will Continue To Be Seen With Harman

No longer the ingenue, Bipasha Basu has come into her own as one of the industry’s most charismatic women. Her statuesque frame and stunning features aside, Bipasha has always been a dynamic presence, who speaks without pretence. But of late, Bipasha has been wary of revealing personal happenings. She’s chosen to not talk about her private life. Her supposed relationship with actor Harman Baweja to be precise. Now you may think it’s because heartbreak has made her cautious. But that’s far from the truth. She breaks into a radiant grin and says, “Love is a beautiful feeling. But till I am not one hundred per cent sure, I will not talk about it.” That aside, this independent thinking, no-nonsense actress talks a dime a dozen to Filmfare about mistakes, her 14-year journey in showbiz, her new fashion venture and more…

Q. Vikram Bhatt and you seem to have rediscovered each other. What is it that makes you two click?

Vikram knows me ever since I was a newcomer. He’s seen my entire journey. Unfortunately, we had a rift in between and weren’t in touch. But I’m glad that I got my friend back. I value my friendship with him more than my professional relationship. Considering we’ve been through so much, we completely understand each other. Working with him is effortless. On the set of Creature, I knew what he wanted me to do even before he opened his mouth. That’s how in sync we are with each
other now.

Q. You weren’t a star kid. You never belonged to any camp. Yet you’ve come so far. Would you call yourself a survivor?

This is a tough business. Just to last this long as an actress, to still be considered, is far from easy. So yes, I’m a survivor and I’m proud of it.

Q. How easy is it to stay grounded in this superficial business?

Our industry is like the Bigg Boss house. Equations change every 30 seconds. People become shallow just to achieve what they want. It’s a nice feeling to be wanted but you have to understand that it’s fickle and you are your only friend here. So you must connect with your inner self and be happy about who you are. Otherwise this place can eat you up.

Q. Though you’ve been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, you are one of the fittest celebrities around. Must be a great feeling.

Hell, yes. I’ve used my handicap to my advantage and turned it into my strength. Today, if you ask anyone to name the fittest celebrity around, my name will pop up. And the best part about this perception is that even if I’m not at my fittest best, I can take it easy, as people know about my dedication to fitness.

Q. They say, once an actress always an actress. Do you believe you will be able to survive without the pancake and the arc-lights?

I don’t know what it’ll feel like the day I decide to say goodbye to this business. I don’t even know if I’ll be able to say goodbye completely.

Q. Really? Why?

Well, because I am a human being and this industry has been an important part of my life for the last 14 years now. It’s a consuming profession. So there is a lot I’m going to miss. Completely going away is a no-no. That’s why every actor or actress who goes away wants to make a comeback after a point. It’s an addictive profession. It gives you so much love from people who don’t know you that it’s difficult to let it all go.

Q. Do you have any tips for newcomers to survive in this industry?

There are moments where you have to take a stand as a woman. You will be in uncomfortable situations but I believe you must respect yourself first. That’s when people around you will give it to you. No profession in the world should make you that desperate or frustrated that you would do anything to be there.

Q. You’re a strong woman. How important is a man in your scheme of things right now?

(Giggles) Very important. I love men. There was a reason men and woman were created and a reason why they were made so different. They balance each other and at the same time they add spice to life. You may never agree on the same things but the dynamics of a man and a woman are always interesting.

Q. Okay, so now tell me are you dating Harman Baweja?

(Laughs) I can’t tell you.

Q. But you guys have been spotted together everywhere and everyone is talking about your relationship.  

I get spotted with a lot of people and I will continue to get spotted with a lot of people. Including Harman. I am not going to stop living my life because of rumours. I’m going to go for dinners and I’m going to go watch movies with my friends.

Q. So what kind of an equation do you share with him?

(Grins) He is a good friend.

Q. You’ve always been open about your relationships. Why are you refusing to admit it now?

But how do you know what is there between us? Why are you being judgmental? When something is there, I will tell you. How’s that?

Q. Okay, at least tell me if you’re in love or not?

(Smiles) No. When I’m sure about something in my life, I will speak about it. Honestly, there’s nothing to reveal right now. I promise I will reveal it when I reveal it to myself.

Q. Most of your peers are married with kids. Don’t you ever feel like enjoying that phase of life too?

(Laughs) My niece and nephew are a handful. I’m happy for now. I even have a little dog, Poshto. I live a busy life. Yes, I want to get married. Yes, I want to be a mother. I love kids. In fact, I am great with kids. I know I’ll be a good mother and a good wife as well. I just don’t want any of it right now. But now that you’ve said it, I am kind of feeling the pressure.

Q. It’s not pressure. It’s just a question.

See, there is a time for everything. You can’t plan these things. Especially, when you’re a person like me. I’ve always just gone with the flow. Someday I am hoping to get married. My mother will be happy with this statement. She wants me to have two kids.