'I missed acting!'

'When you have a kid at home, it takes up all your time. I would rather spend time with my child than spend hours waiting in a van for a shot. I am happy -- and excited -- to be back, but I am also happy that I had a sabbatical.'

Lara Dutta Bhupathi looks forward to her upcoming movies.

Lara Dutta Bhupathi is excited to be back in the studios, making the kind of movies she loves.

The actress, who was last seen in a small role in David in 2013 will be seen in the Akshay Kumar-starrer Singh Is Bliing.

Fun fact: Lara has done 12 movies with Akshay already!

Lara speaks to Rediff.com contributor Rajul Hegde.

You are making a comeback after three years. Did you miss the shoots?

I did not miss the shoots, but I missed acting because that's my craft and I love it.

When you have a kid at home, it takes up all your time. I would rather spend time with my child than spend hours waiting in a van for a shot.

I am happy -- and excited -- to be back, but I am also happy that I had a sabbatical.

How does your daughter Saira react when she sees you on television?

Now that she is a bit older (Saira is three years old), she recognises her mother (on television). And she's like, "Mom, what are you doing there?"

I think she is trying to understand how one can be here and there (laughs).

She loves to see me getting ready for a shot. She loves the whole drama. She is definitely her mother's daughter (smiles).

You went for a Swiss mountain trek recently. How did Saira manage?

She has always been really active, so she enjoyed it. She is a curious child and is learning so many different things. I try to expose her to as many different experiences as I can. She is always open, adventurous, and excited to try out new things.

You have three films coming up: Singh is Bliing, Fitoor and Azhar.

I have finished shooting for Singh Is Bliing and Fitoor and have yet to start on Azhar.

My characters in these three films are completely diverse. I play characters that allow me to do lot more than just be a glamorous heroine.

Normally, you play a glamorous role, with four songs and three scenes. I loved to have the opportunity to stretch my acting muscles.

Singh is Bliing is a comedy while Azhar is a powerful, hard-hitting kind of role.

 

Which is the best outdoor location you've visited during film shoots?

I have always loved South Africa, where I shot Andaz and No Entry . Some of the biggest films of my career have been shot in Cape Town.

I am always happy to go back. It has a wonderful positive energy.

What was your Singh is Bliing shoot in Goa like?

It shot in the hot summer, but it was fun! I have done 12 films with Akshay Kumar and it's always lovely working with him.

Are you producing any films?

I am producing a film (Chalo China is a sequel to Challo Dilli) later this year.

You have become the brand ambassador of Colgate. What does Colgate mean to you?

Colgate has come out with a new product with charcoal.

I have been associated with Colgate for many years, but the relationship goes back from the time I was a kid.

I have endorsed previous products for them as well.