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'Amitabh called. I stood, frozen!'
Rimi Sen on her 15 minutes of fame in Baghban
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Vickey Lalwani
In the film that yesteryear screen goddess Hema Malini makes a comeback is a debut --- 20-year-old Rimi Sen.
Directed by Ravi Chopra, the film stars Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Paresh Rawal and a host of character artistes like Sameer Soni, Nasir Khan, Divya Dutta, Saahil Chadha, Lilette Dubey, Arzoo Gowatrikar (Aditi Govitrikar's younger sister), Nakul Vaidya and Asrani. The film is expected to hit the theatres by March 2003. The film tells of a family where the parents (Amitabh and Hema) are deserted by their children.
Rimi is a known face in Indian television commercials (Taj Mahal Tea, Parachute Enrich, Ariel, Videocon AC, Dettol). She shot to fame after her Coke ad with Aamir Khan. "Ravi Chopra signed me after he saw me in the ad," Sen confirms. "I was floored when I heard the role," adds the Kolkata girl.
She was nervous during her screen test. "It was a scene where I had to fight with my grandmother (played by Hema Malini). At least 20 girls were competing for this role. Five days later, I was chosen. I play a spoilt brat living in the fast lane."
Sen was nervous for her first shot as well. "My grandfather (played by Amitabh Bachchan) beckons me and I am supposed to run towards him. He beckoned, but I just stood there, frozen!"
About her role, Sen says, "I play a 16-year old. My makeup man had to sweat it out to give me a younger look *laughs*. Anyway, my character loves discos and boys. Her grandmother tries to reform her and make her more traditional. The role has a lot of shades.
"Being a spoilt brat, my character dances at the first opportunity. The other day, Hemaji complimented me on my dancing abilities. I will remember that compliment for life."
The girl is very firm when it comes to exposing her body. "Exhibition of skin is undesirable," she declares. "A girl's beauty can be easily gauged even if she is modestly clothed. I will never cross the limits of decency. I am not desperate."
Sen has had no formal acting training. "I don't believe in acting institutions. I abhor method acting. I am spontaneous. Besides, thanks to my modelling days, I am well-groomed. I am very lucky that I have got my first break with two of the greatest stars that the film industry has produced. Amitabhji and Hemaji make me feel so comfortable. Amitabhji jokes a lot and the atmosphere is always lively. And how can I forget Raviji? He is just like a friend, so young in thought and sure in approach."
She does confess that "unfortunately, I am very pessimistic. But isn't that a blessing in disguise? It doesn't make you ambitious, haughty and over-confident. One can digest the success and swallow the failure easily that way."