'I didn't know there was a Bollywood dancer in me!'

German model and former Bigg Boss contestant Claudia Ciesla has done an item number called Balma in the upcoming Akshay Kumar and Asin starrer Khiladi 786.  

Claudia believes performing with Akshay has been her passport to instant fame. The peppy Balma number is composed by Himesh Reshammiya and sung by Sreeram and Shreya Ghoshal.

The newest item girl talks to Rajul Hegde about her experience of shooting the song and Khiladi 786.

How did this item song happen?

The production house called me for an audition and briefed me about the dance.

I was so excited about the whole package -- dancing with Akshay, working with a talented choreographer (Ganesh Acharya), singers and director (Ashish R Mohan).

How comfortable are you dancing to Bollwood songs?

I didn't know there was a Bollywood dancer in me! I was comfortable with the dance moves from day one.

 After doing reality shows, I have danced at various awards functions and at the National Games.

I am very fond of Bollywood movies and dances. The movies are so colourful in India.

So how much time did you take to learn the steps?

The dance steps were energetic, slightly difficult, but challenging. With the help of our masterji (choreographer Ganesh Acharya), I rehearsed for two days and on the third day I was ready for the shoot (smiles).

It's a big opportunity to do an item song in a Bollywood film, but aren't you scared that you might get typecast as an 'item girl'?

Not at all. Kareena Kapoor is doing an item song in Dabangg 2 and now item songs are an integral part of Bollywood films.

The trend is that movies are released after item songs. I am proud to be part of an item song like Balma, which is rocking.

Do you watch Hindi films? Which are your favourite item songs?

I don't miss any new Hindi releases. I like Katrina in Sheila Ki Jawani, Malaika Arora in Munni Badam Hui and Kareena in Halkat Jawani.

Was it difficult to dance and sing? How did you manage the lyrics?

I got the lyrics of the song a few days before the shooting, so I learnt it. While rehearsing, I was singing it as well, practising. It is important to understand the meaning of the lyrics so you can express it well.

Do you understand Hindi?

Yes, I speak Hindi. I have been taking two-hour Hindi lessons every day after my first reality show Bigg Boss.

I mostly converse in Hindi with my friends. Sometimes I get stuck with difficult words but then I ask my friends for the correct pronunciation.

How was it working with Akshay Kumar?

He is an amazing person. He never came for rehearsals, but would come straight on the sets and Ganesh Masterji's assistants would show him a few steps and he would say acchha chalo, take. He used to do it in such a perfect way.

You are in India for a while but you are being noticed only now after the item song Balma.

Yes, it's a dream come true to get an opportunity to do an item in the movie.

It's not that I didn't get offers before this but it didn't work out. I think there is a right time and place for everything.

Bigg Boss was a beautiful platform for me. I learnt about Indian culture, to live with different people under one roof and also test my patience. I am still in touch with some of the housemates.

I survived for almost 10 weeks in the house. The minute I stepped out of the house, I decided to stick around, give myself a year and explore the industry.

I was offered another reality show, Zor Ka Jhatka, followed by the Punjabi film Yaar Pardes as a lead.

So, what next?

Acting in Bollywood is my dream. I am working hard on my diction and pronunciation. People had not expected me to dance.

I have got a positive response for this item song on different social networking sites.  

I definitely want to do more item songs but my priority is acting in films. I am looking forward to all that will follow from here.