'I make love to the camera'

Model-turned-actress Bidita Bag, 25, makes her Bollywood debut this week with From Sydney With Love.
 
A Bengali actress, Bidita graduated in Economics before she tried her luck in the glamour world.
 
Quite optimistic about her chances in the Hindi film industry, Bidita talks to Uttam Ghosh about herself and her film.
 
How did you get the film From Sydney with Love?

I got a mail from the director Prateek Chakravorty from a social networking site. We exchanged e-mails, and I quite liked the script.
 
We met in Mumbai after a month, and later agreed to do the film together.

How was the experience of shooting in Sydney?

It was awesome! The city is so clean and beautiful. The University of New South Wales gave us the location for free and gave full support.

How was the experience of working with Australians?

We worked with technicians from all over the world. Everyone was very professional and efficient.

Is it true that Australians are racist?

We were not allowed to enter a few night clubs in Australia. The locals say that Indian men misbehave when they are drunk. But overall, it was a beautiful experience.

How did you get your first assignment?

Make-up artist the late Prabir Kumar Dey saw my portfolio pictures and discovered me. I went on to do photo shoots for Sabyasachi Mukherjee and Kiran Uttam Ghosh for the Lakme Fashion Week.

Is modeling a difficult profession beneath all the glamour?

Yes. It is competitive and stressful. People judge you by your looks only. I have seen so many girls, who starve to look slim.
 
You have been in the field for a long time now. Is all the hard work worth it, or do you wish you were in another profession now?
 
It has taken a long time but I feel my hard work is paying off slowly. Directors have loved to work with me and have recommended my name to other directors as well. That is a great achievement.

You have acted in Bengali films. How was the experience?

I acted in Bengali films which had superb story lines. It gives you great creative satisfaction. But the money is less and the infrastructure is small.

Which Bengali film director inspires you the most?

Ritwik Ghatak, Satyajit Ray and Mrinal Sen.

How do you keep fit?

I walk a lot. I also do yoga, cycling and stay happy!

What do you think about exposing in front of the camera, which seems to be a necessity these days?

I make love to the lens. I feel confident, beautiful and sexy in front of camera.