Miss Universe UK 2008 Lisa Lazarus is all set to make a Bollywood debut in Salman Khan's Veer. She tells us about herself and her Bollywood ambitions.
Tell us about yourself.
I am easy to be with and have managed to keep myself grounded in spite of all the glamour and fame. I have been modeling since I was a child because I was very tall even then. Then I won my first beauty pageant when I was 16 and continued to take part in and win several pageants. I have also done several ad campaigns and ramp shows. I am currently the ambassador for the World Peace Mission.
How did you become a part of Veer?
When I won the Miss Universe UK pageant in May, I got a lot of publicity worldwide. So the producers had seen my footage and they liked my pictures. I fit the bill of the British girl they were looking for perfectly and I didn't even have to audition for it so I grabbed the opportunity with both hands
Did you read the script? What is your role in the film?
I have read the script and I think it is an absolutely amazing story line about love and its complications and a lot of other things. The movie is set in the 1890s. It is very grand and everything is exaggerated: the sets, the costumes, the hair and the acting. I play Angela, a young British girl who comes to India with her father and gets lost in the jungle. So Salman finds me and becomes my hero. I fall in love with him even and we get a bit close. I have to try hard to get his affection because he is already in love with someone else.
What do you think about Salman Khan?
Actually I haven't met him yet. We have been communicating through other people. I have never heard anyone saying anything bad about him so he seems to be an amazing guy. I will meet him today as he has returned from Greece and we will start shooting for Veer.
How are you preparing for the role? Is it tough?
I am learning Hindi and am rehearsing my dance routines non-stop so that I am absolutely prepared when we start shooting. I find the pronunciations tough but I am getting there. Namaste is all I can say. The hard work for this film will be worth it.
Have you seen any Hindi films?
Yes I have but I don't remember the names. Bollywood stars and movies are very popular in the UK; I think I know more about Bollywood than Hollywood. I like Salman's recent movie with Katrina and the other one where he is roaming around on the beach in his Speedo.
What do you think about Katrina? Have you met her?
I think she is an absolutely beautiful woman and one of my idols at the moment. I have seen her on Vogue and I would to follow in her footsteps.
How do you like India?
I have been here for four days and I absolutely love it. I feel relaxed and at home. There has been no culture shock for me. Everyone is so kind and always willing to help. I feel settled here and very safe. I don't like hot food, so the hotel guys made this mild chicken curry for me and I loved it.
What would you have been, if not a model or actress?
It is every child's dream to be a model or an actress and I am living my dream. For back up, I have a degree in Radiography which is the study of X-rays so I can work in a hospital if I want to.
Do you have any dream roles?
I loved Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, she is my favourite actress. I would love to do a Bond film because they are so popular the world over but then without the songs and dancing, they are not as fun as Hindi films.
Do you have any previous acting experience?
I have done theatre and presented a few TV shows. I am very comfortable in front of the camera.
What are your hobbies?
I like to play golf, though I get bored easily and don't play much. I like listening to pop music and Britney and the Pussycat Dolls are my favourite singers. I love the Hindi songs they play at clubs back in the UK, you can dance anyhow and it looks good because the songs are great.
Is Bollywood a one-off thing or are you here to stay?
Veer is an amazing start and new experience for me. I love meeting people from different, countries, cultures and religions. I love India and don't want to leave so I hope more opportunities come up and I establish myself here.
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