Lisa Haydon: It All Changed After Queen

She was a successful model before she decided to dabble into movies. After an initial lull, she stumbled upon a challenging project like Queen which established her as an artiste. Lisa Haydon has come a long from being referred to as an ice-maiden to a girl who can act. Here's a quick chat with the leading lady of The Shaukeens. 
 

How are you promoting a film when you haven’t recovered fully from dengue? 
I have low energy right now after dengue but I have to do this for my film.I shot for Kapil Sharma's show a night before. That show makes me nervous because I know there will be jokes in Hindi and I will catch about 50 percent of it. Its after all a comedy, and one has to be a lively interviewee. We returned home only at about 3 am. I have a hangover though I'm not drunk. 

Do people take you for a ride because of your accent? 
Sometimes they do. I understand what they're doing or saying and they assume I don't get it.  They find it quite amusing that I'm actually trying to speak Hindi. They appreciate the effort.  On The Shaukeens set, I was never treated that way. But I can't say that of every set I've been on. People have made fun of the accent or assumed that I wont get a joke they are cracking at my expense. If the intent is to make me feel left out, I get up and walk away. 

Isn't the industry recognising you as an actor now, which means they respect you?
For sure the industry's attitude is changing towards me. People respect the fact that I do try to speak in Hindi. It has all changed after Queen. People now say ‘Oh she is an actor, earlier it was Oh shes a great model. Its not their fault. I worked hard to become the model I was. I have to work that much harder to deconstruct the glamourous perception that they have about me. As an actor,spontaneity and a personality are just as important as looking great on screen. 

Has the perception of models being ice-maidens changed?
People may still think models are ice-queens. I'm grateful for an opportunity like Queen. It didn't come across as being bold because of Vijaylakshmis attitude towards herself. When I read the script I thought this cannot be a hot character, no chance going that typical rout.Vijaylakshmi and Rani's hearts were the same, though one came from the ghettos of France and one from Rajouri. I was able to play her not just because I grew up a certain way, but also because of the company I kept. I have a friend who is so capable of uttering that line  Why do all men want it big haan? 

Have you seen the original Shaukeen?
I haven't seen it; my dad has got it for me. I was told not to watch the original as Rati was demure and coy in it. Since the premise is all we borrowed from that film, it was wise not to have watched it till I finished The Shaukeens. 

Would you like to thank Nargis Fakhri and Yami Gautam for walking out of this film 
for reasons like wearing a bikini or dates?
I don't know about them. I do wear a bikini. I am swimming in it. I should thank Nargis, but I thank the universe for these blessings I get in the form of great films. 

Are you as much an Akshay Kumar fan as Ahana in the film is? 

I respect him for his work. He is really good and I had the best experience working with this unit. He even lent me his harness, his spot boy and fitness equipment but Im not Ahana.  Imagine what itd be like for Akshay to walk into the set, and find a crazy screaming fan on sets who turns out to be his heroine?

Have you taken on another project after Shaukeens?
I haven't signed anything yet. I want to wait for something to feel right. Im not being pricey or something. Its just that a project has to feel right. I am open to doing everything. I watched a film called Begin Again. Keira Knightleys is a dream role for me. I want to play  roles of people who have struggles like ours. Glam, yet ordinary. I don't even mind song  appearances, though not in a way that it would dig my own grave. 

People naturally associate the word hot with you. Is that flattering?
If hot comes automatically to mind, it better change to Oscar winner soon. As long as these adjective are not limiting, its fine. As of now, people think I'm more free-spirited and bohemian like Vijaylaxmi. Once they see Shaukeens, they'll think I'm a psychopath. 

Whats sensuality to you?
Sensuality is being natural. Its not just skin-deep, its deeper than that. Sexual or sensual is often construed in a vulgar way in India. I'm scared to use those words too openly. Sensual is not about short clothes or make-up; its about feeling great about whatever you wear and do.