Pooja Batra

Though she's been out of the limelight of late, the situation is more of choice than fate. The leggy Pooja Batra would rather have it that way right now. More so since she prefers that her performances speak for her. After a brief but mighty effective performance in 'Viraasat' followed by a hit in 'Haseena Maan Jaayegi,' Pooja's hardly complaining about a passing lull in her career. She'd rather compare it to a calm before the storm. Seasonsindia.com correspondent Shilpi Gemawat meets the perky lass with the dimpled smile who's as optimistic and full of beans as ever about her life in the movies. Excerpts:

Why the sudden low profile from you?
Initially it was me being talked about for all the wrong reasons…everything except my work. So I decided I didn't want it that way and waited for my work to speak for myself. I realised that was the best way to be. Maybe that's why you guys get the impression that I've been keeping this low profile.

The film you're currently cast in is a remake of 'Parent Trap', where Rahul Rawail is working with Kajol and Sunil Shetty. What's in the film for you?
I'm doing a guest appearance here. This is a khatta meetha kind of fun role. That's why I agreed to do it. There's one called 'Kashmakash' (earlier titled 'Faraar') with Salman and Rani. Then there's another film with Tabu and Govinda.

But is there any one film you're banking on to put you right up there in the big league?
All of these besides a South Indian film with Rajiv Menon. That's something I am looking forward to as well. Besides I have some great dance numbers in some of the films I am doing. I have realized that to be in the movies one has to prove one's versatility in all departments. Like a portfolio being done.So for those who said "yeh to dance nahin kar sakti," watch out for me guys!

But what went wrong after 'Viraasat'? Why do you think was your ability as an actress not tapped on?
One really can't pinpoint these things... maybe I have to keep proving myself. But it's not like I am disappointed just now with what I have. Besides, I can't always expect a 'Viraasat'. I was fortunate to be in it. After a hit pair with Sunjay Dutt, why do you think you haven't been paired together with him?

Why hasn't David Dhawan cast you again after 'Haseena Maan Jaayegi'?
Oh my pairing with Sunjay was a hit! You can say that again! But I don't know why we are not working together. I agree we looked good together. As for David not signing me on, each time I speak with him he says, "Pooja, you know when I get a good enough role for you, I'll come straight out and ask you." So there! What else can I say? It's just a matter of getting the right scripts with the right roles.

But all said and done wouldn't you agree now that your towering height plus non-filmi attitude is what might be the deterrent in your career?
My height I don't think in any way is a deterrent. All the new guys coming in…Hrithik , Abhishek (Bachchan) and even those already there…Bobby, Sunil, Sunjay…are all tall. I don't think I should have a problem being cast opposite them. And there are tall heroines too…Tabu, Shilpa, Sush and myself... we're all tall. I don't think that is a problem at all. Moreover, all the shorter, petite girls like Rani, and Karisma are all into wearing five-inch heels and top-notch hairstyles to gain a couple more inches. I don't have to do that. See, being tall or short is a matter of how you look at it. This is a bias that exists in people's minds, which I feel must change. As for my non-filmi attitude…now… I don't think I am unapproachable at all. This is not true. I don't have an attitude, filmi or otherwise. It is just that there was this time where I felt I didn't want to say much and just prove myself as an actress. I want to be a good actress that is all. e.

Your role in Rajiv Menon's 'Kandukondein Kandukondein'...what is it about?
I play a character close to South Indian actress Vijayashanthi, who's known to do her own action stunts but mine is a short guest appearance. A fun role as I play a film actress in the film…and working with Rajiv Menon is a great experience...he is very intelligent therefore I did the film.

How would you assess your career at this point in time?
Work is happening, slow and steady, yes but good nevertheless. I've signed up a couple of interesting projects. Dil Ne Phir Yaad Kiya with Govinda, Tabu and Vinay (that's Govinda's cousin), is almost nearing completion. It's an interesting subject. The film has shaped up quite well. Then there's Kahin Pyar Na Ho Jaaye with Salman, Rani and Jackie. I've got a very good role in the film. And of course, I'm very excited about Aruna Raje's Khajuraho. It's an amazing subject and it's got me and Raveena Tandon.

Recently, there was some talk about you working with Akshay… There have been no concrete offers. Yes, people do keep planning projects but nothing has materialized so far. But honestly speaking, I don't have a problem working with Akshay. I'm here to work.