In Bollywood

Whether it's Mr & Mrs Iyer, Page 3, Omkara, Life in a Metro or the recent Laaga Chunari Mein Daag, her performances have always given her the critical acclaim an actor needs. But now she faces her toughest task, the task of sharing screen space with Madhuri Dixit in her second Yash Raj outing - Aaja Nachle. Sounding calm and composed over the phone, Konkana Sen Sharma tells me that she is all geared up for her biggest ever release till date, her onscreen chemistry with Kunal Kapoor and the fun and excitement of working with the best dancer in Bollywood - Madhuri Dixit.

What's going through your mind right now?
I am very excited and dying to see the film's reaction. I've just seen the film and it's come out better than the best. It was such fun to shoot that it was evident from the film.

Was working with Madhuri like working with any other co-star you've worked with before?
When you are on the sets working with Madhuri Dixit, you tend to forget that she is 'The Madhuri Dixit' because she is so normal. Honestly speaking, she is unassuming, very friendly, very considerate. There was a time when my knees were hurting and she came forward like any other friend and offered her help. Yes, it was special to be working with her because I never thought that my wish to work with her would come true one day.

Again with Kunal Kapoor...or....Not again!
No, not at all. He is a great co-star to work with and very funny. We are romancing each other in this film too like you saw us in Laaga Chunari Mein Daag but in a different context all together. Here you will see a lot of humour and laughter in our roles here.

Did you say 'Yes' to Aaja Nachle because of Madhuri Dixit or Yash Raj Films?
The first time I read the script, I did not know that Madhuri Dixit was in the lead. Her presence in the film was given to us in the later stage. I didn't even meet Anil Mehta in the beginning. It was Aditya Chopra who narrated me the idea. I heard his thoughts and Aaja Nachle came across to me as a very warm-hearted film and a story with a lot of soul. I like it from that stage onwards and then came all the surprises when I found out that Anil Mehta was directing it and Madhuri was to play the lead. As one says - It just got better and better.

How was it to share screen space with Madhuri?
Madhuri shares screen space with not only me but all of us, whether it's Kunal, Ranvir, Vinay Pathak or Raghuveer Yadav. Sharing screen space with Madhuri is just so unbelievable. She is right in front of you and you tend to go speechless when she delivers her lines. She is an inspiration to watch and when you watch this film you will know exactly why.

How was Anil Mehta as a director?
Anil Mehta is extremely relaxed and laid back. He isn't one of those who shouts and stresses on the sets and it's so easy to work in such an environment where your director is calm and focused. He is very creative too and all of us had a memorable time working with Anil Mehta.

In your recent past, we've seen you play very lively and vivacious characters. Is Aaja Nachle going to be repetitive?
I don't frankly think that any of them have been repetitions in the past either whether it's 15 Park Avenue or Page 3 or Laaga Chunari Mein Daag. Lively and vivacious aren't the generic terms to describe the roles I've played so far. I think they are versatile. Aaja Nachle too in a cliched way is 'zara hatke'.

Are we going to see you complete a hat-trick with Yash Raj Films after Aaja Nachle?
For the time being, I have only been offered Laaga Chunari Mein Daag and Aaja Nachle. Let's see what happens in the future with Yash Raj Films.

What's so different about Yash Raj Films than other banners?
I think the biggest advantage of working with Yash Raj Films as a producer is that they do not bring their 'Yash Raj' presence on the sets. They make sure that everything goes smoothly and on time and let the actors and directors do the things.

Any memorable behind the scene incidents you'd like to share with us?
We all used to bring home made food on the sets and then get together at lunch time in one room and share our food with each other. Now this is quite rare and it doesn't happen in any film. That was a good bit of bonding for us. I also remember on the first day when I went to see how the choreography of the film was, I fainted and died but it lasted only for that day. Then I got used to it and got better and better at it.

Don't you think Aaja Nachle's true star is the choreographer?
Yes, certainly. Vaibhavi Merchant is instrumental to the film. It's all about singing and dancing but what Madhuri plays in the film is a choreographer's role and all that comes from Vaibhavi herself. She is indeed an inspiration for all of us.

Any message for your fans?
Please go and watch Aaja Nachle because you will definitely enjoy it, have fun and be good to all.