In Real Life Who Doesn't Kiss?, Asks Bipasha (Jism)

          MUMBAI: The erotic thriller 'Jism', presented by actress-cum-producer Pooja Bhatt, stars Bipasha Basu and John Abraham in unconventional roles full of sexual overtones. It is about a married woman who develops an extra-marital relationship with a Casanova and what follows is a mystery that shrouds the characters. Bipasha plays Sonia Khanna, the sexy ambitious wife of middle-aged Rohit Khanna portrayed by Gulshan Grover. A chance encounter with a debonair Kabir Lal played by model-turned-actor John Abraham leads to an affair and a sexual chemistry culminating in a mysterious situation.

           Bipasha is basking in the success of last year's only super-hit, 'Raaz'. She stole the limelight by winning the Famous Ford Super-model and the Tulips Miss Super Vivacious contest at the age of 17. After being spotted by the international photographer, Steven Mizhel, and being featured in Vogue, she conquered the ramp scene and the modelling circuit. Bipasha then made a debut in Hindi films with 'Ajnabee' and has carved a niche for herself as a sexy leading lady. She uses her feline charms to the fullest for her performance in 'Jism'.

Bipasha answers:

Question: Tell us about your role in 'Jism'?
Answer: I was very excited when Pooja narrated the script to me. Jism is a kind of film never made before in India. It is a matured adult love story where love transcends beyond attraction. It is how a woman changes a Casanova's life drastically. My character is very interesting as this woman is aware of her sexuality and she is not apologetic about it. Initially there was news that I was apprehensive about this film but that was because I had some date problems. Later my show got cancelled and somehow I managed this film. My role is bold but not as bold as shown in TV serials. It may be for the first time that there are some kissing scenes. But in real life, who does not kiss?
Q: How was the experience of working with producer Pooja Bhatt and Director Amit?
A: She is a very understanding woman and she has worked hard on this film, which is a new age product shot differently where characters are not holier than thou but are normal like us. Amit had worked with me in 'Raaz' and he is very good in his shot taking as he has been an editor. Above all we had Mahesh Bhatt guiding us which made me perform this difficult role with ease.
Q: And with John Abraham?
A: Believe me, John is the surprise package of the film. Definitely he is going to break the myth that models cannot act.
Q: What about the music of the film?
A: There are no item numbers in the film. All songs are part of the plot with beautiful lyrics. My favourites are 'Jaadu Hai' and 'Aawarapan'.
Q: What kinds of role do you want to do?
A: I'm not here for long, maximum eight years. But in that time span I want to do all kinds of role, good, bad, happy - all kinds.

Over to Abraham. He won the Gladrags Manhunt contest and that was the first step in his climb towards the limelight. After successfully conquering the modelling world with ramp walks, commercials and fashion catalogues, it was just a matter of time before he was lured by the silver screen. 'Jism' is his acting debut, and provides a role which is quite daring for any new-comer.

Q: What kind of character you play in the film?
A: I play a lawyer in the film who is a Casanova. He meets this woman and his life is transformed.
Q: Isn't your debut unconventional?
A: The days of conventional cinema are over and 'new wave' cinema is catching up. About my debut, 'Jism' is treated very differently and I am happy that I made my debut with this film.
Q: How was the whole experience of working with Pooja and new director Amit?
A: Pooja has been really an aware producer who guided me at every step and gave her helpful inputs. While Amit, me and our cinematographer all were new, it was Bhatt Sahib who really provided us the necessary help and support.
Q: Was Showbiz an accident?
A: Showbiz was never really a planned move but after building up my position as a model, offers started pouring in. I decided to give it a chance.
Q: What's the reason behind this hot on-screen chemistry with Bipasha?
A: Yes, I share a terrific on-screen chemistry with Bipasha. The reason for that is we both have been models and understand. She had been my senior and a guide. But overall, Mahesh Bhatt was sensitive to our personalities and that's why the result is evident on screen. The film has been directed by Amit Saxena who had earlier edited films like 'Sangharsh, 'Kasoor', 'Yeh Zindagi Ka Safar', 'Aap Mujhe Achche Lagne Lage' and 'Awaara Paagal Deewana' before wielding the megaphone for the first time with 'Jism'.
Q: How did 'Jism' happen to you?
A: Pooja and I were toying with this idea of films and suddenly we came across this script penned by Bhatt Sahib which caught our fancy.

          'Jism' is produced by actress Pooja Bhatt under her production outfit, Fisheye Network which had produced 'Sur' last year. Although the actress has given great performances in films like 'Dil Hai Ke Maanta Nahin', 'Tamanna' and 'Zakhm', among 26 others, she decided to let acting take a back seat and has diverted all her efforts towards nurturing her company. 'Jism', the company's latest project releasing this week, is yet another path-breaking offer from Pooja.

Q: What was the origin of 'Jism'?
A: When I read my father's script, I knew this was the film I am going to make. It has very real characters who behave normally like us.

          The film has been entirely shot in exotic locations. The music of the film is provided by Tamil music director MM Kreem who gave the super-hit music score of 'Sur' last year. Though 'Sur' was not a box office bonanza, 'Jism' could become one and give Pooja Bhatt a hit as a producer.

January 14,  2003