Mahie Gill: I lap up things that help me get better

Chandigarh: New benchmarks are set and a few stereotypes are broken with each character that Mahie Gill plays in a movie. The actor, who rose to fame with her performance as 'Paro' in Dev D is ready to experiment more and grab any opportunity that allows her to try something new.

The Chandigarh-girl, who has made a place for herself in Bollywood with her unconventional roles, bold avatar and more, is now grooving to the tunes of item numbers.

"I lap up whatever would help me get better in Bollywood," said the actress during her visit to her hometown.

"After I did a dance number in my Punjabi film Carry on Jatta, that is when directors felt I can actually dance. Since then, I have got a lot of offers for item songs. I am happy with my dance number in Zanjeer and I am looking forward for my next in Saif Ali Khan's Bullett Raja," she added.

Known for her intense roles in Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster series, she feels that the cliche roles don't interest her much.

"I am very choosy about my scripts. After doing bold roles, I can't settle for anything less," she said adding that her decision is guided by scripts.

"I don't make a conscious choice to choose unconventional roles. If I like the script, I go for it. For me, the script has to be interesting. Even if I have two to three scenes in a film, I don't mind doing it if they are worth it," the 37-year-old told IANS.

Even after establishing herself in Bollywood, Mahie does not shy away from doing Punjabi films.

Asked about her love for Punjabi cinema, she said: "I owe a lot to the Punjabi film industry and my last Punjabi film Carry on Jatta was a blockbuster. I don't think a comedy film like this has ever been made in Bollywood. Punjabi cinema is doing great. Such films are the reason for me to continue with the regional cinema. I feel this is where I belong."

Post Carry on Jatta success, Mahie claims she got offers from NRIs to make a similar film at a budget of Rs 20 crore, but Mahie feels this is sheer waste of money.

"The regional cinema does not work on such huge budgets. People who are abroad have lack of knowledge and they are just ready to invest without thinking. Such a huge budget is unnecessary and will not give adequate returns in the Punjabi industry. So I rejected those offers," she said.

Which is your favourite role so far?

"Paro in Dev D will always be close to my heart. Though all characters that I have played are special to me, but Dev D will always be my favourite," she said with a smile on her face.

On her wish-list are more comedies and actioners. "Also a film based on sports. After 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag', I would love to do a biopic on some sportsperson or a double role is what I would like to do," added the actress, who featured in Paan Singh Tomar.

Mahie's personal life had some rough patches in the past, but now she admits being happy in a relationship with a guy from Jammu, who does not belong to the film industry.

Talking about her upcoming films, Mahie said she is all set for Gangs of Ghost, which is a 1950s horror comedy inspired by legendary actress Meena Kumari.

"I am very excited about the film. I am also doing a dance number in it. The genre is very different from what I have done so far and since it is inspired from the legendary Meena Kumari, it makes it more interesting," said the actor looking stunning in her gown.