‘Gulaal’ is no popcorn entertainment: Jesse Randhawa

Stunning, sensual, sexy and sassy Jesse Randhawa - one of the most celebrated fashion divas, spurs sizzling emotions. With her drop dead gorgeous look, elegant frame and a figure sculpted to perfection, this lissome beauty has claimed many hearts. The ramp scorcher is considered as country’s prominent fashionista. From one glitzy world to the other, this show-stopper has now set her sight on Tinsel Town and is all set to cat walk her way into Bollywood with ‘Gulaal’.At the threshold of entering filmdom, the model has shed all showy façade for a make-or-break debut film that has stirred much curiosity owing to its bold theme and even bolder filmmaker Anurag Basu of ‘Dev D’ fame. On the eve of her first release, an excited yet edgy diva Jesse Randhawa spoke to Tanu Talwar of Spicezee.com about her bitter college experience, actor avatar, modeling future, love and the ‘biased’ presentation of ‘Fashion’ world by Madhur Bhandarkar. Tanu: How did ‘Gulaal’ happen? Jesse: Well, I know it’ll sound clichéd, but I never planned to take up films. Even when Anurag approached me, I was not convinced. But after I heard the narration and the part he had for me, I decided to go ahead with the role. Tanu: Tell us about your role in the film? Jesse: I play a college professor. It’s a very intense role about a woman who hasn’t had it easy in life. She has been abused and her tumultuous life has turned her into a very bitter person, who is discontented and unhappy with life. College students ragged her and the incident hurts her at a very deep level that leads her to become a sort of rebel. Tanu: ‘Gulaal’ is touted to be inspired by a number of real life incidences. Is it true? Jesse: Yes, the film does derive inspiration from a number of real life events. It’s a stark look into college politics. It’s a very bold film and I feel one needs to go and watch this film with an open mind. It’s no a typical popcorn entertainment, there is a very deep massage attached to the film. In fact, when I was in college, I was badly ragged. I studied in Maharani College in Rajasthan and was subjected to a lot of unhealthy ragging. It still scares me when I think about the way my seniors ragged me. Tanu: Being a glamour diva, will your look in the film be fashionable? Jesse: No, on the contrary, it’s a simple look. It’s the least glamorous I have ever been. Throughout the film I have worn sarees and kurtas. Tanu: So, we’ll get to see the real you… Jesse: (Laughs) Yes, of course. It’s going to be just me wearing a ‘kajal’, ‘bindi’ and minimal make-up. Tanu: Why did you choose such a serious subject like college politics to make your debut? Jesse: Well, I didn’t choose ‘Gulaal’; Anurag chose me. I never wanted to do a typical potboiler. I want to be associated with good, thought provoking films. I consider myself really blessed to have my first film with a filmmaker as talented as Anurag. Tanu: Tell us how was it working with Anurag? Jesse: Oh, he is an amazing director. I can’t describe how good he is. When he approached me, I had no idea what a talented filmmaker he is. It was only after working with him that I can say - he is one of the most dedicated filmmakers in our country. He can get performances out of non-performers and is extremely calm in his approach. Tanu: From modeling to acting, has it been a planned route? Jesse: No, not at all. I had never wanted to get into acting and even now I am not sure as to how long I would take this. To tell you frankly - my heart lies in dancing. Tanu: So, are you going to give up modeling? Jesse: Well, I can’t be a model forever. As far as films are concerned I would like to do only a few that really excite me and have something to offer. They should appeal to me and should be with good directors. Tanu: Being a part of fashion industry, what’s your say on reality driven filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar’s ‘Fashion’? Jesse: I feel that the film is too over-the-top. It’s far from being called an apt portrayal of the Fashion industry. It’s too far fetched and blown over. He’s made the industry look so ugly. I feel that it’s a very biased and unfair treatment to the subject. Everything is shown to be grim and dark. But maybe that’s what sells. People want to see ‘masala’ and he has given them a fashion ‘khichadi’. Tanu: So, will you ever want to work with Madhur? Jesse: Of course, why not? He is a good director. I have liked most of his works apart from ‘Fashion’ which I thought was too exaggerated. Tanu: You have been in the fashion business for long. How has the industry changed over the years? Jesse: Oh, I feel that it has become much more organized and professional. It’s really nice to see it burgeoning as new comers get a chance. It wasn’t so easy in my time. However, there is much more competition now. But I feel it’s for the best as it motivates one to give in his or her best. Tanu: So, what’s next? Jesse: There are projects in the pipeline. Currently I am working for my next release called ‘Love Khichadi’ opposite Randeep Hooda. Tanu: You are said to be dating Sandip, are there any marriage plans in future? Jesse: Yes, we are dating and I am as settled as I could be.