Exclusive: My work is a representation of my view of the world, says Lisa Haydon

The sassy Vijaylaxmi, who redefined the heroine's friend for Bollywood in more ways than one, is quite the free spirit in real life too. Lisa Haydon, drop dead gorgeous, comfortable in leaving a trail of gaping, stunned grown men in her wake, is a passionate traveller, self made showbiz star and a refreshingly honest subject to interview. Here's a candid chat that Lisa had with Pinkvilla on her forthcoming films, and life as she likes it.

I am intrigued. You've grown up in Australia and USA. How did you get the Franco- Hindi tone and accent so right for QUEEN? From the easygoing body language, to your dialogues to your sheer comfort before the camera, you came across a seasoned performer. How did this happen and how did you prepare for the role?

Thank you. The French accent happened over a month long training period with my French accent coach Ishwari. She is a beautiful Indian girl who grew up in Paris, so it was perfect to train with her. As far as performance goes, a lot of credit goes to Vikas Bahl for allowing this character to breathe. She really came with no baggage. Just a cool chick enjoying her life with much abandon, freedom and a good heart. It was important for me to try and keep it real as open-minded, liberated females can often be misunderstood. But again Vikas treated this character with respect. That was cool.

Being as sexy as you are, have to ask you. Is this natural? Have you cultivated the oomph factor? Also in Hindi films, is there a risk of being too sexy sometimes? Will that prevent a certain section of mainstream roles coming your way?

I get confused sometimes with this sexy tag because what a lot of what we call/consider sexy in the media, to me, looks a bit vulgar actually. Sexy is relative. So assuming we are referring to sexy as airy, confident, naturalness, fun, vivacious, playful... then I'm not worried about a certain sector of films not coming my way. I've arrived at a place in my head where the characters I play have to have my message rolled in. If I follow the herd then how will I change my corner of the world. My work is a representation of my view of the world. It is an amazing privilege to have this job and I am so thankful for it everyday because we have the power to effect the way people view our society, women, love, our times, fashion and so many other scenarios. In that way I am happy with what I am being offered right now, so I am not worried. Maybe at a stage where I am not feeling fulfilled would this question arise. But worrying about that is like worrying about anything. It's pointless.

Fill us in on how acting happened for you. We saw you in AISHA and now Queen. Do you pick your film work carefully?

I did Aisha because I liked the feeling I had when I met the director and crew. I didn't think too much. I was offered it and I took it. Then with 'Queen', I was given the intro scene to audition for- on the balcony when VijayLaxmi is ranting about "why all men want it big"? I read her lines and I was like, whoa this girl really doesn't give a f@*k in a really authentic way. haha. I knew I HAD to have this role. It was a small role in the film but I wanted it. I auditioned and came back the following morning to meet the director... And that's pretty much how it happened.

Shaukeen seems like an incredible role. How did you get this film? Tell us something about shooting for it.

I absolutely love my character!! I obviously can't say too much. But she is a simple yet complex girl. The main thing when I read the script was 'what can I do with this character'? She is so funny to me and is, quite a trip actually.... Ok I think I'm saying too much! Ha ha
How it happened, I guess they were looking for someone for the female role and Queen had just released which had all the cast sort of in the line light and by twist of fate/fortune it landed in my lap. I'm having such a good time on set. Here right now actually staring at endless blue ocean while I fill out this interview, went to the gym to sweat out last night’s first cast and crew party. It's one of the best sets I've been on. Everyone is incredibly positive and funny. I’m lost in a 'Shaukeen' vortex and really don't want to be anywhere else right now.

Going international is quite the trend these days. With your body and your comfort before the camera, do you have international acting aspirations too? Would you like to see yourself in a Hollywood or French film or TV series?

Of course! If the time was right and the correct offer came I would whole-heartedly embrace it.

Uncomfortable question, but since you aren't too coy as a person, have you ever come across the casting couch or unpleasant offers from men in the film industry?

Never. And I think that is because I have an amazing agency that protects me from such things. Coupled with the fact that doing intermediate things to score work would just NEVER be an option for me. I think energetically people know I would not be game for such offers and that offering it would mean trouble more than anything else. The people I have worked with have always been respectful and professional.

Is there a dream role, or filmmaker you would like to work with? Who amongst the current crop of actors and actresses, do you admire the most? Have you signed any more films?

I thought playing Vijaylaxmi was a dream role. I would love to do a Woody Allen film. I'm super happy with my current role right now and yes there is another film. A real dream role, but it's too soon to say anything. Fingers crossed.

Last question- how do you like to unwind? Do you travel? What's the most recent holiday that you have taken?

Travel is my way to unwind. If I'm not working I'm really hardly in Bombay anymore these days. I disappear on mysterious trips to mysterious locations with mysterious friends. Hahaha! it just keeps me grounded. I love going to Bali, Mexico and Ibiza. Right after this monster Shaukeen schedule, I will be in Europe for the summer.