Antara Aali

Antara Mali almost vanished from the scene after the release of her directorial debut, Mr Ya Miss (2005). Tinsel town's gossip mills attributed her disappearance to her film tanking at the box-office and her consequent break up (both personal and professional) with Ram Gopal Varma. But that was two years back.

The promising actress is now bracing herself to get back into the Bollywood grind. However, she rues that she gets more offers to direct a film compared to acting offers. She may have a few scripts ready but she is not going to rush into another production soon. Here she talks about her travels, her French documentary, the French lovers she wished she had, and her love for tattoos. C'est bon? Read on.

Where did you disappear after Mr Ya Miss?
I had taken a break. I travelled across Europe and then when I got back in the country, I headed to Rajasthan followed by Kerala. Alongside, I was also writing film scripts. 

Were you disappointed with the box-office collections of the film? Did that prompt you to take the self-imposed exile?
I was definitely not disappointed as my producer (Ram Gopal Varma) got a profit on his table. The film was a slapstick comedy and people were having a good laugh while watching it.

Well, you can say that it was a self-imposed exile of sorts. After Mr Ya Miss I was completely exhausted and I had to embark on a holiday. I simple enjoyed my free time and eventually, decided to prolong it.

Contrary to popular belief, I don't like to work so hard. I have very simple needs. I'm contented with my lovely house in Mahim and my car, and I do little work whenever I feel the need.  

Talk about the French documentary film that you co-directed.
Honestly, it wasn't my original idea. I was jus helping out my friend who directed it and I didn't even get paid for it (she laughs). Actually, I was learning on the job and I'm glad the film has started travelling to festivals. The film revolves around three students and their experience in Paris.

Tell us about your French experience.
It was lovely. I was reading, writing and travelling.

Any French lovers?
I wish I had a few.

So, you had one…
Yes, you do date once in a while (she laughs). But I'm not going to tell you even if I have had a lover in Paris.

Are you seeing anyone?
I have been single for the longest time now. I'm just happy spending time with my siblings and family.

Did you ever miss Bollywood in the last two years?
I was never at the centre of Bollywood. Neither do I have friends from the industry nor was I attending parties and other events. But I cannot deny the fact that I keep getting these pangs when I like to see myself working.

I believe you're busy finalising your next script.
Yes, I have a few scripts ready. Honestly, I get more offers to direct a film rather than act in it. But I'm not going to rush into direction and production.

Are you acting in any films?
I have not signed any as of now. Actually, I'm not yet motivated to resume work.

I believe you're getting tattoos for the moment.
I have been getting tattoos since my first year in college. I have a couple of them, but I'm not counting. I got a beautiful sun inked on my back from Hakim Alim's tattoo studio, earlier this week.