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'Blood Money has a lot more than just skin show'
Most people may not remember her item number in Sankat City and a cameo in Tees Maar Khan but Canada-born model Mia Uyeda seems unfazed by it.
In one of her more significant roles, Uyeda will be seen playing a vamp in this week's release Blood Money.
Directed by debutant Vishal Mahadkar, the film stars Kunal Khemu and Amrita Puri as the lead pair.
After travelling the world for modelling assignments, Uyeda found her calling in India when she landed a photo shoot in 2006. She's made Mumbai her home ever since.
In a candid conversation with Sonil Dedhia, Mia talks about playing a vamp, the controversy surrounding her intimate scene with Kunal Khemu in the film and much more.
You are playing a vamp in Blood Money...
Yes, I was so excited to play a vamp (Laughs).
It was a challenging role and I didn't want to disappoint since it is my first full-fledged role.
'I was nervous as hell during the audition'
Would you continue to take up roles with grey shades?
I have just started my career as an actor and I would love to explore new characters. I wouldn't mind doing a rom-com or a comedy but if people want me to play vamp, I am more than happy to do these roles.
Did you audition for the role?
Yes. Director Vishal Mahadkar approached me on Facebook and at first, I thought it was a prank because I have seen a lot of girls getting conned on social networking sites.
But I got a call from Vishesh Films and then I realised that it was all happening. I was nervous as hell as I was given an hour to prepare a few lines from the film. Vishal saw it and immediately signed me for the film.
'It is an intense drama'
Did you have a good time working with your co-stars?
I had a blast on the sets. Kunal (Khemu) was very co-operative and helped me. Amrita (Puri) and I had such a wonderful time together. We have become really good friends. The whole cast and crew was just wonderful and I was able to learn a lot of things from everyone.
Are you comfortable talking in Hindi?
I am learning the language. It's still a work in progress (Laughs).
There is an intimate scene between Kunal Khemu and you which got leaked on the internet.
I had no clue about the leaked video. In fact, my father called me from Canada to ask me what the video was all about. This is the only intimate scene in the film. It is an intense drama and has a lot more than just the skin show.
'If I'm comfortable, I don't think I'll have a problem doing intimate scenes'
Were your parents upset about it?
No, not at all. My father is very proud of the fact that I am doing what I always wanted to do. My grandmother told me that as long as I am comfortable with what I do, I should not hesitate in doing it.
Were you nervous while shooting for it?
Yes because I hadn't done anything like that before and didn't know Kunal well before I started shooting. At the same time, I must say that Vishal and Kunal helped me a lot. They made me feel really comfortable and I never felt that things were going wrong.
Would you be open to intimate scenes in the future?
I am an actor at the end of the day. If I feel comfortable and am sure of what I am doing, I don't think I'll have any inhibitions about playing bold roles.
'The first film I watched when I came to India was Kalyug'
When was the first time you thought of becoming an actor?
Everything in my life has been unplanned. I was discovered by a modelling agency outside a convenience store in Vancouver.
I was 14 when I was first offered a modelling assignment but my parents objected to it since they said I was not of the right age then. A couple of years later, they gave me the permission. Even before I could think further, I was travelling around the world for assignments.
What brought you to India?
I think it was pre-destined. My friend and photographer Waseem Khan offered me an assignment and I came to Bangalore in 2006.
One thing lead to another and the offers kept pouring in. I was also a part of 2007 Kingfisher Calendar and I did a lot of commercials. It's a coincidence that the first film that I watched when I came to India was Kalyug (costar Kunal Khemu's first film as a lead).
'I've never had to find work'
You started out as a model, then you became a VJ and now you're an actress. Was it gradual?
Yes it was. But as I said earlier, everything just fell into place. I've never had to find work. I am grateful that I have done two films (Sankat City and Tees Maar Khan).
They might not have been commercially successful but I am really proud of them. I think the career shift has always come at the right time.
Would you continue modelling?
I wouldn't mind doing it but the offers have to be substantial. I would not take up anything just for the sake of it.
Is it true that you write a sex column for a magazine?
Yes. The readers send in their questions regarding any problem related to sex and I answer them.
'I feel size zero is too skinny'
Name five sexiest actors in Bollywood.
That is a difficult question to answer. (Thinks) Arjun Rampal, Kunal Khemu, Hrithik Roshan, Amitabh Bachchan and Akshay Kuamr.
What is the sexiest thing about you?
My smile. People tell me it is very attractive.
Do you think size zero is sexy?
No. I feel size zero is too skinny and I don't want to be one as it is not a healthy sign. In fact I feel people are moving away from it.
Lastly, what is the sexiest dish that you cook?
I love to cook. I make different types of cuisine but I guess I cook some good spaghetti.