Pledging to attempt varied roles, Amisha Patel reveals why she’s not yet ready to take the plunge

What makes you positive about ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’?
Priyadarshan and I have always wanted to work together. Somehow it never happened. With this film, we broke the jinx. I began this year on a positive note by shooting with him.

Why are you doing such few films?
In the first few years after ‘Kaho Na Pyaar Hai’ I was not choosy. Today I am enjoying being selective. I’d like to do comedies (post ‘Honeymoon Travels Pvt Limited’) and even exploit my potential as a dancer. I am a trained Bharat Natyam dancer. My soul comes alive when I dance. I’d also like to explore dark genres. I’ll be doing a Yash Raj film to be directed by Kunal Kohli. I want to do one film at a time and get my look and act right.

Are you satisfied with your career?
I didn’t use the shortcuts to success. I can proudly watch my films with my grandchildren. I came in at a time, when there were star children all around. But I made a place for myself without making any enemies.

What’s the one truth you’ve learnt along the way?
Though creative people are said to be ruled by their hearts, at the end of the day, this is a business and you are a commodity. You have to remember that a bright new tin will move you off the shelf eventually. You have to accept that you are not immortal and that ultimately you will just be a picture on the wall. Now I don’t take the terms ‘Good Friday’ and ‘Black Friday’ seriously. Apart from cinema, I want to envelope life through travel, books and other things.

A gold medallist in Economics, do you regret chucking up academics for films?
Everyone comes at a crossroad in life. But one thing I do know—no profession brings so much love. I am too restless for a 9 to 5 job. Being an actor takes you to people’s homes and hearts.

Have you given marriage a thought?
I am too selfish about my career. I don’t have the selflessness and commitment for marriage. I am too busy to give of myself to another person. I do not want to take a responsibility, which I am not prepared for. I don’t want to give failure a chance because I am not ready.

What has Vikram Bhatt added to your life?
Both of us are not comfortable talking about our relationship. The sanctity of a relationship is between two people. But he has been rock solid by my side and brought stability in my life.

Tell us something about your favourite person—your grandmother.
My granny (Susheela Patel Gokhale) and I share a striking resemblance to her. She has brought me up. She often says that to follow the path of truth is difficult, but one has to. She’s my sister, my mother and my brother. From Madonna to motherhood, I can talk about anything with her.

- DNA India