The rambunctious Sherlyn Chopra, who is known for making provocative statements, was in the city recently to promote her upcoming Malayalam film, Bad Girl , directed by Shajiyem, which will also be dubbed into Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Hindi.
Though she had had a long day, Sherlyn spoke candidly about her ‘bold’ image and the importance of personal freedom.
Why did you choose to work in a Malayalam film that tells the story of a supermodel?
When director Shajiyem approached me, I didn’t know it was going to be a Malayalam feature. I asked him why I should play the role. He said that it was because I am a bundle of contradictions, just like the film’s protagonist. It talks about the aspirations and expectations of the modern-day youth in a realistic way.
What did you like about the character ofBad Girl?
I liked the fact that I was able to showcase not just my sensuality, but other facets of my personality as well. The world just goes by my image but they don’t know that I am also a very simple and vulnerable human being. The film helped me showcase my real self.
But you are perceived as an attention-seeker.
I have always spoken from my heart because of which I have been labelled as an attention-seeker. I feel very strongly about my personal freedom. In fact, I want youngsters to take control of their lives. I wonder why our society is scared of the word ‘freedom’. But, tell me, who isn’t an attention-seeker? All of us crave for attention, and I am no exception. But, that doesn’t mean that everything I do is for publicity.
Do you regret the controversial image that you have acquired?
Anybody is free to perceive me in any way they want. I have now come to a point in life where random opinions of people do not matter anymore. I am a woman who wants to celebrate her sexuality. It is the sexist mindsets of others that make them think that a woman who is sexy or dresses provocatively cannot be a woman of substance.
What kind of criticism offends you?
I do not take kindly to opinions that are deeply rooted in sexism and racism.
Tell us a bit about your role inKamasutra 3D…
I play the Aphrodite in the film. It is a passionate love saga. It is not about love-making positions as it is made out to be. It is inspired by Vatsyayana’s work. The film goes beyond his book and has a story of its own.
What would you like to tell the moral police in India?
Please grow up.
