Ileana D’Cruz has always been a very strong personality and even as an actress in Bollywood, she has maintained it. She is the kind of person who believes in doing what she feels like. In a recent interview, Ileana spoke about how she broke down during the shoot of ‘Mubarakan’ in London. In an indirect way, she hinted at the prevalence of casting couch in the film industry, even now.
The actor said, “When I have actors flirting with me in acting, in my head, I am thinking, ‘If I flirt back, I could definitely land a film with this guy. If I consider going to his house for drinks considering he has invited me, I could definitely get a film with him.’ But I just don’t want to do that. Why do I have to do that? If I am talented enough, why can’t I just get a film? I had a breakdown when I was filming in London for ‘Mubarakan’ this time because of this. I lost a film, and I felt, if I have to be someone’s girlfriend to get a film, should I not be in this line of work? Eleven years of acting it has been for me and I still sometimes think, I am not cut out for this.”
“I hate the people-pleasing that goes with it, and the stupid politics but that is with every kind of work and job. But I do not want to do boost someone’s ego around like, ‘Oh, you are awesome’ and act like an idiot on TV to get TRP’s. I won’t do that, I have a little bit of dignity, I think. I don’t think that’s driven, I am driven in another way. And I am curious to know who said it.”
When she was asked if she chooses who to work with and is ever concerned about the actor paired opposite her, she said, “Yes. There are some actors that I know I won’t do a film with no matter how good the film is.” But she refused to reveal the names and said, “I am not going to give in irrespective of who you are. I am not judging anyone…. Which is also one of the reasons of my breakdown in London, I cried so much.”
However, she’s extremely happy about her two films ‘Mubarakan‘ and ‘Baadshaho’ which are releasing this year.