Even before 2014 draws to a close ushering in New Year along with its customary celebrations, Delhiites are witnessing matinee idols descending on the city to endorse shoes, watches and cosmetics. It is not that these actors are out of the reckoning in the film industry but are simply cashing in on their popularity .
The other day, the ravishing Ileana D’ Cruz was at Noida’s Great India Place, where she looked a little lost and jaded as she launched a store of Footin India, an international footwear brand. With eager autograph hunters and selfie seekers crowding around her, one had a tough time speaking to her. But the jostling and inconvenience was worth the effort as the unpretentious actor gave some straightforward honest answers.
“I have taken a break from movies because of the impending Christmas celebrations. I am in talks with a couple of filmmakers but nothing has been finalised,” she replied when asked to divulge her new film projects.
Barfi gave a boost to her career in the Hindi film industry but she failed to capitalise on its success by signing movies with run-of-the-mills storylines.
“I agree that Barfi gave me a dream launch but you have to give me time to showcase my talent because I have been just two years in the industry. When Barfi was offered to me I knew it had that little bit of madness and magic in it. It was an exhilarating experience working in the Anurag Basu film. After the success of the film, I did not want to be typecast although I am contemplating doing a film on the lines of Barfi .”
As Barfi , despite its entertainment quotient with Ranbir Kapoor playing a charming prankster, was a “serious film”, the actor deliberately signed Main Tera Hero,PhataPoster Nikla Hero and Happy Ending to demonstrate her versatility. While Main Tera Hero worked, the other two failed at the box office. “The idea was to do different genres of films and establish myself as a complete actor.” For Mumbaikars like her , (Ileana is originally from Goa), travelling to Delhi in winters means a break from the heat and grime of the Film City?
“I like Dilli ki sardi . It is exciting and enjoyable to be in Delhi when the chilly weather conditions are prevailing. Such weather can never be experienced in Mumbai. Apart from enjoying winters here, I also enjoy trying different types of cuisines available here. The range is incredible thanks to the talented chefs out here.”
And what about the infrastructure which improved by leaps and bounds during the run-up to the Commonwealth Games? “I am not competent to speak on that,” she said half-apologetically.
On the essential prerequisites for endorsing a brand which eventually would encourage her fans to dip into their pockets, Ileana says, “First and foremost, the product endorsed by me like shoe or some garment should be comfortable. Affordability is another factor which weighs on my mind. You must understand that college-going youngsters, who love us and our movies, don’t get hefty pocket money. So the pricing should be done to suit their pocket.”
