Desi-Box caught up with the young British Bollywood starlet Amy Jackson recently. The Liverpudlian beauty and Miss England runner up, stars in her first Bollywood film opposite Dum Maro Dum’s Prateik Babbar.
The model reveal’s to Desi-Box more about the film, as well as working alongside Prateik, her love for Indian clothing and who she would love to work alongside with!
DB: Can you tell us about the storyline of Ek Deewana Tha and about your character?
Amy Jackson: My character is called Jessie. She is very simple plain ordinary Christian Malayalam girl, who is from a very orthodox family. Having boyfriends and partying are completely out the question. When meet Sachin in the movie, her whole world turns upside down. Sachin and Jessie and how they battle through basic problems like religion, family and problems like that. It’s a story that everyone who has been in love can sort of relate to. It’s a completely connectable story because there always problems that go along with first love. Its a beautiful romantic story.
DB: How was it working with Prateik?
Amy Jackson: Super awesome. He is such a great co –star, who is very dedicated and super talented. Before I shot with him, I saw him in Dhobi Ghat and thought he was fantastic in it. I am very lucky to land up with him in my debut in Bollywood. On set when I was learning my Hindi he was always there to help i never felt awkward or shy with him it was a great experience.
DB: Did you enjoy shooting the song sequences?
Amy Jackson: Song sequences were fabulous. Rahamn is awesome. To have him compose the music for Ek Deewana Tha is just incredible. My favourite song from the film is Sharminda Hoon. We shot roughly for about 5 months all over country doing song and dialogue sequences. We go to shoot inside of the Taj Mahal and we did a really nice sequence there
DB: Was there any scenes you found particularly difficult to shoot?
Amy Jackson: There were a couple of really challenging scene with the dialogue. It’s a very dialogue based movie. So the Hindi was a challenge at first but as time went on was easier. The most difficult part was the break up scene with Prateik’s character Sachin in the film. It was very emotional and intense. There is no glitz and glam about the movie. It is rustic, simple and real, so the performances had to be spot on for the audience to feel the emotions
DB: What is the best advice someone has given you in the film industry?
Amy Jackson: The person I have to thank for being here and who give me my first opportunity is my first director A. L. Vijay. If he hadn’t spotted me and casted me I would not be here today. I’ve never had acting experience or was ever interested. But until I was given the opportunity never realized wanted to do it. The best advice he gave me was to completely be myself. He doesn’t believe in acting school and classes. He believes in actors and actresses being real form the heart. So whenever I do a scene I have to feel it and really put myself in that person shoes
DB: How does it feel to be only 20 years old and to have starred in two films already?
Amy Jackson: Awesome but a bit of a whirlwind. My nerves have gone down as It’s a year now since my last film was released but I can’t wait for the release of this film.
DB: What differences did you find working on this film in comparison to your previous film?
Amy Jackson: Obviously the language. In terms of Director there was no difference as both are from the south. Only difference were the scenes I guess. My first film was on looking good and dancing well. This film is based on my actual performance and my dialogue.
DB: Did you enjoy wearing the Indian clothing?
Amy Jackson: I love it. Never wore stair before. At first it was quite uncomfortable and awkward to walk in at first. But now I’m a pro in the Indian attire. I love it. I think the saries are the most sexiest and classiest attire you can wear.
DB: Have you enjoyed attending any of the film industry events?
Amy Jackson: I went to FilmFare Awards recently. It was fantastic. Shahrukh Khan and Ranbir were hosting alongside Karan Johar. Sitting alongside people like Deepika Padukone and Kareena Kapoor was amazing. It was a great night.
DB: Which actors and actresses would you love to work with?
Amy Jackson: So many! Actress wise I love Kareena Kapoor after watching her in jab we met. She is a fantastic actress. I would love to be romanced by somebody in my generation like Ranbir Kapoor; he was brilliant in Rockstar.
DB: Many have compared you to Katrina Kaif who when starting out did not know a word in Hindi but is now a sought after actress. What do you think?
Amy Jackson: It is a big comparison. Katrina is incredible. She has worked hard to get where she is. Hopefully if i work just as hard and be dedicated and possibly do just as well in Bollywood
DB: Is there anything you miss from the UK?
Amy Jackson: My family and friends. I actually really miss Sunday roast and mum’s cooking too!
DB: Have any of your family and friends visited you?
Amy Jackson: Loads of my friends have come over, they are really jealous of the weather here too. My parents are coming over for the release with my friends too.
DB: Will you be back in the UK anytime soon?
Amy Jackson: Wanted to come for Christmas, but couldn’t because of the promotions it was impossible. But I am hoping to come home after the release. Maybe I can squeeze in a week before I start shooting for my next film.
DB: Can you tell us about your next film?
Amy Jackson: It is a Telegu film opposite Ram Charan Teja and is called Yevadu. It will be filmed in Hyderabad and will be my Tollywood debut.
DB: How does it feel to be one of the few British exports to have done so well already?
Amy Jackson: I’m very fortunate to be here. I will continue to work hard and be dedicated and do the UK proud!
DB: Why should we watch Ek Deewana Tha?
Amy Jackson: The film is an absolutely beautiful romance. Everyone who is in love or has been in love will find it a perfect movie. It’s a real life movie and something that will touch your heart and stay with you for a long time. Hope everyone goes and sees the film.
The romantic drama is a remake of the director Gautham Menon‘s own Tamil film Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa, and tell’s the story of an innocent girl who is swept away by her first love. The film also boasts a stunning soundtrack by the musical maestro A. R. Rahman.
Ek Deewana Tha release this Friday in cinemas nationwide.