I am Gods favourite child: Asin

I dont bother about rumours: Asin

I am a foodie: Asin

I'm happy with my profession, says Asin

She has worked with the two and is looking forward to work with the third, but actress Asin Thottumkal has already formed an impression about the three Khans in Bollywood.

The Southern beauty started her career in Hindi film industry with Aamir Khan starrer blockbuster ‘Ghajini’ in 2008 and went on to work with Salman Khan in her second film ‘London Dreams’ Last year.

When asked to pick out adjectives to describe the three Khans, Asin said, “Aamir is very focused, Salman has a cool attitude and Shah Rukh, from what I have seen of him, seems to be very charming.”

The 24-year-old actress was in the capital recently to announce the 55th Filmfare Awards to be held on February 27 this year.

Asin has already bagged three Filmfare awards — the first one in 2003 for being the Best Telugu Actress, second was the South Filmfare Best Actress Award for her performance in Tamil film, ‘Ghajini’ and the Filmfare Best Female Debut Award for the Hindi remake of the film.

“I hope to be nominated this year too, but my favourite film for this year’s awards would be ‘3 Idiots’,” said Asin, adding that the film was an “obvious choice” since it has been appreciated by all.

Even though she stepped into the film industry as a teenager, Asin, who hails from Kerala, never dreamt of becoming an actress in her childhood.

“It might sound like a cliche, but becoming an actress was never my ambition. I would have probably gone into academics like my parents. I am the black sheep in my family as no one else has any connection with films,” said Asin.

Having said that, the Southern beauty, who has been a prominent face in Tamil and Telugu films for years now, does not regret her choice.

“Back then, I was too young to think about what I was doing, but now, I am happy with my profession,” she said.

Asin has been often compared to another South Indian actress who has made it big in Bollywood, Sreedevi. When asked about the comparison, the actress said, “She is a great actress and is very close to me as we are neighbours. But I would like to make a name and place for myself in films.”

The actress might be a newcomer in Bollywood, but is not jumping at every offer and taking it slow and steady in terms of film projects.

“I’m taking up select films which excite me, which is why I do not have a number of releases one after another. I have some films in hand now but none of them have gone on floors yet so I cannot reveal anything about them,” said Asin.

She is also one star who believes in staying fit and positive but has no faith in the concept of size zero.

“Do I look like I could believe in size zero? To each his own, but I like to stay healthy and I think confidence, positivity and a good diet can achieve that,” Asin said.

Asin Calendar 2010

Asin was born into a Catholic family in Kochi, Kerala. Her father, Joseph Thottumkal originally from Thodupuzha, managed several businesses and was considered a prominent entrepreneur before he stopped managing his businesses and decided to manage his daughter's acting career instead. Furthermore Asin's father accompanies her to all her foreign shoots. Her mother, Seline Thottumkal, remains a surgeon despite moving settlements from Cochin to Chennai to Mumbai to live with her daughter. Asin has quoted that her name "means pure and without blemish". She claims that "the 'A' in her name is from Sanskrit meaning "without", and ‘Sin’ from English".

Abhi, Asin's 'A' story!

Three A’s — Abhishek Bachchan, Ashutosh Gowariker and Asin —were meant to be working on Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Se.

However, Asin who reportedly didn’t find the script too appealing ditched the other two ‘A’s just a week before they went on set. A source in Goa said, “Looks like there was an allergy factor floating around, hence this happened.” Now rumors have it that Abhishek and Asin were once again to be cast in Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar’s Crooked. This after the original ‘A’ — Aishwarya Rai Bachchan — left the project. Now, rumors say that Asin will once again not be in this project. Wonder why? They’re both nice looking people — Abhishek and Asin. And, they’ll even make a striking screen couple. So the mystery of why these two ‘A’ listers are not working together a second time over needs to be demystified.

Salman prefers Asin over Katrina

Ever since their coming together in the film LONDON DREAMS, Asin and Salman Khan's chemistry has been under the public scanner. Now, after their much talked about bonding during the shoot of the film, the latest buzz is that the equation between the two has progressed to the next level.

According to the reliable sources, "Salman and Asin have hit it big on the personal front. Both the actors have become thick friends post the shoot of LONDON DREAMS. Now, Salman seems to be taking more interest in Asin than Katrina and it seems the new friendship between the two is growing by the day."

Though, earlier it was reported that Ajay Devgan is Asin's good friend, but now it seems the actress has the backing of the muscular Khan as far as her personal life is concerned. Well, for the moment Katrina surely has a new competitor to deal with.

Asin says, I’m not calculative

Princessy in a deep wine gown and long flowing hair, Asin, who’s slipped effortlessly between Bollywood and cinema of the South, says that language for her, is not a condition while choosing films at all.

What matter, are her five ‘set’ criteria, “The script, my role, the director, the producer and my co-stars,” she says, “Doing movies in another language is not a problem at all. I didn’t know most of these languages before entering the industry. Thankfully, I have a flair for languages and I never used a dubbing artiste.”

So choosing movies involves careful calculation for her? “I’m not calculative at all,” she quickly responds, “I have not made any strategies or plans. Frankly, I’m not consciously thinking of a balance so to say, but finally it all depends on what comes my way. Right now, I have one or two Hindi movies in hand.”

The actress also talks about her experience at the recently concluded IFFI. “I was looking forward to meeting Sir Ben Kingsley, but couldn’t, unfortunately. But I interacted with Waheeda Rehman, and she was very kind and praised my acting.” So does she admire any other actress besides Waheeda Rehman? “It’s very hard to take names. All of them have been my favourites. It was great to interact with Waheedaji and I’ve always admired her a lot,” comes a diplomatic answer.

But she does have a favourite actor – Kamal Haasan. “Kamalji is a great actor and we were together in Chennai to celebrate his 50 years in Indian cinema.”

We hear that she plans to go back to Tamil films... “My journey in Bollywood has been great. I feel if you’re working in any cinema, be it Bollywood or down South, the audience’s reaction is the same for you. I find myself welcome in Bollywood, and I’m very comfortable here. I share a wonderful rapport with all my colleagues and seniors, from Amitabh to Amir Khan, and Sushmita to Aishwarya to many others,” she shares.

The actress also takes interest in social causes. “I’ve liked to involve myself in social projects since my school days, but I haven’t talked about it much. I just feel that people in our industry have this weird mindset, that if you’re associated with social issues, then you’re trying to get publicity for yourself. Hence, I would rather keep myself away from getting such publicity.”

Asin feels the Xmas spirit

The effervescent Asin Thottumkal, who hails from a Catholic family in Kerala, has three festivals marked out on her calendar each year. One is Onam, and the other two are Christmas and New Year.

“I’m usually home in Kerala for these festivals,’’ says Asin who has a palatial home in God’s own country. She remembers with fondness her schooling years when cousins, uncles and aunts arrived at their residence to put up the Christmas tree and then decorate it with jewels, gifts and lights. “We also put up a crib each year,’’ says the Bollywood star.

She can’t recall making any kalkals and marzipaan, but yes, food at the lunch table included a wide variety of cakes —because almost every aunt baked one; and also the best chicken and mutton dishes made in Malayali style. Asin herself is primarily vegetarian but, of course, she does partake in goodies occasionally.

“I’m upset I can’t go home for Christmas this year,’’ she says but she has planned her own little do here in her Mumbai home. “Christmas is not so much about parties for me,’’ says the actress, “but I do give ample importance to the spirit of the festival.

It is a time to remember the Lord and it also a time to spread the message of joy.”
Asin recalls how each year she got some plump uncle or cousin to dress as Santa Claus with all details — from the outfit to the beard and make-up in place. “We distributed gifts amongst ourselves,’’ she laughs. “I try my best not to shoot on Christmas because it is family time,’’ she adds. “However, sometimes things don’t go as planned.’’

While wishing all the readers of BT a Merry Christmas, the actress adds that this is one time of the year when she could break into a song because the spirit of the festival is absolutely infectious.

Aamir or Salman for Asin?

Asin the South Indian beauty has worked with two Khans - Aamir and Salman. Ask her to chose between them and she says, “You can’t expect me to choose between them. That’s not fair! You can’t compare them.

They are poles apart and yet similar. The common factor is that they are both genuine people. They don’t behave as per their image. But when it comes to work they are vastly different. Salman is more spontaneous, while Aamir likes to discuss every shot in detail. I am fortunate to know them both.”

Poorna now copies Asin’s style!

Last year, at a function when Ilayathalapathy Vijay said that Poorna looks like Asin, it made her career. In the industry she was known as the Asin look-alike and created a flutter.

Now Poorna has gone one step ahead and is copying Asin Chechi’s style of dancing, facial expressions and her famous walk in songs!

Take a look at Kandha Kottai songs and promos on television, you will find Poorna doing exactly what Chechi did in the hit song sequences of Pokkiri, Vel, Ghajini, Sivakasi etc.

And to top it all, Poorna not only smiles the way Asin did but also is having her style of dressing in the film. Poorna when contacted says: “ Yes I’m proud to say that Asin Chechi is my role model. Watch me in Kandha Kottai it is my best role so far, and my on screen chemistry with Nakul is terrific.”

Asin’s bad is Genelia’s good!

A leading business paper has come out with the latest 2009 TAM AdEx data, which puts up Priyanka Chopra as India’s first woman to top the endorsement charts.

In the chart Mahendra Singh Dhoni is at number two followed by Kareena Kapoor and her lover Saif Ali Khan at number three and four. This year there are five women in the top 10. The shocking news is that Asin who featured among the top 10 in the endorsement chart last year, is missing from the list this year!

Among the 10 in this year’s list five are Bollywood leading ladies- Priyanka Chopra taking the crown, while the others are Kareena Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Deepika Padukone and Genelia D’Souza.

It is a major blow for Asin, as arch rival Genelia who also came to Bollywood via south regional cinema has found a place in the list.

Asin and Deepika are Latest buddies

'Om Shanthi Om' beauty Deepika Padukone and Asin, who hit the jackpot with Ghajini (Hindi) are currently ruling the roost, what with Deepika starring in Imitiaz Ali's Love Aaj Kal and Asin in London Dreams with Salman Khan. But other than the fact that both have prestigious projects lined up, they also have one more thing in common.

The latest in the grapevine is that is Asin and Deepika are revelling in a new-found friendship that thrives over SMS. Apparently, these SMS buddies exchange at least half a dozen messages each day, in spite of packed schedules.

Deepika, who is known for the apparent catfights with Sonam Kapoor and Bipasha Basu, is happy that Asin and she have struck up a good friendship. Deepika was overheard saying to another friend, “The nice part of my friendship with Asin is that we’re both daddy’s girls.’’

Quite true, as Asin thinks the world of her businessman father Joseph Thottumkal, and Deepika worships the courts on which her super dad Prakash Padukone plays badminton. Will this filmy friendship continue or will it bite the dust like many other hi-profile relationships ?

Asin and Vijay Pairing Again

Kerala beauty Asin is once again appearing on the silver screen opposite Ilayathalapathi Vijay in an untitled Tamil movie, this will be the third time they come together on the screen after Sivakasi (2005) and Pokkiri (2007).

Asin who is said to be planning a comeback to Tamil cinemas, would surely pick up this offer with producer Aascar Ravichandran. It was producer Aascar Ravichandran film ‘Dasavathaaram’ opposite Kamal Haasan, which took her to the heights of Bollywood that she is now at.

'Asin in 19 steps'

Asin Thottumkal became a household name after the success of the Hindi Movie 'Gajini'. The actress, who is presently working for 'London Dreams' with Salman Khan and Ajay Devgan, has taken a major decision. She has stopped taking her father to the sets!.

Earlier, Asin used to be accompanied by her father to the moview sets. But these days she goes alone. According to sources, her Bollywood co-stars have asked her not to bring her father to shooting locations and the actress obliged them.

Asin's '19 Steps' with Kamal Haasan has been stalled. Kamal, who was to play a significant role in the film, reporteldy suggested some major changes to producer vharatbala visa-vis the script. But the latler didn't take to them kindly. As a result Kamal backed out of the film, forcing the movie to come to a standstill.

Asin now with all Super Stars

Asin is just a newcomer in Bollywood, but she is turning stronger day by day. First, she caught everyone's fancy playing the spunky, endearing girl-next-door in Aamir Khan's mega film 'Ghajini' sporting a wardrobe - full of salwars, funky tees and skirts. In her second Bollywood film , she is going all chic. This is Vipul Shah's ' London Dreams'. In her second movie, Asin will be sporting a tough, sexy look replete with bandannas, leather jackets, chunky bracelets and knee-length boots. Here she will be styled by Ashley Rebello who would present her in colors and makeup that is going to be dramatically different to her look in her Bollywood debut 'Ghajini'. During the chat the actress says that her characters in her two films are very different from each other.She adds, "In 'London Dreams', it is my dream to become a rock star, a performer… and hence I am dressed like one. I play a dancer in a band while Ajay Devgn and Salman Khan are its singers." She was very excited while doing the movie and rocked throughout the shooting, she says. She is very much thrilled to have worked in her debut films with mega stars like Aamir Khan in 'Ghajini' and with Salman Khan and Ajay Devgan in 'London Dreams'.

This is not all. She is forging ahead. She is going to have another feather in her cap as she is signing for director Ashutosh Gowariker's 'Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey' and that too opposite none other than Abhishek Bachchan in the lead role. The director is currently in talks with the actress though it hasn't been finalized yet. The third movie of Asin will be based on journalist Manini Chatterjee's book 'Do and Die'. According to sources close to the director, she has impressed Ashutosh Gowarikar with her debut performance in 'Ghajini' and her other films in the South. Ashutosh says that her asin starrer "Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey' is about the Chittagong uprising of 1930. It will be a period thriller. Ashutosh explains that he has already bought the rights of the book 'Do and Die' and is currently busy in zeroing on the star cast of the film. According to our reports , Ashutosh would like Abhishek Bachchan to play Surjya Sen (Masterda) who led the uprising in 1930s. Nitin Desai is erecting the sets in Goa and the film is already on the floors. In the meantime however, Gowarikar is looking forward to the reactions for his film 'What's Your Raashee?' starring Priyanka Chopra and Harman Baweja, who were only in the recent past were considered too close with each other.

An Interview with Asin

How difficult was it for daddy’s daughter to work independently after her father was hospitalized ?

It wasn’t very difficult. My dad was never a baby-sitter on the sets. Between us, it’s a client-andmanager kind of a relationship. Since I don’t have a manager or a secretary, my father plays a three-in-one role. Recently, I went to Bangalore to launch the Bangalore Food Guide. I called him up at one in the morning to just wish him good night. Even then, his phone was engaged! My work-related issues had been keeping him busy so late in the night. Now, there is somebody to accompany me in his place. The only difference is, since this person is doing a professional job, the personal touch of having my father around, is missing.

Do you have your parents accompany you while shooting ?

My mother, who is a doctor, has opted for VRS. My father isn’t there to stare into the monitor as I shoot. He sees to it that everything is organised, and then leaves. It’s disturbing when people confuse my father with the ‘baby-ko-juice-doh’ kind of parents who are always there on the sets. My dad is an independent thinker and never indulges in such behaviour.

How difficult is it to shoot romantic scenes in your father’s presence ?

I’m quite comfortable when he is around. It’s my profession. If I can agree to a scene that will be viewed by my parents in the audience, why won’t I be able to shoot it in front of them?

A lot is being said about how Salman Khan gifted you a house…

How silly is that! I’ve been living in the same house ever since I went to Mumbai to shoot for Ghajini. I hadn’t even met Salman then. The media has got him to gift me a new house, someone to do the interiors and even adorned my walls with his paintings and posters!

Isn’t the audience mature enough to understand that these link-up stories are a part of the movie’s mar keting strategy ?

There are so many untrue stories and misquotes that I think many people would have become conscious of the media games. Of course, a percentage would want to believe it as a topic of discussion, even if they actually have doubts about it.

Can’t the publicists of a film be responsible for this too ?

I’m not familiar with such a strategy. During Ghajini, I knew exactly how the movie would be promoted by first releasing Aamir’s look. But the London Dreams team has not discussed anything of that sort with me.

How differently do Salman and Aamir approach a role ?

Salman is very relaxed and chilled out. He is spontaneous and even if he has done the homework for his role in his mind, on the sets, he does an impromptu job. In Ghajini, Aamir would come and discuss the role with me, suggest changes and seek suggestions. As for me, I prefer a mixture of both.

You’ve featured in the Lead India campaign to woo voters. Ever considered campaigning for individual stars ?

No. I’ve been approached in the south, but I have always declined such offers. Be it difficult or easy, one has to say no when one doesn’t want to do something.

Asin - Sexy

Post the Aamir Khan-starrer Ghajini, Asin is tipped as the next big thing in Bollywood. The pretty actress has many scripts to choose from, but she is being extremely choosy - picking only those that appeal to her.

"I have always been choosy. I have done fewer films in Tamil than my cotemporaries," says Asin. "I think it's better to be selective than sign 10 films without much thought."

She turned down Ilayathapathy Vijay's prestigious 50th film in Tamil as well as several Hindi films including Abhishek Bachchan's Delhi 6, Akshay Kumar's De Dhana Dhan and Farhan Aktar's Karthik Calling Karthik.

Ever since Asin left Chennai and made Mumbai her home, both success and controversy have wooed her. "In Mumbai, it's business first. All relationships are agenda-based and the personal touch is missing," says the actress on the lessons she has learnt. "Down South, the people connect to you more on a personal level.