Ileana's Fashion Talk

She is the Goan girl from Mumbai who is the top actress in Telugu today. Pokiri and Rakhi have put her on a totally different platform than her contemporaries. She talks of her friends within the industry and all about her latent design and singing skills. Ileana for you.

You are shooting with Pawan Kalyan for Jalsa. Finally, is that the title of the film, or is it still a tentative title?

I have the lead role in the film. It is with Pawan Kalyan, so it is coming out good. It is not called Jalsa or anything yet. It is still very tentative.
A li’l something about your role. We have heard there are other girls in the film apart from you…

There is Kamilini and there is Parvati Melton. I wouldn’t talk about my role. But it’s different. Much different from all the other roles I have done.
Tell us about the film…

I can’t talk about the story at all. I will keep mum for now. It will be really very different from what I am, totally different from the image I have on screen. It is a huge comedy flick and a complete entertainer.
When will you start shooting for Vijayabhaskar’s film?

We will be starting Vijayabhaskar’s film in November, in the first week most probably.
What other films have you signed in Telugu and in Bollywood?

So far I am doing a film with Pawan, which will be over soon. Then, I have a film with Tarun which will be starting soon. I have also signed a Bollywood film.
Can you elaborate on the Hindi film…

I am doing a film with Shiny Ahuja. Indrajit Lankesh will be directing it. That’s also a good flick or so I hope.
How would you describe your Bollywood debut film?

It is a very stylish kind of a film. They are using the best of the people to work on the film. My fingers are crossed. I am hoping for the best. Also, I will be seen opposite Shiney, so it should be a good experience.
Are you happy getting the break, after all the hype?

Of course. But Bollywood is not a big deal for me. Yes, the exposure is good, fame is all very good. However, it all depends on the script and the film. If I get better roles in Telugu, then I will do Telugu films. On the other hand, if I get nicer roles in Hindi, then I will do more Bollywood films. Or do both maybe.
What about all those rumours about you being cast opposite Shah Rukh Khan?

I am not doing a film with Salman or with Shah Rukh Khan. I have never even met them and that I hope answers it.
It is rumoured that you are the most highly paid actress in the industry today. How does it feel?

I have so many people coming up to me and asking the same question. It feels good. Maybe it puts you on a new pedestal. But what matters to me is the respect I get, from the people and my producers, irrespective of what I get.