Jiah says she's lucky to have worked with superstars

By Subhash K. Jha

Mumbai, Dec 27 (IANS) Jiah Khan has impressed with her performance in "Ghajini" and the 20-year-old says it was great acting with Aamir Khan in her second film, after having starred opposite superstar Amitabh Bachchan in her debut venture.

"If I had Mr. Bachchan as my co-star in the first film, here it's Aamir. Can't get any bigger," Jiah told IANS.

The young starlet admits she was intimidated by Aamir. "To match up with him was quite a tough task. I've grown up by 10 years in the last two years," she said.

"It's a big film for me. And I was very happy with my role. 'Nishabd' and 'Ghajini' are so different. I needed this kind of a challenge. I'm dressed from head to toe - except for that one song ('Lattoo') where I transform from a Plain Jane to a femme fatale," the actress added.

Jiah was exceptionally good in the item number "Lattoo", but she says it wasn't difficult doing the song as she has been dancing to Bollywood numbers since she was six years old.

" 'Lattoo' is my first big Bollywood item song. And I've been performing to Bollywood songs from the age of six in front of the mirror. I've had years of practice," Jiah laughed.

She was quick to brush aside reported difference between her and Asin, the lead actress of "Ghajini".

"I didn't have any scenes with Asin. But recently we were in Panchgani together and we spoke for the first time then. Without a doubt she was amazing in the Tamil version of 'Ghajini'. This is her first Bollywood film and therefore a big thing. From my side there's no bad blood at all. I think Asin is beautiful. She has been working a long time. This is just my second film. I had a lot to learn from both Asin and Aamir," said Jiah, who debuted with controversial film "Nishabd".

Directed by Ram Gopal Varma, "Nishabd" was loosely based on Vladimir Nabokov's controversial novel "Lolita" and Jiah was paired opposite Amitabh Bachchan.

No regrets about doing an unconventional film like "Nishabd" so early in her career?

"None at all. I agree our audiences are still very conservative and 'Nishabd' was a very bold subject. Even in the West 'Lolita' created a huge controversy although they are no strangers to sex and nudity. For me 'Nishabd' was a challenge because I got to work with Mr. Bachchan and Mr. Varma so early in my career. And to be doing a central role in a film featuring Mr. Bachchan. It made me what I am. So I am grateful," she said.

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