Was linked with every other person in the film industry: Nargis | The Express Tribune

Bollywood actor Nargis Fakhri recently spoke up about her frustration with being linked to different stars. In a candid interview with Siddharth Kannan, the Indian cinema star opened up on being romantically associated with numerous male actors in the industry, with huge names like Ranbir Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor being unable to escape the scrutiny by extension.

Reflecting on the incessant rumours, she stated, “I was linked with every other person in the film industry and it used to drive me insane. One time there was an article that said that I moved into Shahid Kapoor’s apartment and that my mom came down to meet him. People started messaging me, asking ‘Is your mom in town?’ And my mom never even came here. So, I had to get used to all of that.”

Recalling another incident, Nargis shared that a reporter had once asked her about “enjoying” with the Bollywood stars. “A reporter came up to me and said, ‘How is it to be enjoying the B-town stars?’ She said it in a way that she was insinuating something. That was the time when all such articles were coming out. And I just told her, ‘I am waiting for you to turn me into a lesbian,’ and her face dropped and she walked out. And then that was made into a headline and I got into trouble,” the actor stated.

Nargis also shed light on how criticism regarding her language barrier impacted her. “Back then I thought that they were harsh on me but today I don’t,” she shared. “I say that because in any business, and definitely in this business, nobody cares what goes on behind the camera and how much time, effort and hard work I put into this. They saw the end project and that is what they judged me on. And not everybody felt like that because I have so many fans.”

Addressing relationships in the entertainment industry, Nargis shared insights during an earlier interview with Bollywood Hungama. When it comes to seeking advice on relationships, she emphasised the concealment of reality in the glamour world. According to her, people often project an image of perfection, hiding the truth about the complexities of relationships. Fakhri expressed her preference for relying on her own judgment or seeking guidance from a therapist rather than turning to others for advice.

“I’ll tell you everything is different,” said the star, “and no one tells you the truth unless you have a friend that really tells you the truth, but most people hide the truth; they want everything to look perfect. I would use my own brains and my own self, or maybe get a therapist. I would not ask anybody.”

Discussing the dynamics of movie sets, Nargis highlighted the prevalent culture of flirting among actors. She noted that on film sets, everyone engages in friendly banter, making it challenging to distinguish between genuine interest and casual camaraderie. The blurred lines can lead to confusion, with individuals misinterpreting friendliness as romantic interest and vice versa.

Nargis made a memorable entry into the industry with Imtiaz Ali’s Rockstar in 2011. The star has been a part of several successful films. Her filmography includes notable projects such as Madras Cafe, Phata Poster Nikla Hero, Main Tera Hero, Kick, and Housefull 3. In her latest venture, Shiv Shastri Balboa, she shares the screen with veterans Anupam Kher and Neena Gupta. Her journey in Bollywood, marked by both triumphs and challenges, continues to captivate audiences, and her candid revelations provide a glimpse into the complexities of life under the spotlight in the world of Indian cinema.