Wanted a break from serious films: Ileana

Ileana D’Cruz begun her career down south, but she was not seen in as many South Indian films once she forayed into Hindi cinema.

When asked why, the actress shares that she is chasing good content, irrespective of language or industry.

“I was in good space when I took Barfi! I was new here, and yet I took the risk by coming here. It took me a while but I am ready for any kind of film; if I get good scripts there (down south) I will definitely do it as well, I have no qualms. For me, it’s all about content irrespective of South, Hindi or Hollywood films, but the script and the role has to be outstanding,” explains Ileana, who played an older woman in Barfi!. Actresses like Taapsee Pannu and Bhumi Pednekar were slammed for playing older women in Saand Ki Aankh.

She opines: “I have heard fantastic things about the film but I can’t comment as I haven’t seen the film. I would like to think that when a director casts an actor, he does it based on what he has developed in accordance with his vision. If he feels that this actor can play this character well, irrespective of what age they are, then he will certainly cast them. I think it’s the directors prerogative whom to cast and whom not to. They both, Tapsee and Bhumi, are brilliant actresses.”
Ileana has worked with big names in the industry, including director Aneez Bazmee on Mubarakan and Pagalpanti.

When asked if she wants to stick with comedy, she explains that she wanted a break from serious films. “I wanted to do a comedy film to break from the intense films I had done. People relate to me more with serious films, but after Mubarakan they were sure that I could pull off comedy as well,” she says.

As for her next project Big Bull, she remains tight-lipped. “All I can say at the moment is that the film is being directed by Kookie Gulati and it’s an interesting concept and not a typical heroine role,” says Ileana.