Actress Laila Khan comes home for love

 

Why you decided to take a role in a Myanmar film?

 I have been washed by love from Indian audience and I want to experience love and support from Myanmar audience as well, as I was born here. That’s the first reason. Secondly, I have faith in Sayar Myo Min (Yintwinphit –the director).  Thirdly, the plot is very good. The character is very challenging and only lucky artists could win a chance like this in their lifetime. 

I’m a positive, friendly and gentle person. Yet, I had to play an arrogant and vulgar character, Angela. She's an emotionally distressed person. This character doesn't believe in love because her heart has been broken many times. When she meets a kind man, she wants him for herself. She is obsessed with him and doesn't care whether he's married or not. She becomes a selfish person with enormous bitterness. The character is challenging, inspiring me to take this role.

 

Any difficulties as you played a villainous girl against a good girl?

I had never worked with Moe Hay Ko (who assumes the good girl role) before but I knew her. My wish then was that she acted well. My efforts would become more noticeable when her acting was good. It’s important to strike a good balance. Yet, there were only a few scenes that we acted together. Everything turned out well. 

 

Any worries with your acting?

During the shooting, I was not worried. At the scenes, I was satisfied with my acting. Still, when I watched it at the preview ceremony to the press, I was a little worried. I was afraid that my character would be too villainous. Yet, it turned out fine. At the preview, Ko Pyay Ti Oo and Ko Ye Aung (lead actors in the film) praised me for my acting. The audience also hugged me and greeted me warmly. My fear subsided because of their understanding.

 

What's your expectation from this film?

Some people in the film industry usually say that they don't want the Academy Awards. I always believe that they are lying. Awards are the recognition of our work and I welcome any kind of awards. Yes, I also want the Academy Award. What worries me is the judges may not make a fair decision on this. If so, I’d be sad. Yet, no matter what, I’m happy as long as the audience give me supports.  

 

What's your view on Academy Awards?

I understand that the country is still lagging behind in many areas. But, the whole world can watch a Myanmar TV channel now. Therefore, it doesn't make sense to give the Academy Awards for movies filmed in 2012 in 2014. It would be better if the awards for the films released in 2013 were presented around January or February this year.

 

What have you been doing in Bollywood all these years?

All involve motion pictures. Out of my seven films, four of them have been released and three more are in the shooting process. In Bollywood, it usually takes between eight to twelve months to film a movie. But it has taken nearly two years for the movie which is being filmed now. 

 

Experience any work difference between Bollywood and here?

The acting is the same. I'm an artist. I can still act even if I'm woken up at midnight and asked to. As long as I fully understand the plot and my character, I can do it any time. 

The only difference I experience here is I have to prepare everything including the outfits, makeup, and jewellery. Elsewhere, I only need to wash my face and get ready for the camera to roll. I just need to memorise the dialogues and act my best. But, elsewhere, I can't complain about the clothes I don't want to wear. Everything is pre-arranged including the colours of my nails and hair. Here, I need to prepare everything on my own. Somehow, it matches my character, an actress who once dated a Sawbwa (a Shan royal family member) who returns from abroad.

 

Any plan to go to Hollywood?

I did receive an invitation two years ago and another six months ago. I said “No” to all, as they wanted me to be topless and pose on the bed. I’m a Myanmar lady and I didn't want to harm my family's dignity. I don't dare to do it. That's why I refused them.