Chak89 owner Frank Khalid interviews model turned Bollywood actress
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London based restaurant Chak89 has become a celebrity hotspot with big names stars including Shah Rukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Jacqueline Fernandez, premiership footballers, cricketers and popular TV stars visiting there. Most recently sexy model turned Bollywood actress Nargis Fakhri took a break from shooting her latest movie Housefull 3 to stop by for some delicious Indian food.
Chak89 owner Frank Khalid interviewed the star over a curry. They discussed her journey in cinema, acting, food, fashion, inspirations and more.
How do you look back on your short journey in cinema?
It has only been four years. It has been a tumultuous journey.
You have had a high success rate, what has been your secret?
I listen to my gut. Whenever I hear something I just have to feel it. That is why I don’t do so many films.
Is finding the right projects the biggest challenge?
Finding projects I feel connected to is the biggest challenge for me because there are a lot of stories that you don’t feel connected to. You don’t really enthusiastic about it. I think the most important thing is to feel the enthusiasm to play that part and to be a part of that film.
Which of your roles have you most enjoyed doing?
I have only done a few films, but Rockstar was really tough because I came out of nowhere and I was thrown into something with no knowledge, so I was just sort of winging it. But it was really tough! Then Madras Café was lovely and a smoother sail. Then Main Tera Hero was a lot of fun. Each role was very different, but I enjoyed all three.
You appeared in Spy. Will you be doing any more Hollywood films?
Oh Goodness gracious, you know what just when I was planning on going there for a bit, so I can start going on auditions or meeting people I have been blessed with like four projects in Bollywood. So I have no time at the moment, but lets see you never know what the future holds.
Which confirmed films do you have on the way?
We were shooting Azhar here in London and then after that schedule wrapped I have been shooting Housefull 3. Then I will be shooting a film called Banjo with Riteish Deshmukh and then there is another I can’t talk about yet.
What are your biggest passions away from work?
My passion away from work is definitely health and wellbeing. Like everything that has to do with health; healthy natural food, staying in shape etc.
You have become a fashion icon, how would you describe your personal style?
(Laughs) I have stylists that is why! My own personal style is just sweat pants and sneakers.
Would you ever launch a fashion range?
Actually you know what I would love to. I really would and have thought about it. I’m hoping that at some point I could work together with someone on a line of clothing. I think that would be a lot of fun.
What is your favourite fashion accessory?
(Laughs) My favourite fashion accessory would have to be my attitude.
What do you enjoy doing whilst in London?
Definitely coming to Chak89 for all this lovely food! Walking! I love London because it is a walking city. After coming here and eating all this lovely food I am gonna walk, walk, walk so I can burn off the calories.
We are in a restaurant, how big a foodie are you and what is your favourite dish?
I am a huge foodie and as of now I am looking at that gobi Manchurian being my favourite. I also enjoy cooking and my signature dish at the moment is zucchini pasta with avocado garlic cream sauce.
Can you give us some beauty secrets?
(Laughs) Yes I know you wanna know my beauty secrets! You know everyone asks, what is your beauty secrets, but really it is like going to sleep at 9 or 10pm every night and drinking three litres of water every day.
You demonstrated some rapping skills in a video challenge, does recording a song interest you?
(Laughs) Actually that is really funny because that was done as the Bang Bang dare when Hrithik (Roshan) had his film coming out, so he asked everyone to do a dare. He asked me to rap since I am from the hood. So I made up this funny rap. By the way all my friends back home made so much fun out of me. But it seemed to do okay with my fans. You know what I think we only live once and we should do everything we can. Just try it! At least once.
Tell us something not many people know about you?
I am obsessive compulsive about hygiene! Like washing my hands and stuff.
What inspires you?
I am very into helping people, helping causes and being a part of charities. I think being of service is the only way that makes a human really happy. Like when you forget about yourself and you can give to others. That is how you find your happiness. At least that is what I think. Everything inspires me, even the little things. Even the trees, birds and butterflies!
Who has been the most interesting person you have met on your cinematic journey?
You know I can’t pinpoint one person. I have met a lot of interesting characters along the way. I think each human being I have encountered has been unique and very different.
Why do you love cinema?
You know I didn’t really love cinema until I started working in it! I realised that cinema brings a lot of joy to people. We get to entertain them. We take people out of their reality and bring them into a new adventure. So I think that is amazing.
Photographer: Javed Mohammed
UK Premier PR and Marketing
