Mallika in Dubai

American TV host Howard Stern compared her to Pamela Anderson and asked her to bare it all on his TV show. But Bollywood babe Mallika Sherawat turned him down to face more challenging career options.

This bold lass is out to change her image and also that of the stereotypical Asian woman in her forthcoming Hollywood flick, Unveiled.

I simply love Dubai. It’s very multi-cultural. There’s a very healthy exchange of ideas prevailing here. For me, I love visiting Dubai as it gives me very positive vibes. Mallika Sherawat, Actress
XPRESS caught up with the actress who is in Dubai to inaugurate the Indian restaurant and dance club, It’s Mirchi, at the Ramee Royal hotel.

Mallika on what she likes about Dubai

I simply love Dubai. It’s very multi-cultural. It’s a melting pot, where people from different backgrounds come together and blend into one society.
There’s a very healthy exchange of ideas prevailing here. For me, I love visiting Dubai as it gives me very positive vibes.
Right now, I’m really looking forward to going to It’s Mirchi and burning the dance floor. I want to burn that dance floor.

On her new Hollywood movie, Unveiled

There’s a lot happening. But the movie I’m really excited about is the Hollywood film Unveiled. It’s directed by Bill Bannerman, Clint Eastwood’s right-hand man who has assisted him in most of his films. This is the first time that a Middle Eastern woman plays the protagonist in a film. For once, the story is from her perspective. I play a traditional Muslim girl who transforms into an ultra-modern woman. Usually Asian actors are typecast, but here I get to play a different role. Most films portray characters from the Middle East as militants. Also, women from this region don’t get well-defined roles. It’s a great opportunity for me to do something challenging.
The movie will showcase the journey of a woman, it could be a woman’s story anywhere in the world. From what I understand, Unveiled is more on the lines of let’s say Million Dollar Baby or Monster.

On making it to Asia's 100 Most Beautiful Women list

I feel very good. I feel very happy. And Asia is like more than half the world’s population.

On the shift from Hindi to South Indian films

If someone like Kamal Hassan calls you to work with him, how can you ever say no. I consider myself very lucky that he’s offered me a role. There is so much that I can learn from him.