"Spy"-ing on Nargis Fakhri

On Wednesday 27^th May 2015, the cast and crew of the Hollywood film, Spy, were in London to promote their movie, prior to the London premiere. The film stars many impressible names, such as Melissa McCarthy, Jason Statham, Miranda Hart, as well as our very own Bollywood starlet, Nargis Fakhri, with whom we caught up with for an interview.

Dressed immaculately in blue, Nargis Fakhri was friendly, vivacious and extremely spontaneous during the interview. She spoke about the director of the film, Paul Feig and how she was pleasantly surprised that he knew about Bollywood movies, as she thought not many non-Asians were aware of Bollywood. She stated, “It's really a surprise, but really lovely at the same time to know that people who are not Indian and live abroad still know about Bollywood and Hindi Cinema; and I think it's fantastic. Paul Feig, the director, surprisingly enough knows about Bollywood. He's seen the stuff that I was in. I remember over a meal, he was talking about this next film he was going to be working on... he told me about it and asked if I'll be available and like to be a part of it.”

On her response about the stereotypes of Asians in the Western media, Nargis Fakhri replied, “You used to get the token black guy, or the token Asian guy. But I think it's changing and I think it's great. I think it's nice that now people are opening up to more ethnic actors. So I think that's great because you'll give more talented people an opportunity to be a part of big things.”

She has been very selective of the Bollywood projects she takes up, humorously calling herself slow. “I'm slow, I'm like a tortoise... like the tortoise and the hare, but I'm a young tortoise.”

She further adds, “I'm just slow and I'm picky. I can't do everything, I've got to be honest. I don't fit everything and not every story resonates. And I think it's about the story. You want to feel connected and get really excited about what you're doing. So, it's really important.”

As well as for her movies, Nargis Fakhri is synonymously known for her stint on the Koffee with Karan show, where she appeared as a guest with Frieda Pinto. When asked about who the real Nargis is, she refers to the show and says that it was a more toned down version of her. “Hang out with me for a couple of days. You'll laugh a lot, that's for sure... I don't think you can pinpoint who I really am. I think I'm a little bit of everything. I know that I'm really moody, so it just depends on that day.”

Furthermore, “I think people are getting to know a bit of me. In my interviews, I try to be myself. I'm like a little girl trapped in a sexy, big girl's body. That's what I am. I'd say I'm a little boy trapped in a big girl's body. I'm just fun.”

Nargis Fakhri's laughter filled the room while her positive vibe was spread to one and all. To sum her up, she is chilled out, fun, and pure Nargis!