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Natassha, better known as Balaji’s blue-eyed girl, is ready with her third film Krishna Cottage. Hoping that it’s a hit, she prays it brings her much more than just a top-notch song like a ‘Ding dong dole’ from Kuch Toh Hai. A chilled out gal, she’s also a big star down south but knows a hit Hindi film means instant fame, world over. She is straight-forward and confident, knows what she wants. And goes straight for it.

Here’s some straight talk with Natassha.

Tell us something about Krishna Cottage.
After Kuch Toh Hai and Yeh Dil, Krishna Cottage will be my third film. I play a character called Shanti, whose behaviour is in complete contrast to her name. She is one talkative and short-tempered brat. But in the second half she goes silent because of an experience that thrusts her into a shock. Thus, I’ve got an opportunity to play two sides to a character’s personality. It was an enriching experience and a challenge. To add to this the script and story is brilliant. I hope audiences love this scary film.

The bad reception Kuch Toh Hai and Yeh Dil received at the box-office, must’ve disheartened you.
Hits or flops are not in my hands, but I do feel disappointed after having put in so much in a film and the returns are paltry. I’ll only work harder. I won’t lose hope and give up acting.

Wasn’t doing Yeh Dil a wrong move?
Not at all! In fact, I had done the original Telugu version and when I was not signed for the Hindi one, I was hurt. I felt protective about the film and thought that it should’ve been offered to me. Tara Sharma was to do it, but things did not work out for her. The filmmaker then contacted me. I was thrilled. So, again, wrong move? Not at all!

Was the atmosphere a friendly one on the sets, seeing that you worked with star kids Sohail Khan, Tusshar Kapoor and Esha Deol?
Yes, it was. All of them were nice and cordial to me, but I am quite reserved and would retire to my room after a shot. We never behaved like the best of friends but were friendly enough to get the shot right or understand if the other needed a retake. I never had any problems with anyone. I talk to everyone, and after pack up, if someone makes an effort to keep in touch, I reciprocate the gesture. I’m particularly close to Tusshar’s family. They have been a great support. He is lovely to work with besides being an inspiring and motivating factor on the sets. He works so hard, you feel like working harder.

You have a special connection with the Kapoor family. Comment.
Ekta and her family are like my own. I’m close to Shobha aunty who is like a mother to me. They have been a great support. I’d do anything for them and feel proud being called a Balaji girl. When they repeat me in their movies, I feel it’s my privilege for they are free to sign anyone they want. I’ve signed a romantic film, Koi Aapsa, with Aftab Shivdasani for Balaji. If tomorrow Ekta asks me to be a lampshade, I’ll willingly stand in the corner for a scene. Tomorrow if they offer me a serial, I’ll accept it. The day after if they call me to shoot for a film, I’ll go… without even listening to the story or the role. I trust them so much. Neither of us has taken the other for granted. Balaji is my guardian angel.

How was it doing southern films?
Wonderful! I’ve done one Tamil film with Vikram, and a few Telugu films. I’m now working in two Telugu films, one a drama and one a comedy. I also have a Kannada film but it became too much to juggle so many films and languages. So from now on I’ll concentrate on Telugu. Being a north Indian, a Sindhi to be specific, it was difficult to talk these southern tongues. But gradually, I improved. Today I may not be able to talk fluent Telugu but understand the language totally. I give my interviews, down South, with a half-Telugu-half-English vocabulary.

Will trying to sail in two boats, Hindi and the South, hamper your career?
I don’t think so. I juggle both of them quite well. I’m trying to limit my southern films for I’m trying to make my mark in Bollywood. My priority is definitely Hindi films. Just one hit here and I’ll be set for life.

Did you always want to be an actress?
No! I was never a studious girl and once I passed out from school I started doing odd jobs. A friend suggested I try my luck in serials, so I sent my pictures and auditioned for one. Ekta Kapoor was looking out for a girl to play the role of a naive wife in her tele-serial Kabhii Souten Kabhii Saheli. She saw my pictures, thought I suited the role, and signed me on. When I did that I never thought I’d be an actress. After that I thought I’d never get a film, but my Telugu career took off with a hit film. Then when I thought I’d never bag a Hindi film and Ekta signed me for Kuch Toh Hai.

What made you change your name from Anita to Natassha?
Balaji has benefited a lot from numerology, and since they were launching me they thought that a change in name would benefit me too. Even I thought that if changing a name might add to the chances of my being successful then why not. I respond to both the names. The only difference is that if someone calls out ‘Anita’, I know it’s family or friends. If it’s ‘Natassha’, it’s someone from the industry.

Any famous last words before your next release?
I have a ‘Ding dong’ in my portfolio, positive feedback from the audiences and films in hand. I see the positive side of everything. I am content.