Lekha Washington in FHM

Lekha made it into the Indian version of FHM as well. For some reason FHM skipped their long list of questions – about Lekha Washington’s movies, her hosting the IPL, why this gorgeous gal didn’t show us more of her amazing figure by wearing the expected female sports commentator’s ‘spaghetti’ attire – and decided to focus on the sexy siren’s sculptor-making talents. Actually, how she could acquire instant fame making life-sized sculptures by dousing people with hot wax like the guy in House of Wax. “I haven’t seen the film, but the next time I’m going to look all scary and take some wax with me. Till now the only person I’ve poured wax on is myself,” she laughs, loading FHM’s brains with really kinky thoughts, before continuing, “I’ve burned my fingers working with resin.”

Q: The main fashion shoot has artists donning black and white threads. How much money would you shell out for a painting?
A: It really depends on the painting, but, yes, I will be willing to shell out an arm for it. Though I don’t think art is something that can be owned – it is something that is a part of everybody’s lives. I don’t feel the need to own art as much as I feel the need to create it.

Q: Our readers’ True Stories concerns a guy over-exerting himself to impress a hot chick. What’s the stupidest thing a guy has done to get your attention?
A: There are lots of stupid things. A guy rode all the way from Mumbai to Ahmedabad on a bike to meet me. Come to think of it, that was actually terribly sweet more than stupid!

Q: Our reviews editor tests out the hot new KTM bike. Ever ridden pillion?
A: I can ride a motorbike you know. But I had a really bad bike accident once and smashed my knee in 14 pieces. Yes... ouch! Ever since I haven’t been riding. Someone I’m very close to is a biker, so I have been riding pillion.

Q: This issue, we give guys several reasons why they ought to spend their entire life with our sexy cover girl Lara Dutta. Gender reversed, which actress would you want to spend the rest of your life with?
A: If I was a guy, I would go down on one knee and asked Angelina Jolie to be with me. (Laughs) She has something that makes every woman want to be with her.

Read the FHM July issue to read the complete interview of Lekha Washington.

Interview with Behind Woods

Lekha Washington has been interviewed by Behind Woods, here are the excerpts of the interview:

Q: You’re a trained actress?
A: I studied film at NID. I always wanted to act, and my first gig was as a VJ. And now Jayam Kondaan – please go see it!

Q: Your native place?
A: Chennai. Born and brought up here. I’m actually part Maharastrian, part Italian, part Burmese – a mixed blood! But I’ll always consider myself a Chennai girl.

Q: Were you a model?
A: Not for long. Couple of ads. I began with VJ-ing, really.

Q: How did you come to acting?
A: I have always loved to pretend to be another person. And I’ve always wanted to act. My parents said – don’t go to the cinema field, its bad – but my desire never died, and here I am.

Q: Why did you choose Tamil cinema?
A: Chennai is a safe place. It’s home. Besides, we aren’t rich to go off to Mumbai, and become a star or whatever. Chennai was home and an easy place to start.

Q: How did Jayam Kondaan come about?
A: The movie’s director, Kannan sir, liked my VJ-ing, and asked me to come act. He said I would really like the character he wanted me to play.

Q: What is your character like?
A: Not like a regular Tamil girl. If you see the movie you’ll notice. Everyone first said why are you doing a sister’s role rather than heroine – it’s a complex character – not many opportunities come your way – if you get one you grab it.

Q: You’ve done a terrific job.
A: Thanks! All credit to Kannan sir, who envisioned this character of a stubborn, selfish girl. He trained me, encouraged me. The maximum training went into learning to be a left handed person. I’m right handed, and for the character I had to learn to write in the left hand and use the left hand. Tough.

Q: On what the industry and friends have said about your performance.
A: A lot of people had good things to say. I won’t name them here. My friends were nicely surprised that I could act well.

Q: Your very first movie is by Mani Ratnam’s assistant.
A: Mani sir has groomed Kannan really well. Kannan is a fabulous director – easy to work with, yet firm, and he’s written such a good character.

Q: Do you like reading?
A: I read a lot. Milan Kundera, graphic novels, Neil Gaiman is my favorite.

Q: Your role model?
A: Don’t have one person. I respect different people for different reasons.

Q: Movies you liked?
A: I liked The Namesake, Mumbai Meri Jaan, and Maddy’s Evanao Oruvan, My preference is not for mainstream films.

Q: Acting with Rajini?
A: Who wouldn’t want to.

Q: What do people say about you?
A: I’m myself –honest. They can say what they want to. I remain myself.

Q: How did you get an exotic name like Washington?
A: There’s no mystery to that. My father’s name is Washington – I have never even been to the U.S!

Q: Would you do glam roles?
A: It all depends on the character. I’d dance, but I prefer something challenging.

Q: Have you met Nayan, Trisha, Asin….?
A: I know some of them. No, no, should not say who. What I want to say is that every woman acting in Tamil cinema is very strong, clear headed – and all of them have my respect.

Q: Who else would you like to act with?
A: Everyone!

Q: Other projects?
A: Let’s see. A lot of talk is on at the moment. I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

Q: Whatever happened to that Simbu film?
A: The Simbu film is not complete – you have to ask Simbu why. And my character there is not a step down – don’t know why many people think so. It’s just a different character.