Tisca Chopra's take on acting

Imagine having to introduce yourself to the same person time and again? Irritating, isn't it? But actor Tisca Chopra believes that an identity crisis is one of the hallmarks of a good actor.

"Everytime Raju (Hirani) meets me, I have to reintroduce myself. He blames me saying that I look different every time I meet him," says Tisca who was recently seen in Mirch. In a candid chat with CS, she shares her views on what makes a good actor.

No stereotypes for me
When Raju doesn't recognise me, I look at the positive side of his unfamiliarity. I have always tried to do something new in an attempt to explore a different side of myself. So, I have portrayed a different character in every film. Right from Platform to Mirch, the only common things are my face and my name in the film credits.
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Over the years, many actors mould themselves into the roles they feel that suit them best. But I don't. I believe acting means moulding yourself into the character in the script and keeping your own identity separate. An actor is one who says I will be what you want me to be. And that's what governs my choice when selecting scripts.

Character comes first
I don't want directors to think that I can only do certain roles. So, whenever I attend events, I dress normally in jeans, dhotis, pajamas, etc. An identity crisis for an actor is a very good sign (laughs).

Anyone who's tagged as a chocolate-hero or girl-next-door isn't a true actor. Audiences spend Rs 200 to see the person in that character; no one is interested whether you connect to the character or not. A true actor has to be above things like, it is so-not-me or designer clothes or editing faux pas and issues like size zero.

Weighing on her mind
I gained six kgs for Taare Zameen Pe, and I have lost quite a few kgs for Madhur's upcoming film. But I don't think it's worth talking about. Audiences come to cinemas to watch you act, and not to measure the inches on your body. It's ridiculous to see size zero celebs being celebrated everyday.

Losing weight is no rocket science. I see so many actresses and models who perpetually look so starved. And I directly tell them to grab a bite. Your health is determined by your energy.

If the script demands a slender body I will lose weight but if a good script wants me to look all fat, stuffed, bloated and horrified, I will do it! I would prefer the size of my performance to be perfect rather than be popular for being size zero.

Who: Tisca Chopra
What: Talking about her definition of a real actor
Where: At her residence