Mandana Karimi, who is known to be one of the most controversial contestants of "Bigg Boss 9," will next be seen in Chinese-Indian historical adventure film "Xuan Zang." She has earlier featured in Ekta Kapoor's "Kyaa Kool Hain Hum 3," alongside Tusshar Kapoor and Aftab Shivdasani.
She will also be seen in a reality show, but the name of the show has not been confirmed yet. Rumours have it that the show might be "Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa" or "Nach Baliye." But one thing is confirmed, fans would like to see her in a reality show soon.
The actress also made headlines when rumours of her marriage were rife, but she later refuted the news through her social media handle. In an exclusive interview with International Business Times India, Mandana clarified that she is in no mood to tie the knot as of now and is focusing on her career.
Here are the edited excerpts of the interview:
International Business Times: How has your life changed post "Bigg Boss 9"?
Mandana: After "Big Boss 9," everyone started knowing me. Taking pictures with fans and signing autographs have been great fun.
IBT: In the show, your equation with teammates was not really good and you often said that you were not in "Bigg Boss" to make friends. Are you in touch with any of the housemates now?
Mandana: Yes, I said so because how you can make real friends in a reality show? And I haven't been in touch with anyone, but have seen a few of them in events or Colors' parties.
IBT: A lot of things have been said about your wedding and you denied the reports recently on Twitter. If you are not planning to tie the knot now, then when can we expect the big news?
Mandana: I wasn't even invited to that wedding (laughs). For now I'm really focusing on my job, so when it's the right time I don't know. But will let you know when I know.
IBT: There were several reports about your past and that you married a model for visa and movie offers. How did you react on such reports?
Mandana: I think when you know this is what you want (acting and being part of film industry), this type of news, gossip are just parts of it and I'm ok with it. Of course, there are days that I ask myself why anyone would write these false news about me, but then I know who I am. So why should I bother? I always laugh so hard when I hear new stories about me.
IBT: Is your family supportive of your career choices and love life? Are you planning to settle down in India?
Mandana: My mother wasn't supporting me in the beginning, which is when I became a model, but now after seeing me grow as a model/actress, she is happy for me and supporting me. And yes, I am planning to settle down in India. I've been here for almost three years – Mumbai is home.
IBT: Did your film "Kyaa Kool Hain Hum 3" meet your expectation?
Mandana: Well I had no expectations. For me, our film opening was very important and we opened with Rs. 8.5 crore but sadly we didn't do well at the box office. But whoever has seen the movie had so many nice things to say about me in "KKHH3."
IBT: Tell us about your Chinese-Indo film "Xuan Zang." What kind of film is it and what is your role in it?
Mandana: It's a Chinese-Indian historical film, based on XuanZang's seventeen-years of overland journey to India in seventh century. I'm playing King Harsha's sister. I loved my costume and enjoyed the feel of old times on sets.
IBT: Do you think that the Chinese film industry is a bigger market than Bollywood?
Mandana: I don't think so, as Bollywood competing very closely with Hollywood.
IBT: What are your upcoming projects?
Mandana: Nothing that I can talk about right now, but very soon starting my new project.
