I want to clear misconceptions with autobiography: Monica Bedi (Interview)

By Subhash K. Jha, Mumbai, Nov 15: Bollywood starlet and gangster Abu Salem's former girlfriend Monica Bedi reveals she is writing her autobiography through which she wants to clear many misconceptions about her past.

"I'm working on my autobiography with the help of a ghost writer. I want to clear a lot of misconceptions about my past. I also want to tell the truth in the book. I don't want to hide anything," Monica told IANS in an interview.

The actress, who calls herself "shy" by nature, said her stint in the reality TV show "Bigg Boss" also helped clear the air and make her presence felt in showbiz once again.

"It was my way of letting the world know I'm back and ready to work. But the main reason I took up this show was to let people know the real Monica. Because of all that I've gone through... I needed to let people see the real me. I got this opportunity at the right time to show the real me," said Monica, who recently got evicted from the "Bigg Boss" house.

Monica has acted in about a dozen films like 'Pyaar, Ishq Aur Mohabbat', 'Jaanam Samjha Karo', and 'Jodi No.1'. She was extradited along with Abu Salem from Portugal in 2005 and lodged in jail in a fake passport case.

Excerpts from the interview:


Q. Have you thought of writing a book on your experiences?

A. Yes, in fact I'm working on my autobiography with the help of a ghost writer. I want to clear a lot of misconceptions about my past. I also want to tell the truth in the book. I don't want to hide anything about my past.

Q. Publishers must be falling over each other to get the rights?

A. Negotiations are going on. I'll take up whatever offer seems the best. But I'll take a call on the publisher only after I finish writing.

Q. Have you watched Anurag Basu's "Gangster"? Was it a portrait of your life?

A. Yes I have. It had nothing of Monica Bedi in it. I don't think it was my story. At the time when film released, my extradition had happened. So everyone presumed it was Monica Bedi's life in the film. But it had nothing to do with my life. When you read my biography you'll know the truth.

Q. It was said that Bollywood producers earlier gave you roles out of fear?

A. I disagree. I've done more than 20 films in various languages. Surely all of them couldn't be given to me out of fear. I hope from now, on whatever work I get will be on merit alone.

Q. We've all been watching you on television. What took you back to the "Bigg Boss" experience?

A. The first time when I went into the House I really enjoyed myself.

Q. But you seemed pretty sad the first time?

A. I wasn't sad. I was quiet. I'm a very shy and quiet person by nature. When I went back, I tried to be more friendly and talkative. I think I spoke a little too much this time to make up for the last time ...In fact I was nominated the first time for eviction because the housemates said I wasn't friendly and didn't mix. The second time I tried to be as friendly as possible.

Q. People say you went to "Bigg Boss" so that Bollywood would notice you and sign you?

A. I didn't go there for producers to notice me. Of course, it was my way of letting the world know I'm back and ready to work. But the main reason I took up this show was to let people know the real Monica. Because of all that I've gone through in the past I needed to let people see the real me. I got this opportunity at the right time to show the real me.

When I was evicted during the third week at "Bigg Boss", then itself I could see a major change in people as to how they looked at me. When I was at public places, people came up to talk to me. I liked that.

Q. There was a a wall of fear surrounding you?

A. "Bigg Boss" gets the credit for breaking that barrier. If I didn't get a chance on this show it'd have been very difficult for me to put forward the real me. Press interviews couldn't do that for me. On "Bigg Boss" I couldn't be artificial at all. Sooner or later the real me had to show up. And it did.

Q. What next?

A. I'm getting good work. I'm happy for that. So I'll continue to be a part of this field (Bollywood).

Q.Is Mumbai your home now?

A.Yes, I love Mumbai. And I'd love to continue in this field. I've my own home in Mumbai now.