'Sia: A role of a lifetime'

She hasn't had a very lucky stint in the industry.

Odd item numbers and roles that haven't really explored her potential have dotted her careergraph so far. In Meghna Gulzar's Filhaal, Sushmita Sen appears as Sia.

Her director says Sushmita was most natural -- smiling and laughing on the sets, facing the camera minutes later to the most emotionally heart-rending scenes, and then back to joking and laughing on the sets.

Sushmita Sen speaks to Latika Sidana about Filhaal:

Tell us about your role in Filhaal.

I play Sia; Tabu plays Rewa in Filhaal.

It is a role of a lifetime. It's so incredible the way I have related to it. Watch it, you will see more of me in Sia than in any other role. Sia is really me in so many ways.

It is about a girl who is forced to grow up fast thanks to circumstances. Yet through it all, she never loses hope or becomes cynical. There is so much optimism in her.

Do you think it is better to work with women directors because you vibe at a certain wavelength with them than male directors?

Yes, I do feel it is better to work with women directors. We connect at a certain emotional level. It is not the same with male directors because even though they understand, they simply are not demonstrative.

What kind of a director is Meghna Gulzar?

She has done her filmmaking course from New York and has assisted Saeed Mirza before directing Filhaal. I think that should tell you enough.

And I think she handled the subject of surrogate motherhood with great sensitivity.

How was it working with Tabu? Did you ever feel insecure about yourself in your role?

Not at all. In fact, I was on my toes all the time. That made me perform better. I think that is a very necessary and positive aspect of working with fine artistes.

How does it feel to be M F Husain's next muse?

I am intrigued about what Husain will make now. For him cinema is painting. He will project me as a painting in the film - that is so exciting.

I play a double role in his film. The story is set in three cities: Jaisalmer, Hyderabad and Prague. And that's all I can talk about it.

How is motherhood treating you?

Great. Renee is growing up to be just like me. She does the opposite of what is told! My mother tells me I was the same. Now she tells me I am getting a dose of my medicine.

I know one thing: Renee Sen will grow up an amazing person.