I used to kiss Tom Cruise in poster: Eesha Koppikhar

From item girl to vamp to girl next door. Eesha Koppikar has lived up to every guy’s fantasy by excelling in each of these roles. She has charmed her way into our hearts with her drop dead gorgeous looks and her sizzling performances. Read on as Eesha shares sweet little nothings even as she makes a devastating disclosure in the men’s magazine FHM.

Eesha Koppikhar breezes into my studio an hour late, walking on those long, shapely legs and apologizes demurely. Awww! That million-dollar smile she flashes at me! I have forgiven her already.

As she puts her makeup on, we get to reminiscing the last time she sipped that extra-strong tea from my flask. ‘Yeesh! Don’t even remind me. I don’t have the stomach for your chai!’ I look at her flatter-than-ironing-board stomach and wonder what it takes to get a new-age body like hers. ‘Yoga,’ she squeals with delight. ‘And salads and meditation.

You can’t go wrong with good old Indian values.’ Well, to be honest, my good-old-Indian-values fast evaporate as Eesha effortlessly cavorts and romances the camera. And while my camera whirrs and purrs, I can’t help but think…Eesha’s made for the arc lights.

We heard you are just back from a trip. Was it work or pleasure?
I had been to Bali to attend a friend’s wedding. Bali was beautiful. So was the wedding. It was a nice break from work and I think I deserved the holiday.

Are you happy with your journey in Bollywood so far?
I started out with small-deglamourised roles down South and then turned to my glamorous avatar in Bollywood to now doing lead roles as the lead actress.

It has been an interesting journey and a great learning experience. I have always had belief in my abilities and talent. The perseverance and hard work seem to have paid off.

Did being stereotyped as an item girl affect your career?
There is a lot of stereotyping in the film industry. People like to label you like boxes of cereal.

We know that in real life you are truly a fun person. Were Kya Kool Hain Hum and Salaam e Ishq easier to work on given your penchant for comedy?
I am a natural with comedy… I really enjoy comic roles. It was a wonderful experience working in Kya Kool…and in Salaam-e-Ishq.

You are one of the most chilled out girls in the industry. What makes Eesha so cool?
I believe in live and let live. I am not judgmental and I believe in the goodness of the human heart. Maybe this thinking makes me cool…I dunno!

Loved your work in Don. You looked stunning as well. How did Don happen?
Initially Farhan Akhtar had wanted me to work in Dil Chahta Hai. But due to some reason, I was unable to do that film. We decided that we’d work sometime again and that’s how I was offered Don and I accepted.

How was the experience working with Shah Rukh Khan?
Shah Rukh’s energy levels are infectious. His professionalism is something to be admired. His humility is something to be imbibed. I think he always succeeds in motivating his co-stars and heroines.

Are you part of Farhan’s planned sequel to Don?
Not aware of any sequel.

Who is the hottest guy in Bollywood today?
Amitabh Bachchan. Purely for the fact that he started off from such a humble background. It was his sheer hard work and attitude, professionalism and devotion that propelled him into becoming a legend. I believe that he’s also a very doting and loving father. Aamir Khan too…because I simply love his diligent work ethics. He is one of the brilliant actors of our times.

Would you consider settling down with someone from the film industry?
No. I wouldn’t. Because I’ve already found someone who is not from the industry. (laughs)

Describe Eesha’s ideal guy?
Someone open, with whom I can share my weakness and have no fear of being let down! Also someone who shares the same interests as mine. But like I said, I have found my ideal guy.

So what makes your relationship with Timmy tick?
The fact that we are sensitive to each other and we share similar interests. We understand each other completely. Though we are from different backgrounds, we are willing to understand each other and be there for each other. It’s the simplicity that makes it work.

The one way to get your attention?
Be genuine. That’s the only way to get my attention.

What turns you off?
Fake and judgmental people! And everything that comes along with it.

Conversation or action? What does Eesha prefer?
Actions speak louder than words. Words are easily spoken but it’s only in one’s actions that one can feel the depth and sincerity of words spoken.

What was your first crush?
When I was in school, I had the biggest crush on Tom Cruise.

First kiss?
I would kiss his poster. Ha ! Ha!

The naughtiest thing you have ever done?

It was when I was in school. It was my friend’s birthday! My friends and me packed a huge cockroach in a small cardboard box that was inside a bigger cardboard box which was in turn, in another bigger cardboard box… and we packed it beautifully with ribbons and stuff. Poor girl. When she opened it, she fainted.

You used to play basketball? Do you still follow sports?
Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to follow up on any sport due to my hectic work. But I still love basketball.

Watched any good movies lately?
Quantum of Solace. Though Sean Connery has been my favorite Bond for all times.

Mantra for Success
Success is the result of steadily taking action on our most important goals. Discipline is to stay focused on what really matters and be careful about not letting other less important issues or concerns get in the way. Gratitude. The only people to get even with are the ones who helped us.

It sums up to what I think is gratitude. Regret. We are all humans and we all make mistakes that we regret. And to regret the past is to forfeit the future. We have to move on and we can’t keep dwelling in the past. What makes Eesha tick?
Love. Love. Love. Love. Love. Love. Love.