Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai talks about Hindi movie Robot starring Rajnikanth. Robot’ is a highly technically advanced bilingual movie by filmmaker Shankar.

But the director has made sure there is enough to entertain the common man, says Aishwarya. The actress says she chooses a film on the basis of her role as well as the director and the team.

This is her second film with Shankar after “Jeans” (1998) and the actress maintains that the USP of Shankar’s filmmaking is the importance he gives to the common man.

There could have been many draws to do Robot — the film’s concept, the guaranteed success of Rajinikanth’s films and the big cast. What worked for you?

First, it was an opportunity to work with Shankar sir (director) again, after Jeans. There were a lot of beautiful ideas that we could have worked on, but my schedule didn’t permit it. When the opportunity came in the form of Robot, a film that is technically ahead of its time, I was more than happy.

What is it about Shankar that you wanted to work with him again?
The thing that I really like about Shankar is that he never forgets the common man, common man’s fantasy and what would be entertaining for the common man. He brings all this into his films.

Films starring Rajinikanth often focus on him. Were you not apprehensive?
When I work on a film, I am not myopic about my role. The film in totality matters. After Devdas, I have been on a trip wherein I want to experience movies.

Some people found the pairing unusual.
Rajni Sir did have a cute way of silencing a few people who had their doubts about our pairing. He did so at the music launch by making fun of himself. Honestly, as far as working with him is concerned, it was a pleasure and honour. You should be on the sets to see the level of commitment he transpires all around. He is a superstar and I am not talking about his stand in the industry. He is actually called ‘superstar’ on the sets.

How do you feel when they say that you are the number one right now?
I don't believe in numbers. In fact, I am here only to be called a good actress. Moreover, labels are not new to me. I was tagged a lot of things. Since I never considered any of them seriously, I don't think I will take this one seriously. It is part of the game.

Were your good performances ignored in earlier film 'RAAVAN' because they fared badly at the box-office?
That would happen if a film is not mounted well. But the audiences are wise enough to tell the difference. So they sometimes respond to a hit film, or return with a response to a performance, despite a film being a flop. I don't think a good performance ever goes unnoticed by the audience.

Ash has two more films releasing this year – ‘Action Replayy’ releasing Nov 5, followed by ‘Guzaarish’ Nov 19.

‘It has been exciting, the last two years, making these movies. Now it’s time to share our hard work with the audience. I enjoyed sharing ‘Ravan’ with my audience. And now I am excited to share ‘Robot’ with you all,’ she said.