Bond girl goes Bollywood

The very beautiful Caterina Murino is best known for her stunning presence as Solange Dimitrios in the 2006 James Bond film Casino Royale. But there is much more to this Italian beauty than meets the eye. She has done over 50 television shows and films in English, French and Italian. And now she’s all set to make her Bollywood debut opposite Rajeev Khandelwal in Fever.

She says, “Where do I begin talking about my journey I am naturally curious about life and all its experiences. I want to experience everything. I’ve travelled so far and so long that sometimes I forget where I am. Although in these parts (of the world) I am known as the 'Bond girl', I've done innumerable films and television shows in different languages. Now I am trying Bollywood for the first time and it’s exciting.”

So why Bollywood “As I said, curiosity takes me to the remotest places. When Rajeev Jhaveri, the director of Fever met me in Monte Carlo, it didn’t take me long to say yes to his film. The script was absolutely gripping. I felt the film would turn out really well. And I was right. I saw the film the other day. I found it to have everything that I had read in the script. This is not an ordinary film and Rajeev Khandelwal is not an ordinary actor,” Caterina enthuses.

She confesses she is not a big Bollywood fan. “I’ve to admit where I come from, I had not had the chance to see many Bollywood films. But once a friend of mine showed me Jodhaa Akbar, and I was blown away by the exquisite beauty and presentation. My Bollywood debut is different from the usual song-and-dance films. But I am very happy that people here will see me in this film.”

Caterina is in India to promote the film and to help a cause far bigger than cinema or her own career. “I believe if one has the name and voice to help the needy and the poor, one must do it. As much as I love movies and acting, my biggest passion in life is supporting charitable causes. It is my dream to make this a better world.”

The actress visited Dharavi on Thursday as part of her association with NGO Sneha. "If my association with Bollywood is the way to put across the message of hope for my cause, then so be it. In Africa I've been associated with the biggest of NGOs. But cinema is not a powerful medium to convey messages in Africa. Cinema is far more influential in India.”

At the moment she’s enjoying her stay in India. “I’ve visited Noida, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Bangalore and Pune. And now I am going back to Paris in a few days. It’s been a hectic and fulfilling trip. I spent most of my conversational time with journalists, though.” We couldn't resist asking Caterina about her love interests. “I am single! Why else do you think I am able to travel so much on my own I am in India for a couple of more days. If there’s any eligible Indian man who wants to date me please let me know.”