Skill, hard work more important than notoriety: Nargis Fakhri

For Nargis Fakhri, there is no shortcut to success or fame. At a time when infamy has become a part of showbiz, the actress says she still believes in the "romantic notion that skill and hard work is more important than notoriety".

Asked about whether Hindi film industry tends to give extra attention to actors who have worked in a Hollywood film or garnered acclaim in the international circuit, Nargis said that the statement "doesn't ring true" for her.

"Well, I came here with no background or Hollywood credits so that certainly doesn't ring true for me. I think that occasionally, fame and popularity can garner more attention for individuals or films. But as a person who believes in my craft, I like the romantic notion that skill and hard work is more important than notoriety," Nargis told IANS in an email interaction.

"As a money focussed industry, which of course Bollywood is, I also appreciate that there is a balance and we're all part of that," she added.

Nargis took the first step towards the world of glamour with modelling in 2005. After "Rockstar", she did films on a wide variety of topics ranging from serious to fun like "Main Tera Hero" and "Madras Cafe". And for her first Hollywood outing was "Spy", an action-comedy film.

Over the past few years, names like Irrfan Khan, Priyanka Chopra and Anupam Kher have gone to foreign shores and are breaking stereotypical notions around Indians with their roles.

Nargis, who was born to multi-cultural parents in New York, said that the "progress to breakdown stereotypes always starts with one person".

"I'm so proud of Priyanka to be a shining example of the talent and merit of Bollywood ... Stereotyping of any race or culture is narrow minded and I can't wait to help break the shackles," she said, referring to Priyanka's lead role in American TV show "Quantico".

Meanwhile, on the Indian silver screen, Nargis will be seen with Ritiesh Deshmukh in "Banjo", and in "Housefull 3" as well.