Caterina Murino: I was asked on Bond sets, 'Are you from India?'

Although she has acted in productions in five countries across three continents, Caterina Murino's greatest claim to fame is her role as Bond girl Solange Dimitrios in the Daniel Craig-starrer 'Casino Royale'. Her act in the 2006 film, where Caterina floored Bond with her babe- in-the-red-dress routine, routinely earns her a spot on the list of the most recallable Bond girls. The Italian actress, who has worked in French and Chinese cinema as well as in TV shows in Britain and Argentina, is making her Bollywood debut opposite Rajeev Khandelwal in the action thriller 'Fever'.On her first visit to India while promoting the film, Caterina spoke to us about the Bond girl tag, why she is a fan of 'Jodhaa Akbar', and that one time when people were convinced she was Indian.
You have said that you regret not being able to shoot Fever in India.
The film is entirely shot and set in Switzerland, and I was so sad that we didn't shoot in India but it was a great experience and I'm here promoting the movie so it is some consolation for me.
Do you plan on doing more films in India?
Of course, I would love to. I think I won't have any time to visit and explore your country this time, so I'll have to come back, and that is one way of doing that (laughs).
How different did you find Bollywood as compared to European or American cinema?
There is no difference in terms of shooting and acting. I see difference in production and things where money comes in. I've been working in America and Europe and I've worked in China and everywhere it's more about the production values than about the culture of the place. We are all human beings and emoting is not different from place to place. That stays the same. The lesson to be learnt is that even though there are so many people in the world trying to pit cultures against each other, we are all the same.
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Did you have any idea about Hindi cinema before you came here?
No, none at all. Honestly, it's my fault that I don't know a lot about your movies but I am a huge fan of one movie, which is Jodhaa Akbar. What I like about it is that they show the majesty of your culture and that is something to be proud of. They show how the cultures and religions are connected together and I loved all that.
Several actors who have acted in mega franchises like James Bond have said that it becomes difficult for subsequent film experiences to live up to that. Was that the case for you as well?
I have had different moments in my career. When I started, I did a very famous French movie with Jean Reno called L'Enqu'te Corse and I consider that the beginning of my real career for me. After few years, Casino Royale happened and that suddenly made me famous around the world. But then, recently I did this TV series (titled Deep) where I played a free-diving champion and all the rigorous raining I had to undergo for that was gruelling, because most of it was shot underwater in deep ocean. It was scary and a completely different experience and I'm still living that, having nightmares about that. That's what I love about this job ' there is always some new experience.
Does the tag of Bond girl ever get to you?
Never. I never stop thanking Barbara Broccoli, Michael Wilson (the producers of the Bond series) and Martin Campbell (Casino Royale director) for choosing me because Bond girls are considered the final statement in beauty. So, to be chosen as a Bond girl was a present for me, the best present of my life. In fact, a couple of years ago, they chose me to be the face of a 007 perfume range and I got to relive the character with the same crew. I got to be a Bond girl again.
Indian actresses are now starring in big-budget Hollywood films. Do you see an Indian Bond girl anytime soon?
I don't know if what I'm saying is 100% correct but to the best of my knowledge, the role I played in 'Casino Royale' was for a very famous Indian actress, who was not cast for whatever reason. Some say it was because she was uncomfortable with the intimate scenes. But that is why after I was cast, for a long time everyone thought I was Indian. I am very tanned and people had heard about an Indian actress starring in Bond so they assumed it was me. When I was going around the world, people used to ask me, 'Are you from India?' and I would say, 'No, I'm Italian.' But yeah, I hope that the next Bond girl is Indian because like I said, Bond girls are all about beauty and you people have the most beautiful women in the world.
With all the speculation about who will be the next Bond, do you have any insider information?
Oh I will get into trouble for that. I recently did an interview where I said Tom Hiddleston was a favourite, but apparently, he is not even in the list of probables. I really wish he would become Bond because he is just right for the part. But let me tell you just one thing, all the lists and names floating in the media ' none of them are in the running for it.