EXCLUSIVE| 'If there is a kissing scene, I am not comfortable': Amrita Rao reveals why she took a break from Bollywood

Bollywood actress Amrita Rao who is all set to return to the silver screen with upcoming political drama 'Thackeray' recently opened up about the long break that she took from Bollywood following her appearance in 2013 film 'Satyagraha'. The actress who is considered to be very choosy when it comes to films revealed that she was not comfortable doing intimate scenes on-screen.

Amrita who is all set to take up the role of the role of Bal Thackeray's wife Meena Tai Thackeray, fondly called as Maa Saheb, in the upcoming venture said that she has received many offers during the time, but she turned them down.

In an exclusive interview with Republic TV, ahead of the release of 'Thackeray', Amrita said, "What the youngsters want to see is a slice of life which involves physically close scenes on the big screen, and I was not comfortable with the requirement of the role. I was discussing with Nawaz sir that I can smoke for a role, I can drink for a role, I can even abuse on-screen but if there is a kissing scene, I am not comfortable."  

READ: 'If It Had Not Been For Him, I Would Not Have Been Alive Today': Amitabh Bachchan On Bal Thackeray

"I need not be Salman Khan to have such clauses. Salman Khan is a super-star and he has this conviction of not doing kissing scenes, I can still be Amrita Rao and have the conviction in me to decline those offers because it is not within my comfort zone. I refused a lot of films because of this reason." she added.

The actress further stated that she wanted to focus on her personal life and it was another reason she took a break from her career. However, she further stated that she was not completely out of practice, as she made her Television debut during that time. 

"I also wanted to focus on my personal life which I was missing out on as I started working from a very young age. However, I haven't taken a break from acting as I made my TV debut during this time," she said while talking to Republic TV. 

The upcoming political drama 'Thackeray' has been making the headlines ever since the film was announced. The biopic that narrates the story of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray, features Nawazuddin Siddiqui as the iconic political leader. The film also stars Amrita Rao, Mohanlal and Sudhir Mishra among others in the lead. Nawazuddin's eye-grabbing makeover as Bal Thackeray has been in the news for a while and makers have also revealed the first look of actress Amrita Rao from the film recently.  

READ: FIRST LOOK: Amrita Rao Is A Perfect Fit As 'Maa Saheb' In Nawazuddin Siddiqui  starrer 'Thackeray' 

The film follows Thackeray’s rise from humble beginnings to establish a political party as he felt it was important to get involved with the people to serve the people. It has been directed by Abhijit Panse and written and produced by Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut and Shrikant Bhasi along with Viacom Motion Pictures. The movie will hit the screens on January 25, two days after the birth anniversary of Bal Thackeray. 

Watch the full interview here.