New Delhi, Aug 10

Saif Ali Khan, who stars in "Aarakshan", says people with their own political agendas are fanning controversies over the film, which is about caste-based reservations in education. The actor says his own convictions about quotas underwent a complete change while doing the movie.

"I am surprised to see people creating so many controversies without even watching the film. By pulling down the film, they just want to gain mileage. Instead of creating awareness and doing something, they are just sensationalising things," Saif told IANS in an interview from Mumbai.

"Even the Censor Board has cleared the film without any cuts and given it a U/A certificate. Some people have their own political agenda and they try to make things difficult at the last moment. Such people have to be handled carefully," he added.

Directed by Prakash Jha, "Aarakshan", scheduled to release Aug 12, also stars Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, Manoj Bajpayee and Prateik.

Recently, activists from the Republican Party of India (RPI) attacked Jha's home and office in Mumbai to stall the release of the film. A Dalit group in Patna was upset with the director for casting Saif, who belongs to a former royal family, as a Dalit in the film.

The Uttar Pradesh government had asked for a special screening of the film prior to its release to see if the movie could disturb the law and order situation in the state.

"I was in Los Angeles and I just happened to say hello to him because a friend of mine knew him and I was there for a meeting. So for me this role just fell into my lap," she added.

Bipasha has always been known for fitness and her perfect 10 body. Because of her fitness levels, the actress was itching to do an action role and her dream came true with "Singularity" and another forthcoming film "Players".

"Yes, I was looking forward to doing action roles and I'm so glad that I got an opportunity to do that in not one but two of my films. I'm looking forward to both," said the ex-model.

Bipasha will be seen in many much-awaited films this year. So would she call 2011 a very exciting and productive year for her?

"Every year has been very exciting for me. There has been a little bit of re-invention that I do as an artist every time because our business is very harsh," the actress said.

"There are a number of fears. If the screen presence of female actors is longer, people tend to get a little harsh on you but thankfully with me people have been very appreciable," she added.

"Every year, I project myself and re-invent myself as an artist. I don't let any staleness creep into me and even as an artist, I think that's exciting for me," she added.

Along with "Singularity" and "Players", Bipasha will also be seen in "Dum Maaro Dum", which will be her first release for the year.