Soha Ali Khan hates to bring attention to herself. But she's stuck with it, at least till the bright magenta streaks in her hair fade out

The new lady in red

Soha Ali Khan hates to bring attention to herself. But she's stuck with it, at least till the bright magenta streaks in her hair fade out. And so the lady, who recently coloured her hair red, is taking all that attention in her stride. Off to London to promote her upcoming film Life Goes On, Soha Ali Khan is just apprehensive about her mom's reaction to the red in her life. She talks to CS:

Giving it a try
I was a little apprehensive when my director suggested I get my hair streaked as the role demanded a character that's a mix between Dev Anand and Charlie Chaplin. I've been tagged as being boring when it comes to experimenting with my looks and it's not all just uncalled for.

So when I went to Aalim's (Hakim) for a trim, he convinced me that I just had to try a new look. God knows how I agreed, but when he started styling, I just opened my book and started reading. I was supposed to meet a friend for a movie, but I came out after six hoursu00a0-- longer than a heart surgery!

Family drama
What I fear the most is my mom's reaction when she sees me. I'm just praying that she won't be carrying her glasses and so won't see me too clearly (laughs). But truly, I have to promote our film in a sari, so I don't know what kind of a balance I will be able to strike with my new style.

Those who've seen me say that I have the right complexion to carry off this colour. And since I coloured it and got a fringe, I've only been out partying once. I was going to wear a T-shirt that said 'It's for work' but my brother (Saif Ali Khan) said I should wear one that said 'Because I like it'. The compliments I received have been quite encouraging.

Magenta and me
I would have never chosen this colour to colour my hair. Many say it's red, but it's magenta actually, which is a vibrant colour that demands attention. I'm a subtle person and don't really like to stand out.

Whenever I step out now, it's as if I'm making a statement. Red stands for anger or passion, love and hate; whatever it is, it is out there for everyone to see and respond to.

Author Ernest Hemingway was known to have something red on him at all times - a tie, cravat or handkerchief, etc. Red is believed to repel envy, so I think red in my hair is an added bonus to looking good.

Come to think of it, I own a lovely pair of Jessica Simpson heels in magenta, beautiful candleholders, my toothbrush and a clutch. So I guess it is one of my favourite colours.

Who: Soha Ali Khan
What: Talking about the colour red
Where: On her film's sets