MUMBAI: Bollywood actress Nargis Fakhri, who drew flak for her

performance in director Imtiaz Ali’s 2011 musical romantic drama Rockstar, says she is not affected by critics anymore.

“Now whatever people say it doesn’t affect me that way because after Rockstar it was so dramatic. Now I have a better understanding (of films) so now I don’t care. But I am so proud of that film,” Fakhri told IANS.

However, she admitted that the negative reviews for her debut film had

a “traumatising” effect on her.

“After Rockstar it was tough because all the reviews came out were so negative that it was very traumatising. I never wanted to be an actress... I didn’t even ask for this... It was horrible and so dramatic,” she said.

Rockstar featured actor Ranbir Kapoor in the lead role.

Fakhri is now gearing up for the release of Azhar, where she will be seen portraying former cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin’s second wife Sangeeta Bijlani’s role.

How does she feel about comparisons with Bijlani? “It’s not giving me any pressure... I do the best what I can. Yes, I know there will be comparisons... I just want people to believe that I am her,” she said.

Directed by Tony D’Souza, Azhar, also stars Emraan Hashmi, Prachi Desai and  Lara Dutta.