New in B-town

“Since the day I landed in Mumbai eight years ago,I have been fortunate enough to meet people who have helped me further my career,” says the debutante actor. She adds,“When I went for the audition at Excel,I was asking myself why they would cast me. Then Abhinay Deo (the director) called me the next day for a script narration and I was stunned to realize that I had bagged the offer,” says the actress who plays the female lead,along with Kangna Ranaut and Shahana Goswami.

For Dias,who spent most of her formative years in Muscat,Oman,Bollywood and Hollywood films have been an integral part of growing up. But shooting for a Bollywood film was a completely novel experience. “I hadn’t been on a movie set prior to this. I sat there,as a silent spectator,rehearsing my lines,while there were people getting the set and lighting ready. But,to my surprise,there was a sense of calm which helped me concentrate,” she says.

While most fresh-off-the-boat models look forward to signing Bollywood offers even before establishing themselves,Dias has meticulously planned her career. She started off by hosting shows on Channel V. “It was very recently that I decided to audition for films. Earlier,I was doubtful whether anyone would want to cast me. But with this opportunity,I promise to give it my all,” says the 27-year-old who is taking diction lessons from Shabana Azmi,dance lessons from Vaibhavi Merchant and has Deanne Pandey handling her fitness. “Playing a character puts a lot of stress on you. Hence I also do yoga each morning.”

Besides Bollywood,Dias is also actively involved in her cupcake venture,Butterfly,which she launched with friend Shaana Gwynne. “We have introduced a few new varieties for Valentine’s Day,” she smiles. With both her ventures taking off smoothly,she hopes to have a pleasant journey.