An unlikely actress

I8217;m the kind of a person who doesnt get along with everyone very easily, but working with John was an absolute delight. I guess it goes back to the fact that John and my husband,Craig,have known each other for years.

Casting Coup
I really wanted to work with Abbas Tyrewala as I know him and I love his work. Abbas had auditioned many girls for the role but I guess he wanted me to do the film. I was travelling so he couldnt touch base with me.

Later when I returned,I went for the auditions. They had to audition me a couple of times before finally deciding to cast me. When I cleared the auditions,I was told that I was the 51st person to be auditioned for the role and they picked me because I was absolutely right for it. Actually,in many ways,the character in the film is like what I am in real life.

Stepping-Stone
I am a software engineer. But I have done theatre for years. Unfortunately,no one noticed me while I did theatre,as theatre does not get eyeballs in India.

I even bagged a gold medal for my performance in a play,when I was just 12 years-old. While at Pune,I did a lot of amateur theatre with StageKraft,a theatre company. As for Bollywood,I have done an item number in Sanjay Guptas Acid Factory. It was a song composed and co-written by me.

First Shot
It was for a song that got deleted at the editing table. That day I was running 102 degrees fever and was suffering from laryngitis. Nobody could hear a word of what I was saying. Later,once we wrapped up the shoot,I had to be called to dub it again.

Stumbling-Block
I have had many of them. Post Naach Le,my music album,I got a lot of good offers from Bollywood but I got pregnant. The casting couch is a burning reality. It is something that is strangulating a lot of good talent in the industry. I,myself,have been brushed by this evil.

Being married and having a child has been a road-block for my career,but I have never ever regretted my decisions. I have worked hard and today I have got an entry into films. I thank the changing mindset of Bollywood and audiences for this.

Lessons Learnt
If anyone decides not to give in,he or she will still find work as no one can stop your talent from shining through. I have learnt that you must keep the faith going,especially when the going gets tough.

There are chances that people will break down,when the roles are difficult to get. I have learnt to give patience a fair chance. Good roles eventually come your way.

Matinee Idol
For me,Madonna will always be the quintessential idol. She has taken an extra effort to change with time; her hairstyle,looks and image have undergone huge changes from the time she began. I admire Chers and Jennifer Lopezs work. I love Lady Gaga for her path-breaking music.

Future Projects
For the last three years,I have been working on my album. I will be releasing three individual videos of the album in the coming months. I dont see myself doing roles of leading ladies in films.

Jhootha Hi Sahi is a big project and was a wonderful experience,but music is my priority. I will always want to promote my music and acting together. I have also been getting a few good roles but as I cannot gauge the script and the director; I am in two minds. However,Im open to good offers. I have got a lot of things on my table,but I havent decided anything so far.

Acting is a lot of hard work so I dont want to take a wrong decision and do a film that is not so good.