Playing herself

I play an NRI in the film and am starring opposite Pratik. The role,of course suits my personality as that8217;s what I am,an NRI and a musician.

Casting Coup

Well,actually when Kiran Rao was auditioning the characters for her film,I was in London,touring with my band,Shaair Func,and she happened to see photographs of mine in a local magazine. She wanted me to come and audition for the role. Initially I declined,because I was touring abroad. But when the tour wrapped up and I came back,out of curiosity,I decided to give it a go. I did a screen-test with Aamir Khan and the very next day I got the role. I don8217;t know whether Kiran had me in mind for the role right from the start. She never told me that. By the time I was on board,Kiran had already started shooting the film.

Stepping-Stone

I studied musical theatre at New York University. Post- college,I have done musicals and have performed theatre for three years,while I was in New York. I am also a part of Shaa8217;ir Func,an electronica and alternative band from Mumbai and New York City. Together with Randolph Savio Rosario Correia my co-partner,I produce and compose music. I have danced and performed on Broadway and have been singing since I was five. I was born and raised in Berlin. I grew up listening to Indian classical,ghazal and Bollywood music. Back home I grew up watching films like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. But as I grew older,I stopped watching these films.

First Shot

My first shot for the film was a solo shot. I knew that I was cast for a reason and I knew I had to be in the right state of mind to be able to give in my best. Fortunately for me it wasn8217;t so bad. I was not nervous and the shot went on smoothly. Kiran made me feel really comfortable. She may seem like a friend but at the same time she is very direct and can put things across well. I admired her style of work even before I signed the film. It was my first scene with Aamir Khan that was difficult. I was extremely nervous before the shot. But surprisingly I got the shot right in the first go. I knew that was the biggest task. If I managed to get the first shot with Aamir right,then rest of the shoot would be easy.

Stumbling Block

I have no regrets. Thankfully,I have not come across a stumbling block as yet. I have a bright fire in my belly,in terms of my aspirations to accomplish more and do better with time. I think that8217;s just how I am. I tend to forget the unfortunate episodes that have happened in the past.

Lessons Learnt

I never thought that on my very first project I would star opposite such a huge star. The experience has been very intimidating. I also learnt so much during the shoot and none of my theatre training compares to the training I received while shooting the film. I have learnt a lot about the basics of filmmaking. I have realised that it is not as easy as it may sound. While we were shooting in Mumbai,I learnt a lot about the city. Mumbai is a beautiful city with many layers to it. You cannot gauge the city in the first go,you got to live in Mumbai to get to know the city and its people better.

Matinee Idol

I would like to work with Anurag Kashyap. I have watched a couple of his films and have really enjoyed them. I love his style of direction. Anurag has a fresh approach to filmmaking and the way his story progresses is remarkable.

I would also love to work with Abhay Deol.

Future Projects

I have sung a song for the upcoming film Break Ke Baad. I am open to acting in Bollywood and am hoping to break some ground in Bollywood with my future projects. I will also continue singing and I will always want to be associated with music.