Raunchy moves

I am stepping in films with Bhindi Baazaar Inc. It is a film based on the life of pickpocketers of Bhindi Bazar a place in Mumbai and how they cheat,kill each other to reach the top and become the Mamu head of the area. I am playing the most integral part. My character is called Shabana,an ambitious girl. She is also the seductress! She is not a prostitute but is always into enticing men. Her aim is to become the wife of whoever becomes the Mamu. Initially,you will find Shabana dumb but later as the story unfolds,the darker side of her gets revealed.

Casting Coup

A friend of mine who works for the production house,Picture Thoughts Production,told me about this film. I was interested so dropped in to give auditions. They asked me to perform a scene,which I was supposed to do with Deepti Naval in the film. They liked it and I became part of the project.

Stepping-Stone

I came to Mumbai from Lucknow to pursue my studies. I had not planned to become an actor. It only started when I won a beauty contest that was held in my college,St. Xaviers,and that is when I thought of giving acting a try. Since childhood I was only into dancing. My first acting adventure was with a play,Taash Ke Patte. It was directed by Kader Khan. I was studying then so I did theatre part- time. The play took me places,we performed at Dubai,Mumbai,Gujarat and various other parts of India. Then I participated in Gladrags and reached the final round,but lost! Later,I took part in Channel Vs reality show,Indias Hottest,which I won. I also did several ads like Garnier Light Moisturiser and Amul Ice-Cream.

First Shot

Unfortunately,my first shot was a lovemaking scene with Pavan Malhotra. The shot was scheduled for the night and in the day I was just praying that it would go well. I was scared,but when I met Pavan,he asked me not to be nervous as we are just acting. So when the camera started rolling,I went with the flow,and the scene got shot smoothly without any retakes. Also there was no one in the room where it was shot,just the director,the camera person,a lady assistant and the two of us. The director has done a brilliant job as the scene has come out really well. It is not looking cheap or vulgar at all. Even Mrs. Malhotra found it subtle!

Lessons Learnt

With veterans like Kay Kay Menon,Deepti Naval and Pavan Malhotra there was a lot to learn from this project. One thing I have understood is that it is very important to live your character to do justice to your role.

Stumbling-Block

Playing Shabana was a difficult task. It required me to have a slutty body-language all the time. For this,I even met some prostitutes and took some tips. Every action of hers needed to be enticing,be it her walking style or even the way she does her hair. My character also required me to do a lot of love- making scenes. Shabana is full of sensuality and to portray it was tough.

Matinee Idol

I consider Madhuri Dixit as my idol. I grew up watching her films. I have loved her perform whether it is acting or dancing. I wish I could be half as talented or half as versatile as her.

Future Projects

I have bagged a lead role in a commercial film. It is very mainstream and demands me to run around the trees and dance. It is coming from a well- known production house and I am really excited. The film will go on floors in August when there will be a 10-day shooting schedule and in November or December there is a 20 day schedule in Malaysia. It is a romantic psychological thriller.