When I did the Camay ad, I was one of the more popular models in the fashion field," says Mahima. But three years ago she was also Ritu Choudhry. Today, she has a whole new life, a film career that is about to be launched, and even a new name. The Pardes girl, Subhash Ghai's find for his forthcoming film to be released in August, changed her name to suit her career. "I wanted a name with R, something which could be shortened to Ritu. But M is lucky for Subhashji," she says cheerily. "I am getting used to people calling me by my new name now. But I answer to both."

She might be embarking on a filmi career but Mahima still has the spit and polish of a model and she dresses like one too. Wrapped in a svelte chiffon slip over a black body top and hugging tights, her mocha coffee leather boots riding up to the calf that scream for attention first. With waist-long hair which has the now-mandatory blonde streaks, Mahima is a pretty picture. But she's no dumb blonde. When you ask her about her age, she is honest enough to admit that she cannot tell you. "If I say I am 21, four years later I may be 25, but in this industry I remain 21," she explains.

So why is she in this mad industry? "Even when they needed some acting done in a 30-second commercial, they would call me because I could act. I am very spontaneous on screen. Subhashji thinks it is my strength and says I shouldn't lose it," she says. Ironically, it's this natural impulse that she is more conscious about now that she is finally a full-fledged actress. But only nine months in tinsel town, Mahima is still the ingenue and her eyes flit restlessly across the lobby. "That's Atul Kasbekar," she points out. "If he sees me, I'll say, `Hi' to him."

You drag her wandering gaze back to her role in Pardes, one wonders if it is the usual hackneyed saga of a village belle in love with a city man. She seems hurt by this generalisation but not hurt enough to avoid the standard response. Says Mahima, "My role is different. My character is of a strong woman who takes her decisions and sticks by them. I particularly like the relationship she shares with her father. Those scenes are interesting." What really filters through is that for Ritu-Mahima, the sun rises and sets on her godfather, Subhashji. "He is so relaxed on the sets, you wouldn't believe that such a big movie is being made. He'll come singing, `dum di da da dum di dum' and say `action'. No `Where is this? Where is that? What's happening'. It is very easy to work with him," she says. And she passes the same verdict on her co-star Shah Rukh Khan whom she initially couldn't bring herself to call anything but sir. Now, of course they are on first-name basis. Mahima has always been an avid movie-buff, so her entry into films wasn't exactly unplanned. "I watch a lot of movies. Two of my friends and I had even planned go to England and learn direction, but one of them got married, so...," she breaks off.

But now, she has no reason to complain. She may not be calling the shots, but with a Subhash Ghai film as her maiden venture, her feet are firmly placed on the threshold of the movie world.

This Delhi girl has come a long way from her home town a city she professes no great love for. She has fit comfortably into the chaos of Mumbai and like most young actresses who are starting out, she has also brought her mother to chaperone her on the sets. For one so new, Mahima is a quick study.