Simran, with roots in Amritsar but born and brought up in Mumbai, is enamoured by the South Indian film world. "You get to learn more about acting and about yourself. The work is more satisfying for there is scope for heroines to express and explore themselves and their talents. Not the same rolling around in the gardens or dancing to the hero's tune. And you are more confident to face the camera when you come back to Hindi films." She spoke to Newsline in between the shots at a house in Sector 21.

So Simran, who speaks a bit of Malayalam after her film with mega star Mammootty and loves her roles in Tamil and Telugu films after working with top guns like Mani Rathnam and Nagarjuna, now demands her due in Bollywood. And that you will get in her second Hindi film, the forthcoming Anari No.1 opposite Govinda. Industry gossip already has put her on a higher pedestal in that film which has Raveena Tandon too. "I play the daughter of Kader Khan. Raveena and I play equally important roles for that was my condition before I gave my dates." No playing second fiddle for this bright girl who has her hands full of films beyond Vindhyas.

So, has Bollywood become a playground for young talents? "The competition is more and it is not easy to establish oneself. But I feel youngsters should not crib about it if the films do not do well. For if it does not work out for you, there are many things to do nowadays." What is the dream role she would like to play? "Oh, from childhood, I have been a great fan of Sridevi and the role she played in Sadma is one of a kind. But we should accept all types of roles for that is the way to grow up. And that is the way to prove one's versatality."