Bitten by the ACTING BUG

Casting Coup
Director Remo D’Souza and Jackky Bhagnani,my co-star,were on the lookout for an actress to play the lead. Jackky spotted me at a party. He felt that I suited the role perfectly and told Remo about me. They tried to get in touch with the people I had worked with in the past and contacted fashion photographer Atul Kasbekar,who was handling my profile at that time. I was then called for an audition and after seven auditions I got the role.

Stepping-StoneI won the Miss India-Universe title in 2007. But,prior to F.A.L.T.U.,I have not had any exposure to acting or theater. I was into athletics and was the sports captain in my school. Being a beauty queen definitely elevated my standing in the industry because everywhere I went,people knew me. My title looked good on my profile but,I had to struggle for two years before I got a good role.

First Shot
My very first shot was with Jackky. That was the first time that I had to face the camera and I was very nervous. I didn’t get the shot right in the first go,and after a couple of unsuccessful takes,my director asked me to step aside. He wanted to know why I was so nervous. ‘It’s my first film too but I’m hiding that nervousness. Trust me,we’re all nervous here as it’s our first attempt,” he said. That reassurance boosted my confidence and I got the shot right in the next take.

Stumbling-Block
People won’t believe this but everyday was a challenge for me because it was my debut venture. Even as I hoped that the process would be smooth I landed up being nervous for almost every shot. But,at the same time I would say that I was kind of lucky on the sets as I was the only actress and all my co-stars including Arshad Warsi and Riteish Deshmukh were happy to guide me.

Lessons Learnt
The entire cast was young. We were all impatient and enthusiastic,yet nervous as it was our first film. F.A.L.T.U. was Remo’s directorial debut too,still,he managed to stay calm and get the best from the entire cast. Not once did I see him lose his cool or get nervous. He has taught me to be patient and to work hard.

Matinee Idol
I’ll be happy to work with everyone in the industry. But,I have my favourites too… I would love to work with Shah Rukh Khan,Madhuri Dixit and Sridevi. I have grown-up watching their films,especially Chaalbaaz. I have watched the film over a dozen times.

Future Projects
I plan to keep an open mind in terms of accepting work and I’ll take things as they come.

anita.aikara@expressindia.com