A degree in Economics and International Studies followed by a job at one of New York's top funds company in leverage finance possibly wasn’t what Neelu Sodhi really wanted. The girl from Pune, who has managed to impress with her first cinematic performance in English Vinglish as Sridevi’s niece, always knew acting was her calling. “I’ve had a love for acting ever since I could remember. As a child, I used to write in my diary that I wanted to be an actor when I grew up, and to have realised that dream is an amazing feeling. Though I studied finance and entered the corporate field, I always knew I would change tack one day and pursue my passion. I’m very happy that I made the switch!” she says, following the release of her film.
The New York-based model and actor, who has done print campaigns in the U.S. for Lancome, Amazon Kindle, Budweiser, General Electric, AT&T, Bloomberg, Diamond Jewellery , Footlocker, New York Life Insurance, Citibank and L’Oreal Hair, went on to study at the Lee Strasberg Institute, New York Film Academy and coach under the prestigious Wynn Handman. “My first assignment was actually a print gig I did for Bloomberg magazine! It was quite ironic since I had just left finance and the first print job I booked I was in every Bloomberg magazine and on the terminal on every trading desk worldwide,” she reveals.
Neelu auditioned for the role knowing she was to work with Sridevi. “Yes, I knew I was auditioning for the role of Sridevi’s niece, but even if I didn't know that piece of information, I would have still given the audition my all. It was an amazing experience working with such a legendary actor, to say the least! It was nerve-wracking initially but she was very sweet and made me feel very comfortable on the sets. She is a wonderful person to work with and I've learnt a lot from her,” says Neelu, who has now shifted base to Mumbai and is looking for assignments in India.
