For some it may have been a bumpy road. Not so much for Neha Sharma. The NIFT graduate who made her film debut with the Telugu film “Chirutha” in 2007, debuted in Hindi with Mohit Suri’s “Crook”, released in 2010, and went on to act in Ekta Kapoor’s “Kyaa Super Kool Hai Hum”. She’s now acting in “Jayantabhai Ki Luv Story” opposite Vivek Oberoi. Excerpts from an interview:
How did you choose films as a career?
My whole life has been in Delhi; my family and I shifted here and I started studying fashion. I always wanted to be a designer. It was when I started modelling for my college shows that I came under the spotlight. I was shortlisted for “Chirutha” and through luck and fate I got the film. Since then, as they say, I have never looked back.
You have worked in Telugu films…and “Crook” is your big ticket to Bollywood. How is Bollywood treating you?
At first, it is a bit difficult for those who are not from the industry to make a space for themselves. People have been nice to me, and I have realised that it takes a lot to shoot for a film and then rise as a star in people’s eyes. Bollywood is a dream come true for me and I am not going to take anything for granted, that’s for sure.
Tell us about the character you’re playing in “Jayantabhai Ki Luv Story”?
Simran is a modern girl who has come to Mumbai with big dreams. The story revolves around how she loses her job and has to live in a constrained budget. That is when she finds Jayantabhai. I enjoyed playing her character, which is fun-loving and youthful.
Will we be seeing you in any serious dramas anytime sooner?
I like working in films that are different. You must have seen that the role that I have played in “Crook” was completely different from what I played in “Kya Super Kool Hain Hum”. I have tried to maintain the variety in the characters I choose to play. And, yes, if there are any serious dramas in my list I will certainly let my audiences know.
How is it acting opposite Vivek, considering that he is already an established actor?
I started my career with Emraan, and he never made me feel like a newcomer. The same goes for Vivek; he is a very good actor and a very good friend off-screen. He has also been very supportive and has guided me throughout the film. It was a pleasure working with him.
