Gaining instant recognition in the film industry as Aishwarya Rai look alike, Sneha Ullal made movie debut in Hindi film “Lucky: No Time For Love” in 2005 opposite Salman Khan. Later she featured in Sohail Khan’s “Aryan” too. She has also acted in Telugu films “Ullasamga Utsahamga” and “Nenu Meeku Telusa…?”.
The actor was recently in the Capital to promote her latest film “Bezubaan Ishq” with co-actor Nishant Malkani, coming back to Hindi films after a long gap. She spoke to The Hindu about her career, films and other
How did you become an actor?Before coming to films what did you intend to do?
I never wanted to be an actress. Even after “Lucky: No Time For Love” became such a big hit my plan was never to become an actor. It all happened by luck.
As I love animals, I wanted to become a veterinarian. Then my second plan was to become a chef. I wanted to study and always wanted to become big but never a heroine. I never liked wearing high heels and putting lots of makeup. I was a tomboy.
You are making a come back in Bollywood almost after a long time. The reason for such a long gap?
Working in Bollywood industry is very difficult and one has to plan before entering the industry and sustain it. As acting was never my plan, so I took a break to mature. I did a Telugu movie two years after “Lucky: No Time For Love” and in those two years I completed my education. It was after doing Telugu movies I decided that I want to become an actress. Now I have come back to stay and hope that people make me second time lucky.
How different is the character of Rumzum from that of Lucky?
In Lucky I was a school girl, here Rumzum is a college girl, more mature. One similarity between the two characters is that both are very soft spoken. The only difference is that Rumzum is much more expressive.
How important was Salman Khan’s role in your career?
Salman is not just my mentor but my godfather and a very special friend. Two years after “Lucky: No Time For Love” I told him that I am still getting offers then he said it means it is your destiny to become a heroine. Also a few years back my mother was suffering from cancer, at that time also he helped me a lot. Today I am in Bollywood because of him.
How was your experience during shooting at different locations?
I hate travelling but I have to be okay with it as it is part and parcel of my career. We shot in Jaipur and Jaisalmer for this movie. Besides the heat it was beautiful. I am a nature lover so the flora and fauna of Rajasthan made it easy for me.
