Miss India contestant Tahira Kochhar is excited about her upcoming film Rabba Mein Kya Karoon. Acting with Big B is next on her agenda, Kochhar tells Shibaji Roychoudhury
Did you always want to get into BollywoodIJ
From childhood, all I wanted was to be an actress. I adored Madhuri Dixit, although I never took acting or dance lessons until I was offered this film.
How did Rabba Main Kya Karoon happenIJ
Amit Chopra’s team was looking for a fresh face and going through ex-Miss India contestants to play the role of Sneha. When they came across my portfolio, they were thought I would be ideal to play Sneha. I came on board.
Were you surprised when you were called to auditionIJ
I was shocked and suspicious. I was pursuing modeling assignments in Delhi and suddenly I was being offered a film. Initially, I was wary because I thought this must be one of those experimental small budget films, not an ideal start in Bollywood. So, I kept deferring them.
What made you finally come on boardIJ
I got a call from Amit Chopra who pursuaded me to meet him at a hotel in Delhi. I got a little scared. He also invited me to his room and that freaked me out even more. However, I did as I was advised. I told him that I would be bringing my mother along. The director asked me to get my entire family if that was what it would take to meet him.
That one meeting with him convinced me to take up this role. He told me that more than half the film would be shot in Delhi, which was a definite perk for me.
How is the chemistry between Akash and youIJ
When we began shooting we used to constantly argue but it was all in good spirit. At first, I was not comfortable in romantic scenes but we attended workshops to build on our chemistry.
How was it working with Arshad Warsi and Paresh RawalIJ
Great. They are such warm-hearted and accommodating stars that all my notions about star tantrums got shattered. When we were shooting at a farmhouse in Delhi, Arshad was surrounded by media and production staff and I used to do solo scenes. He took some time out to give me a few tips.
Any other projectsIJ
None, at this point. I am still to get used to the idea that my first film is set to release next week. I just moved to Mumbai a week back and I am still settling down. I am only hoping that industry people accept me as they have done other outsiders.
Any actor you dream to work withIJ
like all actors, my dream too is to work with Amitabh Bachchan, so that’s right at the top of my list.
But, I really want to do a film with Hrithik Roshan. He is an exceptionally talented actor and by far the best looking man Bollywood has ever seen.