"My biggest dream role would be opposite Tom Cruise" - Sheena Chohan

Actor Sheena Chohan has been on the tube for the longest time now and has starred in an array of projects ranging from movies to web shows and even international projects. After doing five years of theatre in Delhi, Chohan was launched by National Award Winning director Jayaraj as the female lead opposite Malayalam Megastar Mammootty, where she played his wife in the action film The Train. And now, after playing a pivotal role in Kajol led The Trial, she is on a high as she has received a lot of praise for the same.

In an exclusive conversation with us, Chohan opened up memories she cherishes of working with legends, her dream role and an anecdote that surprised her after working with Kajol.

What has been your biggest moment/a memory you will cherish in terms of working with so many legends so far?

I have so many, but being nominated as Best Actress in those two film festivals is very close to my heart - the director, Mostafa Farooki and worked so hard on the film Ant Story - I researched my character for months and then, because of his unique form of filmmaking, when he re-wrote the film in the middle, I had to use all of the work I'd done on creating my character, to be able to bring him options for how she could react in the many new situations he was inventing. It was hard work, because he's such a free artist, but then when we released the film we were mobbed by the fans and then when I saw my name up on the screen next to Kiera Knightly - it made me cry.

Q. What is your dream role?

I love creating characters that have depth to them - I love to research, truly understand and work to fit into the characters I play, so if I can have something to really sink my teeth into, that makes me happy, but on the other hand, my biggest dream role is opposite Tom Cruise - he's such a master story-teller and he really understands all sides of cinema in terms of what an audience wants.

Q. With more projects lined up ahead, which are the most excited for?

My Hollywood film, directed by Taron Lexton is super exciting - it equalled the Guinness World record for the film that was shot in most countries. It's a sci-fi and I was flown out to Los Angeles and Florida to shoot for it - they just wrapped the music and when it comes out it will be the first time I've been on the screen in an American film - so I can't wait!

Q. Tell us an anecdote emoji working with an actor legend that surprised/please/shocked you the most.

At the premiere for The Trial I told Kajol that I had talked in length about the effects of DDLJ in a TedX talk I gave about the power of art. I was shocked at the effect that film had on the country - it was seen by around 300 - 400 million people and its message of the power to choose a love marriage contributed to a 10% increase in love marriage in the decade following its release. Now, to me - that's the power of cinema!