"My perseverance has paid" - Neetu Chandra

Neetu Chandra made her debut with Akshay Kumar and John Abraham in 'Garam Masala' and ever since then there hasn't been any looking back for this young woman. With three successful films in a row (her 'Traffic Signal' was an average performer while 'One Two Three' has been a decent money spinner as well), Neetu Chandra is looking forward to an exciting phase ahead.

However, she continues to be rooted to reality and is far from flying high. Just recently, Nargis, Neetu's counterpart in 'Garam Masala', was seen in 'Pranali' after quite some gap. Does she feel that she has moved on by quite some miles while Nargis and Daisy (the third girl in 'Garam Masala') arestill trying to find a foothold?

"I don't think so", reflects Neetu, "I am happy that Nargis is working and having a film release to her name. It's a matter of whether you are working or not. As long as you are working and visible, it is a matter of time before things fall in place."

"Yes, there is hard work involved and I have to admit that my perseverance over the years has paid. 2008 should be my year with number of prestigious films in the pipeline. I have to watch my steps quite carefully from hereon since these are crucial times ahead for me", says Neetu who has as many as four major films lined up for release in the second half of 2008.

While Rahul Dholakia's 'Mumbai Cutting' is round the corner and is also traveling festival circuits, she also has to her name UTV/Dibakar Banerjee's 'Oye Lucky Lucky Oye' with Abhay Deol and Paresh Rawal. In addition, there is Adlabs' 'Flat No. 13 B' where she is paired with Madhavan while shooting for Gary Grewal's tentatively titled 'Khusarprasad Ka Bhoot' is currently on in Bhopal.

This is not all as after the success of 'One Two Three', the film's producer Kumar Mangat has signed her for two more films where she would be enacting the role of a leading lady. Apart from that, Shree Ashtvinayak, which has been fast catching up to become one of the premier film making companies of the country today, have signed Neetu Chandra for not one, but as many as three films!

It appears that a lot on her plate is indeed not too much for Neetu Chandra who is happy while being busy!

--Joginder Tuteja