Theatre keeps my skills sharp: Amrita Puri

Actress Amrita Puri, who was noticed for her behejni-turned-modern makeover in her debut film "Aisha", says theatre helps her maintain her acting skills.

"I have done a lot of theatre. I love it because there is a lot more creativity in it and it helps me keep my acting skills sharp. I keep learning lots of new things when I am doing theatre," Amrita told IANS.

These days, the actress is busy promoting her second film "Blood Money". But she says it is tough for a person without a film background to make a mark in the industry.

"It took me two years of auditioning, after which I got "Aisha". For a person like me, who is from a non-film background, it is very difficult to get into films. The number of young people who want to get into the industry is huge, but very few make it big.

"I consider myself very lucky. But I had to work very hard for this opportunity. And it feels great that whatever work I have got has been on the basis of my performance," she said.

Now that the 24-year-old is getting good work, she makes sure she does not choose similar kind of roles.

"I did not want to get stereotyped. That is why after 'Aisha', I was very particular about the kind of roles I select. My role in this film is very different from 'Aisha'.

"I play a middle class girl from Mumbai who gets married to the character played by actor Kunal Khemu, who goes to Capetown. Kunal starts to work in a small business of diamond-exporting and then life takes a twist," she added.

From a supporting actress to the main lead -- the journey has been a learning one for Amrita.

"Playing a lead role means getting the limelight, but with everything else it comes with a lot of responsibility and pressure. I hope I am able to live up to the expectations and the film does well," she said.

Directed by Vishal Mahadkar and produced by Mahesh Bhatt, "Blood Money" releases on March 30.