Bhumika to debut in Dharmesh’s Aap Ki...

Bhumika Singh, daughter of Hari Singh, who is well-known as actresses Sridevi and Aishwarya Rai's business manager, is all set to shine on the silver screen with Dharmesh Darshan's Aap Ki Khatir. The film stars Akshaye Khanna, Priyanka Chopra and Amisha Patel.

It is interesting to note how Bhumika bagged Aap Ki Khatir in the first place. "My sister and I happened to be standing outside Barista waiting for a takeaway when a car whizzed by. Then the same car comes back and who do I see getting out of it? None other than director Dharmesh Darshan. I recognised him instantly.

But never in my wildest dreams did I think that he would walk up to me. But he did," she says. "He asked me if I was Bhumika, Hari Singh's daughter. After chatting with me for a while he asked me if I'd be interested in doing a film. I didn't know what to say then. Later, I got a call from Dharmeshji's office asking me to come over. I went there and he reminded me about the film offer. I told him that he doesn't have to ask as I will be more than happy to debut in his film. Neither did he give me a screen test me nor did I have to give any auditions. It was a miracle," she adds.

But wasn't she feeling apprehensive about her presence in the movie considering that it has stalwarts like Priyanka Chopra and Amisha Patel? She replies, "No way, in fact, it is good. Stars like Akshaye, Priyanka and Amisha will get people into theatres to watch the film, and with them I will be noticed too. This I think is better than make a solo debut that people may not even bother to watch."

Does it pay having a person in the family who is well-versed with the film industry? "Of course, it does. In more ways than one," she says. "Firstly, you learn to respect time. You are well aware that in the film industry time and money are precious and you do not take things for granted. Secondly, you are familiar with the people in the business like the make-up artists, hairdressers and dress designers," she says.

She adds that this helps and actor to be aware of how a shooting functions and understand basic camera angles. "I have seen some actors and actresses looking absolutely lost on the sets. You must do what the director wants and this way it works. I am lucky to have a father whose been in the business for years," she says with a smile.