Indecent proposals from big filmmakers shocked me

Indecent proposals from big filmmakers shocked me

Actor Surveen Chawla scorched movie screens with her brilliant performance in Hate Story 2. Her third movie Parched received an overwhelming standing ovation at Toronto International film Festival. In a candid chat she tells us how difficult it was for her to make the switch from TV to Bollywood and what she learnt in the way

Your movie Parched was screened at the Toronto International Film Festival. Did you know that it would receive the kind of critical acclaim that it did?

It was an overwhelming feeling when people gave a standing ovation to Parched. The movie focuses on the journey of three women played by Radhika Apte, Tanistha Chatterjee and me. The movie highlighted the oppression that women are subjected too in our society. The film faced a lot of problems financially. While shooting we were focused on clearing one hurdle after the other. Our prime concern was getting it on the floor. No one expected it to get a platform like TIFF. It was heartening to see Ajay Devgan come in support of the movie. He believed in us and we lived up to his expectation at TIFF.

You have done Hate Story 2 and Parched. Both are very different movies. What kind of roles do you look at doing?

Till now films have chosen me. I want to do all kind of films and restrict myself to any particular type. I do not want to be typecast for doing erotic thrillers. I am still learning and want to experiment with different roles.

You hail from a small town like Chandigarh. Was it easy convincing people back home about your decision to join Bollywood?

I come from a very orthodox family and have led a protected life. My parents and grandparents had their inhibitions about letting me out in the big bad world. I was a bright student. I topped accounts and economics in my graduation and wanted to do an MBA. But that is when I had a bad breakup and wanted to move away from everything familiar. Heartbroken I was gripped by a passion to do something that would make me famous. I channelized my energy in the right direction. Life experiences offer great learning. Tough situations sometimes initiate you in the right direction. My parents understood me and stood by my decision.

How difficult was making the switch from TV to Bollywood?

It is very difficult to get a break in Bollywood if you don't have filmy connections. I took the longer route as I didn't' have a god father. What shocked me were the indecent proposals that I got from big film makers. There were days I would end up crying, greatly disturbed by all this. But I did not lose hope and things started looking up. Punjabi films happened to me first and then I got a break in Ugly and then Hate Story 2. No matter how tough situations are never give up hope or stop believing in your abilities.

What are your fitness secrets?

I try to stay disciplined. There were times when I have been down and out and that is the time when you stray from your goals, skip fitness regimes. It happened to me too, I got my life on to track and brought back discipline. I do yoga regularly. I also do Pilates and rigorous cardio to push my body beyond its comfort zone to achieve results. What you eat too plays a big role. We all do have cravings but it's all about conditioning your mind to avoid these health traps.

What's your best kept beauty secret?

Go natural! Creams and lotions can't make a difference unless you are happy from within. Drink lots of water, eat clean and healthy and stay happy. Always remember that happy girls are the most beautiful girls.

What's your style mantra?

Keep it simple, minimalistic, easy and classy.

https://in.style.yahoo.com/post/134260741674/indecent-proposals-from-big-filmmakers-shocked