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Transcript of LIVE CHAT with TV actress, Shalini Khanna at 12 noon on Tuesday, September 6, 2005 in Mumbai

Shalini Khanna
TV actress


"I worked as a copywriter for an advertising agency and a couple of news organisations before taking up acting for (further) creative satisfaction and diversity"

Jija > How was your experience working in the movie 71 /2 Phere ?
Shalini Khanna > It was great fun and an enriching experience. All the comedy created would leave us in splits for a long time.

Rahul > Do you want anything else in life (besides what you have achieved so far)?
Shalini Khanna > A lot more work, which will make my friends and family proud and of course, a handsome husband.

Bogie > You have a qualification in advertising and public relations. Did you work at any advertising job before turning to acting?
Shalini Khanna > As a part of my summer training, I did work as a copywriter for contract an advertising firm in Mumbai . Then I worked for Times Of India (Bombay Times ) in the marketing department, and also worked with Zee TV as a copywriter.

Rahul > What is your definition of an ideal man? Who is your dream date?
Shalini Khanna > Someone who is independent, firm and has a good sense of humour as well as strong family values. My dream dates would be Salman Khan and Abhishek Bachhan.

Clod > Why did you choose to act when you could make a good and secure career in advertising and PR?
Shalini Khanna > I was doing theatre in Bhopal when I was in school, and while in a job in Mumbai, I realised that acting would give me much more creative satisfaction and a ability to live different lives and characters.

Mannie > You have worked in a 10-minute national award-winning film Mangli and Gulzar's Telefilm , Godaan . How did you get a chance to work in these?
Shalini Khanna > While working in my first serial Kutumb, I got a call from a long lost school friend, who, much to my surprise was a direction student at the film institute in Pune. She was casting for her film Mangli and we met regarding that. As far as Godaan is concerned, I dropped my pictures at Mr. Gulzar's office and had a meeting with him after which I was chosen .

Roma > What's your role in Kumkum ? Are you happy with it?
Shalini Khanna > The character that I play is called Malini . She is the sister –in-law of the main protagonist. It is a sweet role and I like being a part of it.

Rahul > What turns you on and off? What is your greatest extravagance?
Shalini Khanna > , I get put off by arrogance and rude behaviour. Genuine people attract me a lot. The car that I have now is my greatest extravagance.

Bharti > Would you like to work in crossover films or commercial films? Which one do you prefer?
Shalini Khanna > As an actress I am open to all mediums of expression. I have not bound my self with any kind of notion or preference.

Malini > Personally, what types of roles and films excite you?
Shalini Khanna > I like soft romantic movies, and characters and roles, which are close to reality, excite me.

Gohar > You have been around for a while in television and worked in some of the best known serials like Kutumb, Karishma , Saara Akaash and yet do not have the status of some of our big TV stars. Do you think your true potential has not been tapped?
Shalini Khanna > I don't know what life has got in store. But I am happy that I have done good work with good people. I might not have what other stars have (achieved) but I do have a sense of satisfaction that pushes me to work harder.

Dimple > Do you have a boy friend? When is your birthday? What do you do in your free time?
Shalini Khanna > I am single. My birthday is on the 16 th of November. In my free time I love watching films, cooking and catching up on my sleep.

Aashu > It is easy for a man to do intimate scenes. How difficult it is for a woman when someone asks for a skin-show and intimate scenes?
Shalini Khanna > Though I haven't had this experience till now, I am sure it's all in ones mind to take it personally or just as a part of work.

Rahul > Where do you see yourself after five years?
Shalini Khanna > An actress with good work and good name to her credit, and happily married as well.

Sign Off Message > Work hard, party harder...be happy and true to yourself...Love Shalini.