‘Hollywood is overrated’

Deepal Shaw is just back from New York after shooting for Manish Gupta's Karma Confessions and Holy. The film is Shaw's first brush with Hollywood. After completing her stint with Hollywood, Deepal is of the opinion that, "Hollywood is overrated. While working there I realised that Hollywood comes up with 25 films in a year, while we make 250 films. That, according to me, is quite a feat.

However, at Hollywood, they are so organised with their shooting schedules. It is in this area that Indian films lag behind. Also, they have an off at least once a week. The shooting schedules cannot go beyond the 10-hour deadline. All this makes it an experience to remember."

Initially, Deepal was apprehensive of how she would fit in a Hollywood flick. "You know when I went there, I was wondering how I would be treated because I was an Indian. But the unit was so proud of my country that I automatically felt proud of being an Indian. I remember, before leaving for the shoot, Mahesh Bhatt told me, 'Be like that wild flower in the bouquet. Don't be afraid to make mistakes. And most importantly be yourself!' I did just that and it turned out to be a wonderful experience."

Deepal says that the reason why she agreed to do the film was because it was her attempt to reach out to the world. "I wanted to widen my horizons. I would have done the film even if it was in the Korean or Japanese language."

Describing her role, Deepal says, "My character is the one that lends the twist in Karma Confessions and Holy. It is because of me that the other characters are compelled to come out with the truth. The next day is the Holy day that promises purification. I am glad that I got to play such a complex character, so early in my career."

She continues, "Producer Drena De Niro was warm, funny and friendly. She made us feel at home. She took keen interest in the designs of Indian jewellery that I had worn for the film." Deepal feels Sushmita Sen is the warmest human being she has worked with. She says, "During the shoot, if my necklace was not in place, Sushmita would make it a point to adjust it before I actually gave the shot. I remember when we went out for dinner, she covered me with her shawl because I was feeling cold. Though she comes across to be this regale actress, Sushmita Sen is child-like. She is so simple. Her simplicity comes across on screen."

Deepal also recalled her first meeting with supermodel and actress Naomi Campbell. She says, "The first day of the shoot she kept to herself. I learnt that she was going through some personal trauma. But she did not let it come between her work and continued to shoot professionally. Later of course she opened up and would keep sending me encouraging messages." Karma Confessions and Holy will be featured at the Tribecca Film Festival owned by Robert De Niro and will be released in India in April.