Anjani Sukhani-I'm no exception

The graceful model-turned- actress exudes warmth. The coke commercial with Aamir Khan has bought Bollywood knocking at her door. She is Anjani Sukhani who made her debut with Tushar Nandy's HUM DUM which released last February. We met up with her to find out what she's up to these days. Excerpts:

What made you choose acting as your profession?
I was happy doing commercials and never wanted to become an actress. I have done 30-40 ads; namely Ponds, Maruti Esteem car, Johnson Baby oil, etc. It was the Coke ad with Aamir Khan that got me film offers. In the midst I was in London doing my Masters in International Business. When Mr. Nandy approached me for Hum Dum in 2004, I wasn't sure of doing it. But the character of Rrutu Joshi – the young bubbly teenage girl in a television reality show backdrop did the trick.

Was it a good decision for your debut film?
The film was made by a reputed banner. With no filmi background and no God-father, I couldn't have asked for more.

Your next SUN ZARA… is releasing next week?
Yes, that's the news I have heard too. Again the film is made by reputed producer Salim. I'm paired opposite Samir Aftab. It is a love story. My role in this film is very mature. This girl stays in a chawl and aspires to be a singer. When this boy comes to stay in this chawl, things change…..

Doesn't the film have similarities with Mahesh Manjrekars' PRAN JAAYE PAR CHAAL NA JAYE?
No, No. Both are totally different.

After the debacle of your first film, you might be banking on this to do well?
Every actor will want his films to do well at the box-office windows. And I'm no exception either.

What next?
There are two more films. One is Tess Mirza's Jaana… Let's Fall In Love. It's again a love story with a unique concept. My character is lively and sensitive. I'm daughter of a multi-millionaire who looks out for one-day dates. The film is complete and I hope that it is slated for April release. Then there is Nikhil Advani's Salaam-E-Ishq. Here I play a vivacious choreographer opposite Anil Kapoor. This film is under production and will be released around Diwali time this year. I'm even doing a latest commercial campaign for Regal Shoes.

SALAAM-E-ISHQ has a line-up of stars. Don't you feel you'll be lost?
No. Everybody has a different part to play. In fact, I'm the only new person around and that makes all the differences.

Are you satisfied the way your career is shaping up?
I'm fully satisfied. In all of them I'm playing the solo female lead. I'm thankful to my makers and co-stars who were confident about my acting. Their encouragement was an added support. On the other hand I'm not in a hurry. I know my time will come.

While selecting a film, what is important to you?
First the story, then my role and overall they should be genuine film makers who has love for the medium.

What is your say about skin show?
I'm open to meaningful films. The story should justify the demand. On the other hand I should be comfortable wearing skimpy clothes. If the story demands I will not mind wearing short dress, skirts or micro minis. I understand, as a female it is important to add glamour in this medium to much extent. But I do not have the guts to go for two piece stuff. I have drawn a line of what type of films to go for. There should be more of substance than the skin show.

Did you face any casting couch?
Though I have heard about it I have not faced such a problem. I feel it is up to the girl, the kind of feelers she exudes.

What is your dream role you would like to perform?
I want to be known as a versatile actor rather than being slotted. But I wish to do comedy roles. I'm not against serious roles either. Something like Karisma Kapoor's role in Judwa and at the same time Zubeida.

Going back did you took any acting lessons?
No. I did not go to any acting schools. But before I started I had a brief workshop with Om Kathare. I love dancing too and still am taking lessons from Veeru Krishnan.