TOI - I never got lead roles and that worked for me: Shruti Bapna

She may have only two scenes in The Lunchbox, but Shruti Bapna can't go unnoticed in the film.

Her husky voice, raw appeal and choice of roles on TV have helped the actress land films. While TV actors always look out for plum projects in Bollywood, Shruti got the opportunity to work with Irrfan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui in the film. She says, "I never got lead roles. I had to reject many offers because I was under contract with a production house for a show. But I guess playing a variety of roles worked for me. I didn't come here to do lead roles; I just wanted to act. I have played cameos, done negative roles and will now play an extremely bold character in a show."

Ask her how she chooses her roles on TV and she says, "I think it depends on the director to extract a good performance. Only few people have the vision to spot good talent and make you work. In my case, I have just chosen good roles and it has worked for me. I did only two scenes in the film, but it did register in people's minds. Sometimes supporting roles can get you what a lead can't."