'There was no one to coach me'

Kannada movie lovers would have noticed her for her performance in 'Paru Wife of Devdas', 'Daksha', 'Titlu Beka', 'Vardhana' and 'Thippaji Circle'. The bubbly Neha Patil who made her debut with 'Police Story 3', has always tried to keep her roles varied. With her movie 'Hulidurga' soon to hit the screens, the actor is hopeful that 2018 will be a positive one.

In a candid chat with Tini Sara Anien, she talks about movies and more.

How did you get interested in acting?  

As a child, I remember watching films and wondering how I would look with all the makeup and on screen. The interest in show business has been on my mind since then. I was pursuing my college education when I got my first project and since then I have not looked back.  

Was it challenging to get into films?

It can be really difficult to make an entry in the film industry and establish oneself there. I didn't have any family members working in the industry. I worked in a TV serial for a while and it helped me learn the nuances of acting.  It also helped me pick up the minutest details of enacting a character better. There was no one to coach me either but I have learnt a lot from other artists in the industry.

Tell us about 'Hulidurga'.

The movie has a cute love story and I play a middle-class traditional college girl in it. The movie shows conflicts in love.

Was your role difficult to portray?

I have played different characters in varied films.  In this movie, after the interval, there is an incident which requires me to emote differently and that was quite challenging.

The team of 'Hulidurga' includes a lot of fresh talent. Is it different to work with such a team?

I love working with new talents. The director had a fresh outlook on everything which made it an interesting journey.  

Some things you want to learn and change about yourself...

I am still learning about how one can use social media for their work. I was in a dance reality show recently and realised how important social media is nowadays. Just a few words or lines about a new development in your career posted online can change a lot of things for an artiste. I am also working on my style statement.

How important is the fashion to an actor?

It is very important to be stylish. Many actors sport new hairstyles or outfits and the audience follow suit. I want to set trends too.  

What are you hoping for in 2018?

Cinema is a learning ground. I want to perfect my acting skills and prove myself as an actor in 2018. I am hoping that I will get projects from big banners and be cast opposite superstars soon.