'I've been learning on the job'

Model-turned actor Neha Shetty can’t contain her excitement when she starts talking about her debut project ‘Mungaru Male2’. The project raised a lot of expectations among people and particularly so because its prequel was a cult movie that did exceptionally well.

Flooded with compliments about her performance and movie offers, Neha feels ‘Mungaru Male2’ has given a whole new twist to life and love, taking it to a different level altogether. In an interview with Nina C George, Neha shares her experience of working on her first film.

How does it feel after your big release?
Prior to the release of ‘Mungaru Male2,’ I was both nervous and excited. Now, I feel my responsibility as an actor has increased. The response has been very encouraging.

What do you feel about your acting?
I’ve always been the biggest critic of my work and I can never say that I am perfect and completely satisfied. I strive to improve my performance. There are so many questions always playing on my mind but I never get the perfect answer. Learning never stops.

Did you take any lessons before you started?
I received private tuitions for about 15 days before I began shooting. Things moved so fast that I barely had time to attend  workshops or take lessons in acting. I’ve been learning on the job.

You must be getting a lot of offers...
Yes I am but I haven’t signed anything because I want the feedback from the first project to settle down and then choose my work. I am in no hurry.

Is there a role you really want to play?
I don’t have any particular role in mind. I am open to playing any character and don’t like to draw boundaries for myself. Having said that, I am not open to doing an item number just  yet.
 
Is it the fear of getting typecast that’s keeping you from attempting an item
number?
I don’t have the fear of getting typecast. The established actors in industries of all languages have tried item numbers and enjoyed working on them but I’ve just begun and want to go beyond just song and dance.

How do you intend to use your free time?
I want to sign up for lessons in kathak because I’ve learnt almost all the Western dance forms but I’ve wanted to learn classical dance because it helps perfect the expressions.