It's not usual for an engineering student to get into films...
Yes, I know but so many actors have pursued different careers before finding their bearings in films. The same happened with me too. I've had this filmi keeda since childhood.

What's Dongri Ka Raja all about?
It is a love story revolving around the underworld with interesting twists and turns. I play Shruti who has a mature outlook to life. The character put my acting skills to test. Unlike her, I am bubbly and expressive so the director would often have to remind me that it was Shruti I was portraying and so I should not be myself. I had to underplay and that was really difficult.

What have you learnt during the process of shooting?
That char line confidently bolne se koi actor nahi ban jaata, there is a lot that goes into making an actor. You have to pay attention to every detail, from the way you smile to the way you walk and deliver your dialogue.

Any actors that have been an inspiration for you?
Oh there are so many. I'm inspired by Madhuri Dixit. Whether it was comedy or a serious scene or even the way she dances on screen, there is no way you can take your eyes off her. I loved Urmila Matondkar in those psycho roles and for her dancing skills. Priyanka Chopra has also been a huge inspiration. In fact I saw Bajirao Mastani many times to copy her Marathi diction as I am playing a Maharashtrian girl in Dongri Ka Raja.

There is high degree of competition here...
Which profession today isn't competitive? The competition in the corporate world is far more fierce and ruthless than in films.

Dongri Ka Raja produced by PS Chhatwal and Filmy Keeda Productions releases om 11th November...