That was the intention -- to do films that were not from my home production. It was very important for me to do different and better roles after Kalyug.

N Chandra saw me in Kalyug and wanted to cast me in his next film. He narrated the script to me and even before I could say yes, he said he could see his Asha in me. I liked the script and my role in the film, so I agreed to do it.

Similarly for Down Town, a DOP who knew me, told Andalip [Sultanpuri, the director] that I would suit Anushka's role. He was earlier apprehensive as he has seen me only in salwar kameez in Kalyug and wondered if I could pull off Anushka's character. I met Andalip, who saw me and immediately decided that I was his Anushka.

Since the whole family is into showbiz, did you want to join films too? It must have been a cakewalk...

I beg to differ. It wasn't a cakewalk at all. I was always interested in acting. As a child I wasn't too much into academics. I was a slightly dyslexic child so my mother would always encourage me to indulge in curricular activities.

I did a lot of dancing with Shaimak Davar [choreographer]. Performing arts was the only thing I could think of to sharpen my skills.

I was so interested in acting that I auditioned for Kalyug, despite being my home production and my brother directing it. I met Bhatt saab and gave my auditions. He liked me and told Mohit that I could be Renuka.

As far as the whole family being in showbiz is concerned, I was very well informed about the industry. Mohit told me the pros and cons of being a celebrity and being in the industry.

My father wasn't too fond of me getting into acting but since I was interested, he let me be. We lost our mother at a very young age and since then it has been my grandmother [Purnima Verma] the only other lady in my life. Otherwise I am surrounded by only men.

Listen to: Kailash Kher sings for rediff
Also Read: Kalyug: All sound, no fury

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