Singer Shibani Kashyap, who has done cameos playing herself in a couple of films, will be seen in her first full-fledged role in Ranvir The Marshal.

The role fell into her lap when she met director Milind Ukey (who has previously madePaathshaala) to discuss a song sequence for the movie. She recalls, "He said he had a character of a femme fatale that would be perfect for me and asked me if I'd like to do it."The artiste was initially hesitant, but after she heard the narration and thought about her role, she realised it was different and eventually gave her nod. "I felt, despite being negative, this character could inspire women in our country to learn martial arts. It's a fantastic form of fitness and self-defense," says Shibani.

She underwent three-month rigorous training in martial arts before shooting. "For the first four days,I was in pain as my entire body went through a gruelling session. There was more emphasis on judo as the moves in the film are acrobatic," she recounts, adding, "Martial arts makes you focus your energy in a positive way." Elaborating how she enjoyed shooting for the project, she says, "Rishy, who is the hero and making his debut with this film about martial arts being exploited and made into a bloody sport, is talented. It was great working with Rati (Agnihotri), who plays his mother. Rajesh Khattar, who is a dear friend, is the main villain. We had a blast shooting in Hrishikesh, Mussoorie and Dehradun." She's equally excited aboutDum Hai Toh Floor Pe Aa, the promotional song for the movie which is scheduled to go online soon.

It features her challenging Rishy to fight her in the ring. Says she, "That's the primary reason I'm there in the film. It's an aggressive, high-energy song with martial arts and acrobatic moves incorporated in the choreography." Shibani sums up saying she is open to more acting assignments if they are inspiring. "I'm ready to take up a role that motivates women," she signs off.