Aditi Sharma's ticket to Bollywood came through the Star Hunt Contest. Her first film, Khanna and Iyer, may not have done well at the box office, but that has not dampened this young actor's spirit. At present, she is awaiting the promos of her latest movie, Black and White, by Mukta Arts.

Q. Tell us something about your film, Black and White
A. This movie depicts the existence of good and bad, which is existent in all human beings. And which one he nurtures is what the movies portray. The entire movie has been shot at Chandni Chowk, and nearby areas, in Delhi.

The name of my character in the movie is Shagufta, a young girl born and brought up in Chandni Chowk. This is a typical Subhash Ghai kind of movie that shows patriotism, with music that will surely create a rage. The movie also has Anil Kapoor, Shefali Shaha and debutant Anurag Sinha.

Q. Your first movie, Khanna and Iyer, failed to impress the audience. Any comments?
A. I do feel bad, since that was my first movie, but I am not disheartened at all. There have been cases when the first movie for a debutant has become a blockbuster, and the second or third have not. My life has always progressed step by step. My first movie may not have worked, but I have received a second offer, so I am happy and positive.

Q. Tell us about your second movie, with Sarvar Ahuja.
A. The name of the movie is Kuch Khatta Kuch Meetha, and it is directed Basu Chatterjee. It is a love story, and is completely ready, but I have no idea about the date of release.

Q. Have you signed any more films with Subhash Ghai, besides Black and White?
A. As of now, I am just waiting for the promos, although talks are on. Nothing is finalized as yet.

Q. Has any other filmmaker approached you?
A. No, not yet.

Q. After two films, how mature have you become as an actor?
A. Not much, but I can understand certain things better than I could at the time of my first movie, Khanna and Iyer. My understanding of people has improved, too. Now I know which offers I can consider, and those I should not. It is only with experience that one learns all this.

Q. Who is your inspiration?
A. My favourites among the veterans are Waheeda Rehman and Mumtaz. Amongst the more recent ones, I admire Kajol and Rani Mukherji. However, my inspiration comes from Madhuri Dixit.

Q. Every member of your family, with the exception of your mother, is a doctor. What made you take up acting?
A. I was never serious about acting, although as a child, I wanted to emulate the characters on the silver screen. I had no clue how to go about getting there. I thank God for opening the doors for me – the talent hunt made it so easy for me. I did not have to struggle.

Q. You shifted to Mumbai from Lucknow. How has this city treated you so far?
A. (Exclaims) Oh! What I love about Mumbai is the unity in diversity! People come out to help you when you need them. I experienced that during the July 26 deluge, in 2005.

I was shooting for Kuch Khatta Kuch Meetha – it was, in fact, the first day of shoot. There was water everywhere, and no electricity. People showed us the way home with torches.

Some even invited us to stay with them for the night, because it was unsafe to venture too far. Of course, there is a negative side, like the distances I have to travel for my shoot. I am not used to it, coming from a smaller city like Lucknow.

Q. And last, but not the least, what are your interests? How do you utilize your free time?
A. I love movies, and I have watched quite a few over the past one year. I also enjoy dancing, and I learned Kathak for six months. Now I want to learn hip-hop. I like music, and enjoy strolling with my mother in the evenings. -Rajnee Gupta