She won the Miss India title four years ago, in 2003. And she waited all these years to do make her debut as an actor. Incidentally, she was going to begin her career with Prakash Jha's experimental drama, 'Dil Dosti Etc', but we will see her first in 'Life Mein Kabhi Kabhi'. Here is a chat with Nikita Anand.

Q.: So is it dil, or dosti, for you, in the film 'Dil Dosti Etc'?
A.: (laughing) Both. I'm playing a rich girl, named Prerna, in the movie. She is quite ambitious and wants to be an international model. Shreyas and Imad are in her college. She is attracted to Shreyas, their goals in life are poles apart.

Q.: The title of the film caries the tag line – "when you are young you have endless options". What do you think of that?
A.: Being young brings you a lot of opportunities. There is inspiration, motivation, and, these days, the option to do something about that.

Q.: What was it like, working with Shreyas and Imad?
A.: Although both are theatre artistes, their personalities differ. Shreyas is serious, when it comes to work, but he loves playing pranks. He and I got along well. Imad is a little reserved and shy. I had to make the first move to chat with him. I never knew when he came to the set, and when he left.

Q.: The story is based in a college. That must sparked off a bit of tomfoolery.
A.: Shreyas played one big prank on the entire unit, but I was not there then, thankfully. However, Prakash Jha played a prank on me. He made one of his assistants pretend that he was in love with me. In fact, this assistant came with a long love letter in Hindi, which Prakashji read aloud.

The assistant followed me everywhere, and, when I confronted him, he said that he wanted to give me the letter, but lacked the courage.

This drama went on for two days, during which time I was embarrassed and highly uncomfortable. And finally, I found out that Prakashji was the mastermind behind this farce.

Q.: Prakash Jha's films are usually serious, and based on issues. Why do you think he made 'Dil Dosti Etc'?
A.: I have seen his 'Gangajal' and 'Apaharan', and yes, most of his films are serious. I think he wanted to experiment with a new genre, with this movie.

Q.: So you have a prominent role?
A.: I have many scenes with both Shreyas and Imad. I will be noticed.

Q.: You will first be seen in 'Life Mein Kabhi Kabhi'.
A.: Actually, 'Dil Dosti Etc' is my first movie. It's just a co-incidence that 'Life Mein Kabhi Kabhi' was released first. It is a commercial film, and I appear in a song. 'Dil Dosti Etc' is an experimental film.

Q.: Tanushree Dutta and Sayali Bhagat came later but appeared in films before you.
A.: That hardly makes a difference. I have nothing to do with the careers of others.

Q.: But it took you four years to decide to become an actor.
A.: I never had any intention of becoming an actor. I had no interest in films, nor did I have the training or the background. All Miss Indias do not have to learn how to act. I learned the background of the profession first, and then signed my first film in 2006.

Q.: You were a fashion designer, then a model, then an anchor, and now a heroine. What next?
A.: (laughing) Only films, for the time being. I may pursue fashion designing later. In another ten or twenty years. And I think there's no age limit for creative impulse. -Rajnee Gupta