Bipasha Basu feels that she wouldn't have chased a career in Hindi cinema if not for director Vikram Bhatt

Bipasha Basu had to give up her education mid-way to chase her dream to become an actress.

In fact, the Bengali bombshell has an interesting history to boot. Apparently, a decade ago, director Vikram Bhatt encouraged her to pursue an acting career instead of going back to college.

The actress who started modelling at the age of 17 could barely complete her higher education before Hindi film industry came calling.

She says, `Ten years ago, I was this lala hippie who was doing Raaz and was thinking of going back to college. Vikram, who directed that film, was the one who wanted me to grab the opportunity and guided me towards a career in Bollywood.

I don't think I'd have taken acting seriously were it not for him.` Interestingly, both have teamed up again for the third sequel of their first film together.