Friday, April 4, 2014

Sheena Chohan: Carving her own distinct niche...

An artiste with a flair for being natural in front of the camera, Sheena Chohan’s stylish persona with a dash of oomph makes her a versatile performer -  be it playing roles with ease, anchoring for events or carving her own distinct niche when it comes to modeling and advertising commercials/ brand campaigns. Hailing from the cultural city of Kolkata and winning the beauty pagents, acting came to her very naturally and to be in front of the camera became her staple diet.

In a tete-a-tete she talks about how she was privileged to be handpicked by Sushmita Sen to participate in “Miss India Universe to her film career with a Malayalam blockbuster “The Train” directed by National Award winning director Jayaraj opposite the south superstar Mammootty.  This Punjabi-Bengali siren bares her heart out to Siddharth Mohan from Films & TV World over a cup of coffee.

Siddharth Mohan: From pageants to acting to cricket commitments? How do you manage all?
Sheena Chohan: I believe in giving my 100 percent to anything I put my heart into. I want to live every moment to the fullest and enjoy it every second.

SM: Becoming a model and actress – did your parents want you to act?
SC: Acting was a passion since school. I also did theatre for many years, and modelling came after I won a title under Miss Kolkata in school and then a title under miss universe India. Yes. My parents have given me their full support, specially my mom. I am what I am today because of her support and encouragement.

SM: A mentor like Sushmita sen. how did she help you evolve? 
SC: Sushmita maam really has been a great mentor. she taught me how to represent myself on an international stage and more so about self confidence and how to always carry onself with dignity and grace.  She’s been a true inspiration in my life.

SM: Beauty to film to cricket commitments - did you charter your course or let your career route decide itself?
SC: I have never really planned anything. I think if you are passionate and true to your purpose, things naturally fall in place and the path opens up. ofcourse hardwork and dedication is something I have always believed in doing.

SM: You started your career in acting with renowned names like Mamooty and Jayraj. Now comes Pipra idya (Ant Story). How did you bag this role?
SC: I am honoured to have been working with national award winning directors like Jayaraj and then Buddhadev dasgupta. They spotted me in an advertising commercial and then approached me. as for my first foreign film- Ant Story- the director had seen my films in the Dubai international film festival and then met me during bpl, after which he approached me with the role.

SM: What is Pipra Bidya (Ant Story) all about?
SC: It’s all about how we complicate our lives and create our own traps, instead of keeping things simple.
I play the role of Rima- a super star, who falls into such a trap. It’s a comedy drama. Ant story had its world premiere at the Dubai International Film Festival and had a great opening

SM: What are your upcoming projects?
SC: I’m reading some scripts and once confirmed, will soon announce it.

SM: What do you personally prefer - glam roles or performance oriented ones?
SC: Both. I want to do roles that are challenging and bring out my talent. with great stories and most importantly i want to work with directors from around the world in interesting and engaging films.

SM: Which directors in bollywood would you ideally like to work with? any projects?
SC: My favourite directors are Anurag kashyap, Raju Hirani, and I also like the new lot- Ayan Mukherjee, Dibakar Banerjee and Ritesh Batra.

SM: Since you are half Bengali, with whom would you like to work from the Bengali industry.
SC: I’m a Punjabi, born and brought up in Bengal. I can speak fluent Bangla and love the language. I would love to work with Shreejit, Aparna Sen and Anik Datta

SM: Bangladesh appears to many as a tiny country. What is your take?
SC: It’s a lovely country and the people there have given me so much of love and affection. i always look forward to going back there .

SM: Can you reveal the secret behind your awesome perfect figure?
SC: Its thrice a week training with my trainer, 2days of cardio , a good diet and a happy healthy mind.

SM: What’s your success mantra?
SC: Be yourself. Believe in your dreams and give your 100 percent to whatever you do.

SM: The road ahead…
SC: The past is history, the future is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present! So I want to live in the present, enjoying whatever I do.

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