Puja Gupta Says One need to be diplomatic to survive in Bollywood

Puja Gupta Says One need to be diplomatic to survive in Bollywood

She never really thought that Bollywood films would ever happen to her. And now that the offers are pouring in, the feeling is still sinking in for Puja Gupta. She says, "I am still not used to doing interviews. I haven't yet got into the mode where I would know all the right things to speak. Many times I find myself saying things I shouldn't." Puja, who was in Ahmedabad recently to promote her upcoming film Shortcut Romeo, talked to TOI over a cup of masala chai. Excerpts from a chat:

So how has the unplanned Bollywood journey been so far?
It's been fantastic. I am thoroughly enjoying being an actress with all the outdoor shoots, dance and song sequences, going to the beautiful locales, all the traveling, the promotional trips to various cities, it's a lot of fun. If it was not for a promotional trip, I wouldn't have been able to come to Ahmedabad. And now that I am here, I feel like going out and exploring the city.

But there are many other things that come along with being a Bollywood celebrity. Does that not scare you?
Well, if you are scared then the Hindi film industry is not for you. There are these downsides as well. Like you have to be on the alert all the time with the media behind you, you have to maintain a diplomatic stance as you can't say anything wrong, wear heels every time you step out, report on sets early in the morning or work till late night, travel all over the country. But I think there are more positives than the negatives. It's a complete package. And as far as link-ups are concerned, I don't really care about them. I am a new generation girl, and it really doesn't bother me. Who, in today's world, bothers about such things anyway?

But Bollywood was never a career option, was it?
Never. I only had Miss India in my mind. I never thought of Bollywood. It just happened. When I set out to be part of the beauty pageant, I had strict guidelines from my family that if I didn't succeed then I'd have to listen to what they told me to do. But I became Femina Miss India Universe 2007 and now movies are also happening. So I have proved myself to my family and they are extremely happy about it. I am ruling my own life now.

You smooch scene with Neil Nitin Mukesh drew a lot of attention. Are you fine doing such scenes? Do you mind stepping out of the comfort zone for a film?
Well, I don't know why people are even talking about that scene! It was a very subtle smooch that went with the flow of the story. I don't want to do unnecessary steamy scenes. May be in the future, when I get more challenging roles, I would want to get out of my comfort zone and do something bold. But right now my comfort genre is to play this youthful, happy go lucky girl. Getting into action sequences or serious roles is something I haven't thought about. It's too soon for that.