Sheena Chohan is all set to debut in national award winning director Jayaraj’s movie, The Train opposite the Malayalam sensation Mammootty. With a mentor like Sushmita Sen (who picked Sheena at the Miss Universe 2010 pageant), Sheena is ecstatic and eager for the release of her debut in June. City Express catches up with her.
Tell us about your character in the movie?
I play Mammootty’s love interest. My character is very fun loving, happy go lucky kinds. The character is deeply rooted in culture and traditions.
You are debuting opposite Mammootty who is a veteran actor and renowned in the industry.
How was the experience?
Mammootty is an institution himself. I feel honoured and lucky to have got the opportunity to debut in national award winning director Jayaraj’s movie and starring opposite Mammootty.
I feel fortunate and blessed to get this chance. There are no words to express it.
Did Mammootty give you any acting tips?
He was very patient with me. Before I shot a scene I remember he once told me ‘confidence from within is very important for an actor before giving a shot.’ I have always kept this advice in mind. Other than that, I have keenly observed him and the overall experience has been quite a learning experience.
Do you fear that your performance will be over-shadowed?
Well that is for the audience to decide. If they like me then I will be appreciated no matter what.
You are not from the entertainment industry yet you chose to be a part of it. They say the industry is not considered good for girls. Your reaction?
I would not really react to that. I chose this profession because as a child I was always interested in drama and theatre. Performing is something that I like the most.
What kind of movies would you want to do?
I want to do commercial movies that connect with the audience. The Train is a movie that explains the journey of people travelling by train everyday. The film is based on the July 11 Mumbai train bombings in 2006. The film is a take on the lives of families from Kerala affected by the bomb blasts. The movie relates to common people and that is something which will appeal to all. I would like to do many more such films which are meaningful and establish a natural connection with the audience.
There is a trend these days to do item numbers.Would you do one?
Well right now I just want to focus on acting and nothing else. My mentor (Sushmita Sen) always told me that as a woman do what you are most comfortable doing.
She always said that you must follow your passion but with integrity. I would want myself to be known as a good actor and nothing else.
Do you have a role model from whom you take inspiration or would want to be like?
I have always liked Madhuri and Sri Devi. I also like Julia Roberts and admire her acting.
They are all spontaneous, real and natural and that is common between them. I have been inspired by them greatly.
You are a Sushmita Sen discovery. How does it feel?
I am just a lucky child. I think it is one of the best things to have ever happened to me.
There are many youngsters who are entering the industry. How are you going to cope with all the competition?
I was spotted by director Jayaraj in an advertisement. This movie could be done by anybody. I feel my competition is with myself.
I think as long as I am hardworking and sincere to my work I have nothing to worry about.
Any plans of going to Bollywood?
Well, not only Bollywood. I would love to do Sandalwood movies; and any movie which has a good script, actors and director. I am open to do films from different genres and experiment as long as I get a concrete role to play.