Launch
I play Suhani, who is the main protagonist in the film. She is a dancer by profession and runs a community dance school. She is a very simple girl who wants to become a star. She wants to help the children from her community school. When she finally tastes success, it feels too good to be true and makes complete use of her stardom to help the children.

Casting coup
When I got to know that the director was looking out for someone, I got in touch with him and I was roped in. He was looking for someone who could pull off the girl next-door look as well as being a great dancer in real life. He saw a couple of my dance videos and was convinced of my dancing abilities.

Stepping stone
I am a trained Kathak dancer and have also learnt other Latin- American dance forms. In the film I had to do a bit of Hip-hop and Jazz but I didn't have any problems because I am professionally trained. I have also studied theatre when I was in college and when I came to Bombay I did theatre with Satyadev Dubey.

First shot
My first shoot for the film was in Pattaya, Bangkok and luckily it was a dance number. My first shot as an actor was in Chandivali Studios and trust me I was extremely nervous. It was nerve-wracking and intense emotional scene, which made me all the more nervous. But after the first shot I was all right.

Stumbling block
It took me time to find work because I have absolutely no contacts in the industry. Besides that I also had to brush up my Hindi skills because I am from the United States. Polishing my Hindi took me quite a while.

Lessons learnt
Once you have entered the industry it is very difficult to sustain. There is a fierce competition amongst everyone. But I have learnt that you have to be patient and wait. You have to just hang in there and I am sure u will eventually get work. Also the industry is not as easy as it looks. It is a lot of hard work.

Matinee idol
I do not idolize anyone as such. Each one is good with their work and I respect them for that. But I am a huge Shah Rukh Khan fan and I hope to work with him someday. Among the directors, Mani Ratnam is my favourite.