June 9th, 2008: Shimla Films’ upcoming venture, ‘Hum Phir Melien Na Melein’ is soon to hit the theaters all over in July, 2008. The gorgeous-ravishing lass Kkhushi – who is the grand daughter of the legendary very popular actress of both film and TV, Tabassum Ji and the daughter of the noted Film-TV actor, Hoshang Govil – is making her debut with this outing. Since she belongs to the family, who is swathed with the ocean of talents and has been rendering their marvelous skills of acting providing the cine buffs the real entertainment they deserve, it is expected that Kkushi will be endowing the viewers as aptly as her family has done. Goher Iqbal Punn chews a light talk to her…….

You are making your debut in the upcoming flick, ‘Hum Phir Melein Na Melein’. How does it sound to you debuting in the mammoth entertainment industry of the world, ‘Bollywood’?

Oh!! It feels great!! It’s been a dream and I’m lucky enough for it to come true! I feel blessed by God. I’m a little nervous and extremely excited at the same time. Just feels great!

You got this film offer without any screen test or audition? Lets spread some light on it.

As I said that I feel lucky because there was no audition or screen test. The director Mr. Manish Goel heard about me and came home then had a meeting. And it worked out wonderfully. I did workshops with Kreating Karactrers (acting institution) for polishing my skills later.

Have you done any acting course before joining the filmdom?

Yes, I have done an acting course for 6months from Kishore Namit Kapoor acting institution and then an advanced course from Kreating Karacters just before shooting for the movie, as I thought it was extremely important to get in touch with the skill.

You are enacting the leading heroine of the film. What is your character all about?

My character is about a young timid girl from Delhi, who is very shy and extremely obedient…who loves her family and who is very simple. Basically she is a simple Indian girl, who loves life but is also loves her family and would never go against them.

Still from Hum Phir Melein Na Melein

Your co-star (the guy opposite you) is Zee Cine Star winner. What was your experience working with him?

It was very nice. Infact not only with Sarwar but also with all the other actors in my movie, as they all are extremely talented and seniors. I was like a baby on the sets and everyone helped me so much. Touchwood! I had an amazing cast and crew, who supported me all the way.

How did you feel while facing the camera for the first time?

Thank God, as I’ve been seeing the camera since I was a baby. I used to go with my grandmom and father and see their shoots all the time because it was my favourite pass time, but at the same time I didn’t realize that I got to learn a lot from them! So, for me it was exciting, as I saw my dad and grandmom in front of the camera and thought I would someday be there and that happened and it was just fabulous. Felt like I was born to do this.

How was working with Shimla Films, who are the financers of this outing?

Working with Shimla Films was great. I was treated like a princess…! I hope I will be working with them once again inshallah.

Was it tough working with the director Manish Goel or was it an enjoyable cum learning experience?

It wasn’t tough at all. He is a very nice human being and helped me a lot. Being the captain of the ship, he played his role with great responsibility and he is very creative as well.

The soundtrack of the movie, released by the music giant T-Series, has hit the music stands now. What are your favorite numbers on the play list?

I love all the songs. There are different songs for different moods. But one of my favorites is ‘Main Ron Na Padon’ sung by Neeraj (Bombay Vikings) and Sunidhi Chauhan. It’s a melodious and peaceful song.

On which subject, the film revolves around?

It’s a movie about family values in today’s day and age. Where there is so much skin show, this movie is about culture and loving your family. On the lines of Rajshri Movies.

Which locations have been used for shooting?

We shot in places like Manali, Shimla, Delhi, and Bombay. The locations were breath taking and immensely beautiful.

How was the rapport with the crew members?

It was amazing. They are really sweet people to work with. It would be my pleasure to work with the same crew again.

Did any interesting incident happen during the shoots?

Oh yes! There were a couple of them. I shall mention one. After the pack up in Shimla, we were on our way back to the hotel and it was around 9 pm. And was completely dark. The driver was driving and he suddenly stopped the car. When we looked ahead there was a huge six feet tiger in front of our car. We all didn’t know what to do? I was scared and excited at the same time. The tiger stood in front of the car for a while and then simply moved his way back in the woods. It was an amazing experience, as it was a very close encounter.

What is the release date of the picture?

The movie will be hitting the screens by the end of July 2008.

Since the acting is in your genes, as you know you are the third generation of your family, who are going to endow the viewers. From your legendary grandmother Tabassum Ji (who is the finest actress, Bollywood and Indian TV has ever seen) to your luminous suave father Hoshang Govil (who is a classy actor) and now you, all are attached to the ritzy world of Hindi cinema. How does it feel being the member of this talented family? And how does it help you in your career?

Well, it feels lucky and I feel honored because they have got so much respect and goodwill in the industry and so much knowledge too. It helps me to a large extent. My grandma and dad give me so many tips on acting that it’s been comparatively easier for me. People love my grandma and dad and because of their goodwill and talent as they have given their lives for this industry so I hope they (people) will accept me too.

Have you signed any other project yet or are waiting for a good offer by a big banner?

Actually I got a few offers but I’m still considering them. I can’t speak about them now but I will certainly once its on papers.

What would be your criteria to sign a film in future?

I have no problem in doing different roles, as film line is the only place where in one life I’ll get to play a role of so many characters but I believe in one thing that I would only do movies, which I can watch with my whole family and am not be ashamed of them.

Who are your favorite stars in Bollywood?

In male actors, I love Salman Khan…just because of the way he is. And in female actresses, I like Shri Devi Ji, Rani Mukherjee and Kajol, as I feel they are extremely talented and unforgettable. And last but not the least my grandma and dad.

And who are the stars, you always dream to work with?

I would love working with as many people as I can because from everyone I’ll get to learn something from each of them, as they all are so unique in their own ways.

Would you also like to act on small screen, as your grandmother and father have been and are working on the celluloid of television?

Frankly speaking…at this time I wouldn’t want to work on small screen right now. With due respect, as my grand mom and dad are from television.

Kkushi, her father Hoshang Govil and Grandmom Tabassum Ji

Wish your very good luck and hope to see you growing as a brilliant mega actress of Bollywood.

Thank you so much. With everyone’s blessings I hope I will be living up to people’s expectations and will not let them down. It was wonderful giving this interview. Thanks a lot!

– Interviewed By: Goher Iqbal Punn

- The writer is a popular Bollywood & Indian TV Analyst having a vast experience in film and television journalism to his credit. He is laced with good rapport with the swanky worlds of Bollywood and Indian television fraternities. He can be approached at the E-mails: goher.punn@yahoo.com, bollywood.tv.analyst@gmail.com and goheriqbal@yahoo.co.uk