Neha Sharma

Hey Neha, your debut with Chirutha (Tamil) in 2007 and the latest Tum Bin 2 (Bollywood) – it has been a long journey. With no one backing you, finding your way around must have been a struggle?

- Shreya Bhattacharya

NEHA: I would describe it as a rather interesting journey exploring an absolutely foreign land. Film industry was absolutely an alien world for me and hence it took a while for me to understand the functioning of this industry and then slowly becoming a part of it. It’s definitely been a long struggle but I look back at this journey with pride and a feeling of self-worth as I have achieved everything that I have, all on my own and on my own terms without any compromises and it’s a beautiful feeling.

Do you think the era of utterly sweet romantic movies are gone and the Indian audience want something offbeat these days?

It’s not really about the specific genre that Indian audience is particular about today, but it’s all about a well-made movie that is awaited and loved. I guess we are lucky to be part of a day and age where the audience is open to change. It’s a time when you can make a brave and different film and not worry about not having an audience for it. If it’s a well-made film, then the audience today will accept it with open arms. It’s the time we can walk away from clichés and make really interesting cinema. I think today a good movie works - it could be absolutely commercial or offbeat.

From a celeb’s view, what makes a fan? Do you think people change or is it your own perspective towards the person that changes?