Neelam Chauhan
Unconventional actor

Mumbai calling: Neelam started modelling when she was just 18 in Hyderabad. Thereafter, she shifted to Bangalore and bagged a Malayalam movie ‘Watam’ by Priyadarshan. “I realised that I had to move to Mumbai to grow and hence I shifted here.”

But unlike other struggling models and actors, Neelam was relatively lucky - she bagged the modelling contract for the Kingfisher calendar as soon as she got to the city. However, she does admit that the harsh city did demotivate her a bit.

“I missed my family, and didn’t like the ‘indifference’ of the city. Though now, I love Mumbai and am glad that I shifted here.”

Salsa to acting: After a year, she lost interest in modelling and decided to get into Bollywood. A national level athlete and a gymnast, Neelam had also trained in acting and dancing and therefore knew it wouldn’t be difficult for her to make it in Bollywood.

She bagged a role in Vikram Bhatt’s ‘Mumbai Salsa’. “I can act and dance. I have a good figure too,” she says, candidly. However, she knows that she doesn’t have the typical Hindi film heroine’s looks. “My looks are unconventional, but then so are Priyanka Chopra’s and Kangana Ranaut’s. If people have accepted them, they will accept me too.” 

Tales of insecurities: Ask her about the insecurities she faced working with seven other newcomers in ‘Mumbai Salsa’ and she says, “An actor is always insecure and so am I. It helps me work harder.” But it sure must have been fun working with seven new people, right? “I am not here to make friends or have fun. I am here to work.

We all are chilled out with each other, but none of us are great friends. I am happy bonding with my boyfriend, and that is enough for me.” Don’t expect to see her in any item numbers just yet as Neelam is reluctant to do them right now. “I probably will take them on later. Right now, I want to work for some good films.”