Bollywood dreams come true for Zara

There's another star crossing over to Bollywood. Pakistan's top actress Zara Sheikh is shooting for Kabhi Pyar Na Karna in Mumbai and going by her attitude, this may not be the last time she's here. Excerpts from an interview:

This is my first film in India though I did do an ad here earlier for Dabur Amla. I am glad to have come here to work on this film.

I had signed this film purely as a Pakistani one. Initially, there was a lull in the shooting with the cast coming in and going out. But the film is finally progressing with Muammar Rana and myself.

What is your role in the movie?

I play the role of a young girl called Zindagi who is a show promoter. It's a love triangle involving Rana and Shamil Khan. It is a youth-oriented film directed by Javed Raza and produced jointly by Pakistan's Khwaja Tariq, Mir Akmal (D.N.S International Production) and India's Sheet Srivastav (of Overall Entertainment).

Is the item number by Neha Dhupia a gimmick?

Neha Dhupia will be the first Indian actress to cross over from India and work in a Pakistani film. The song is an integral part of the script which is why Raza came all the way to India to shoot this song sequence. In the film, I promote Muammar who is shown dancing with Neha in this particular number.

The item number was to have been shot almost a month ago. Why was it delayed?

The delay in issuing visas forced the producers to postpone the shoot. Also, Amjad Bobby the music director who recorded all the six songs for our film, passed away recently, leading to a reschedule.

How is Lollywood different from Bollywood?

We lack an international platform in Pakistan. If we did have a platform, even our worst work would have been praised. Also, the industry back home is very small. There are only about four or five heroes there.

What ails Pakistani films vis a vis Bollywood?

We have been requesting the Pakistan government to make our films technically stronger. We have ample talent — you'll be surprised at the abundance.

You are known to be very choosy when it comes to signing films in Pakistan. Why?

I take time to say yes because I believe in quality more than quantity. Till date, I have acted in just six films. I am known for serious as well as comic roles. If I get good offers, I am ready to work in Indian films.