I choose the films I do

The RA.One fever has caught up with the nation and while Shah Rukh's marketing histrionics are being much talked about, actress Shahana Goswami seems to be content just being part of the team Taniya Talukdar

Bengali babe, Shahana Goswami is in on cloud nine these days. Apart from being in a superhero flick, she also got the chance to work with the Badshah of Bollywood. Though Ra.One is receiving mixed reviews, Shahana is busy praising the King Khan, “It was a great experience working with Shah Rukh; he has great charm and is charismatic. He has such a great persona, yet he is humble and down-to-earth,” says Shahana about Shah Rukh going on to add, “He has a fabulous sense of administration and my respect for him has just grown further and I am just trying to imbibe some of his qualities.”

Quiz her about the over-the-top marketing gimmicks for the promotions of Ra.One and Shahana is quick to add, “He wanted the film to be made in a certain way and with some quality. Right from the beginning, everyone knew that it was going to be a huge film and he has the right kind of finances to back it. He has taken personal interest in the project.”

While she does still go through her share of auditions for films, Shahana just had to go through a screen test for Ra.

One as the makers wanted her for the role of Jenny Nayar. “There are no exceptions when it comes to auditioning; every actor has to audition for their roles,” informs Shahana.

Most actors say that the films choose them but Shahana begs to differ. She says, “I have chosen all my roles. It’s just instinctive.

 If my gut says no, then I don’t go for it and so far I have not been compelled to do otherwise. I will not choose a film that I don’t want to be a part of. My choice is generally based on a combination of the role I am offered, the director and the maker.”

So far, Shahana’s favourite films have been Firaaq and Rock On. “Rock On was special for me because I got a lot of adulation and recognition for the film and it brought me into the limelight.

In Firaaq I had a fabulous time working with Nandita Das and it was kind of a challenge because I had to react to situations in the film, which I never experienced personally. It is very close to my heart,” shares Shahana.

Shahana’s parents have been pretty supportive of her in this endeavour.

 “They are happy and proud of me and they have provided me with constant support.

They have been involved with acting and dance too, and they knew that as a kid I wanted to be an actor. Their only worry was that it should not just be a childish fantasy, which would fizzle out later,” quips Shahana who doesn’t believe in limiting herself in any way. She plans to eventually turn director.

 “It is always good to engage oneself in different things other than just work, for it helps to widen one’s horizon as a person,” signs off Shahana.